DİPLOMASİ

Diplomatic institutions can be broadly divided into three categories: ministry of foreign affairs, diplomatic missions and non-state actors. First professional ministry was established in France in the early 17th century.

Origins of modern diplomacy date back to Italian city states in the 14th century. The basic reason for the need to establish diplomatic relations between Italian city states was the limited amount of lands to rule. Therefore, they had to solve their problems peacefully in such an environment prone to warfare. As armies became more professional and the impact of war on these states got more severe, they had to find alternative ways to solve their problems without going into war.

Besides Renaissance in the 14th century, Reformation which spread Europe from Germany after the 15th century played an important role in the formation of modern diplomacy because it accelerated the secularization of regimes and the formation of modern states in today’s understanding. Similarly, Westphalia Treaty in 1648 which ended religious wars in Europe became a turning point in the formation of modern states and the evolution of modern diplomacy. After the Napoleonic wars, which shook Europe thoroughly, European states established the Concert of Europe system based on balance of power in 1815 which protected status quo, despite some regional wars, in Europe until WWI.

Bilateral diplomacy is the oldest form of diplomatic practice consisting of two states meeting to solve their problems. Its origins date back to ancient Greece, but after the 14th century, it was professionalized by the Italian city states.

Multilateral diplomacy is literally defined as diplomatic relations between more than two states. It is also known as “conference diplomacy” or “parliamentary diplomacy” because multilateral diplomatic relations are mainly conducted through conferences and face-to-face interaction between leaders or missions of states. Its origins go back to Vienna Congress convened in 1815 after Napoleonic Wars when European powers came up with the idea of balance of power strategy which sustained peace in Europe until WWI.

Regular summits provide basis for negotiations, but their success is based on the frequency and duration. Frequently organized and long meetings enable the participants to reach some conclusions and solve problems. Moreover, due to the length of such meetings, there is room for re- negotiation unless parties don’t reach a conclusion in the first trial.

Globalization resulted in the diversification of diplomatic institutions and changed functions and roles of ministries of foreign affairs and diplomatic missions. Non-state actors like non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multinational companies (MNCs) were involved in diplomatic practices. Although the state and its institutions are at the center of diplomatic activities, the influence of non-state actors in international relations and diplomacy is indisputable.

Ministry of foreign affairs is the main body in the state apparatus responsible for the formulation and implementation of foreign policy. It consists of the ministerial structure and diplomatic missions.

According to the 2nd Article of the convention, diplomatic relations between two states are established by mutual consent. In other words, two states have to be willing to conduct diplomatic relations.

The receiving state is not obliged to make an explanation in case of the refusal of agrément. (Vienna Convention, 4th Article)

The receiving state has the right to declare the head of mission or a member of diplomatic staff as persona non grata (unwanted person) in any time and without an obligation to make an explanation. In such cases, the sending state has to recall this person or terminate his functions in the mission. (Vienna Convention, 9th Article)

Functions of diplomatic missions are defined in the 3rd article of Vienna Convention. Accordingly, diplomatic missions are responsible for “representing the sending State in the receiving State; protecting the interests of the sending State and its nationals in the receiving State within the limits of the international law; negotiating with the Government of the receiving State on behalf of his government; ascertaining by all lawful means conditions and developments in the receiving State, and reporting to his government; promoting friendly relations between the sending State and the receiving State, and developing their economic, cultural and scientific relations.”

Articles 22nd to 28th regulate immunities of diplomatic missions. In accordance with these articles, “the premises of the mission shall be inviolable. The agents of the receiving State may not enter them, except with the consent of the head of the mission”.

NGOs are non-governmental and non-profit organizations interested in global problems such as global warming, pollution, human rights, children’s rights, health problems, refugees and so on. These entities are organizing campaigns in these issues and aiming to consolidate and influence world public opinion. As global problems get more complex, NGOs become more influential. They are independent from governments and donated by individuals rather than states.

Westphalia Treaty is regarded as the beginning of modern and secular state formation in diplomatic history.

Concert of Europe

Napoleonic Wars is not one of the international developments shaping the institutions and instruments of modern diplomacy.

Turkish Republic recognized Armenia, but they don’t conduct diplomatic relations.

Vienna Congress was the starting point for Multilateral diplomacy.

Increasing trade between countries is not one of the advantages of multilateral conferences

WWI was a turning point in the development of multilateral organizations.

Camp David meetings is an example of ad hoc summit

Formulation  of foreign policy is not one of the main duties of ministry of foreign affairs

NGO is not interested in international trade