16/08/2025
Let's talk diplomacy:
Who is a Diplomat and how are diplomatic relations established?
It is widely considered that a diplomat is a government official or a ranking member of an international organization who represents their country or organization abroad, manages international relations, protects national or institutional interests and citizens, negotiates with other states or organizations, and works to prevent or resolve conflicts. Diplomats can be career professionals or political appointees and may serve in embassies, consulates, or multilateral organizations.
What are their roles or functions?
Unlike politicians who are heavily engaged in the governance and domestic politics of a country, diplomats are more likely to be engaged with a complex of roles ranging from:
》Representing and voicing the government’s policies abroad
》Negotiating treaties, agreements, and understandings
》Gathering and reporting on political, economic, and social developments
》Protecting the rights and interests of citizens abroad
》Promoting trade, cultural exchange, and public diplomacy
》Building and maintaining relationships with foreign governments and international institutions
》Coordinating with other ministries (defense, economy, culture, etc.) to align policy goals
Types of diplomats and posts:
Below are the types of diplomats and their presumptive responsibilities;
》Ambassadors and high commissioners: heads of diplomatic missions in other countries.
》Chargé d’affaires: acting head of mission in the absence of an ambassador.
》Counselors and attachés (political, economic, cultural, defense, etc.).
》Consuls: focus on protecting citizens and commercial interests in a city or region.
》Delegates and representatives to international organizations (UN, WTO, regional bodies)
How diplomatic relationships are established:
1) Mutual recognition
Countries acknowledge each other’s sovereignty and agree to establish formal channels, often following changes in government or after elections.
2) Establishment of diplomatic missions
Formal decision to set up a mission (embassy/consulate) in another country.
Exchange of notes or letters between foreign ministries validating the mission’s status.
3) Appointment and accreditation
The sending country appoints an ambassador or head of mission.
Accreditation is formal acceptance by the host country; the ambassador presents credentials to the head of state.
4) Vienna Convention framework
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) provides the legal framework for diplomatic immunity, protection, privileges, and the functions of diplomats, as well as the inviolability of diplomatic premises and the principle of non-interference.
5) Establishment of diplomatic staff and premises
Recruitment or rotation of diplomatic staff, security arrangements, and opening of an embassy or consulate.
Often followed by the appointment of commercial or cultural sections to promote trade and public diplomacy.
6) Bilateral agreements and protocols
Countries sign treaties, memoranda of understanding, trade agreements, cultural exchanges, and consular agreements to formalize cooperation.
7) Ongoing engagement and negotiation
Regular political dialogues, negotiations on specific issues (security, trade, environment), and participation in multilateral forums to sustain and deepen ties.
8) Multilateral and diplomatic normalization
Diplomatic relations can be strengthened or reset through regional blocs, international organizations, or normalizing steps after periods of tension.
Modern considerations:
》Public diplomacy and digital diplomacy: using media, social platforms, and cultural programs to shape perceptions.
》Economic diplomacy: emphasize trade, investment, sanctions, or aid leverage.
》Crisis diplomacy and rapid response: handling conflicts, evacuations, or sanctions.
》Multilateral diplomacy: engagement through the UN, regional groups (EU, ASEAN, OAS), and international agreements.
A brief example of how it works:
The Liberian Government requests that the Russian and Italian Governments open an embassy in Liberia and strengthen diplomatic relations. The Liberian Government would first engage in the exchange of notes, precisely from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to establish a mission, appoint an ambassador, and the Russian or Italian Government would, in return, accept the accreditation. An embassy will be opened, an Ambassador or a trade attaché is posted, and regular high-level dialogues begin to address security and economic cooperation.
