The world of international relations has changed radically in the last few years. Technological, social and political change have combined to undermine the traditional assumptions of diplomacy - in particular, the events of 11 September set in stark relief the risks and dangers.

Shaun Riordan, a former British diplomat, draws on his own experience, case studies, and current debates in international relations to assess the performance of diplomatic services and to sketch out the new diplomatic environment. Traditional diplomatic services and structures are found wanting.

Riordan argues forcibly against realpolitik and for a more pro-active diplomacy based on the promotion of ideas and values as a better way of securing the West's long-term interests. In doing so, he presses for radical re-structuring of diplomatic services, replacing hierarchical with networked structures, and the creation of new forms of global governance that incorporate NGOs and the private sector, as well as government officials, in a broader diplomatic effort.

About the Author
Director of the Madrid-based consultancy companies, ZEIA and New Forum Millenium. Former British Diplomat

Reviews
"Shaun Riordan takes a radically iconoclastic look at traditional diplomacy and concludes that it cannot cope with the new dilemmas of globalization, state failure and unconventional warfare. Based on his own experience as a serving diplomat and wide scholarship, Riordan's seminal book will be a vital resource for anyone who wants to understand the realities of the developing international system." Professor John Gray, London School of Economics and Political Science

"The New Diplomacy is a gripping, pacey and controversial jaunt through the enormous changes to the diplomatic environment since the end of the Cold War. Mixing the experience of a practitioner with some of the most important academic work on diplomacy and international relations, this book is required reading for any government, company or individual who wants to make sense of life in an interdependent world." Mark Leonard, Foreign Policy Centre

"This short, lively and coherent book critizises the culture of traditional diplomatic services ... The book will provoke both the ire and interest of diplomats, but also of scholars, company executives and civic organizations" Political Studies Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780745627908
Author Shaun Riordan
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 181g
Dimensions(mm) 185mm * 137mm * 13mm