Book IV Multilateral Diplomacy, Human Rights, and International Organizations, 16 Theory and Practice of Multilateral Diplomacy

Subject(s):

Consulates — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations — Since World War II — Diplomatic protection — Governments

This chapter considers the theory and practice of multilateral diplomacy. The multilateral approach to diplomacy became increasingly common post-1945. It was partly a generic consequence of the modern state system, and partly a response to the challenges of the post-war period when the Bretton Woods institutions and the United Nations were finding their place. This approach also became increasingly common as regional/global efforts grew to address issues which concerned many countries, and were not confined to the territory of one State. The realization that comprehensive solutions to certain challenges for a State could not be met by that State acting alone, but required cooperative action by several States, fuelled the need for multilateral approaches. Indeed the responses required cooperative action by many. Paradoxically this evolution of cooperative action was firmly anchored on the territorial integrity and the equality of States, while nevertheless helping to facilitate peaceful change.