Diplomacy in the international system - Essay Example

ubmitted at the outset that within the current framework, the globalisation of world politics and the complex nature of international relations in the contemporary environment has meant that increasingly the dynamic of international relations is intrinsically dependent on where the balance of political power lies within the international framework (Siracusa, 2010). As a result, the role of diplomats in contemporary international relations is very wide and can often take a multifaceted role depending on the priority of state objectives (Siracusa, 2010).

Indeed, Randin comments that: “one aspect of the existing literature on co-operation in the international relations context is that most of it stems from a view of international relations that often fails to take into account security challenges other than those posed by states to states” (2006, p13). Accordingly, on this basis it is argued as a central proposition in this paper that the role of diplomats is fundamental not only as a method of facilitating co-operation between states; they also serve as important tools in implementing state objectives.

In turn, the extent of diplomatic influence will be intrinsically dependent on where the balance of power lies within the international framework as evidenced by the post September 11 system of international relations (Baylis & Smith, 2005). As such, in reviewing the contemporary relevance and role of diplomats, this paper will review international relations theory and highlight the gap between theory and reality due to the multifaceted and wider roles falling within the ambit of diplomacy duties within the contemporary socio-political framework of international relations (Baylis & Smith, 2005).

With regard to the theoretical models, a central theory in international relations is realism, which developed in the aftermath of the Second World War as reflected by the United Nations Charter, which focuses on mutuality of obligations in preventing a repeat of the