"In the context of diplomacy today, the embassy is an expensive and unnecessary luxury." In the light of the above comment, critically analyse the principle functions and role of the embassy and assess its effectiveness as an instrument of modern diplomacy.
There are mixed perceptions and opinions of the role and functions of the diplomat in the world today. Some would side with Sir Henry Wotton's (1568 - 1639) much quoted definition that he is: " an honest man sent abroad to lie for the good of country." Others would be less cynical and view diplomacy simply as " the conduct of official business by trained personnel representing governments to reach agreement within a framework of policy." With countless embassies stationed right across the globe and continued conflicts taking place, many doubt that they have served their objective: peace and cooperation. Moreover, with international organisations, such as the United Nations, in place and with the current advanced communication levels, it is no surprise that in such a high-tech global village we live in, the diplomat and the resident embassy seems obsolete, expensive, unnecessary and ineffective. What do they do that politicians, journalists and NGO's do not already do? To best understand their necessity we shall analyse the principle functions of an embassy, the conditions challenging them and the specific role of the ambassador himself as well as his staff. We shall continuously assess their general effectiveness as instruments for inter-state relations.
In short, the 5 main functions of a diplomatic mission are as follows: Representation; Protection of interests; Negotiation; Information gathering and reporting; Promotion of friendly relations (development of economic, cultural and scientific relations.) .
Under the Silla rule, Korea sent annual tributes embassies to the Chinese capital. With the embassies and ever growing number of Korean students brought back the ideology of Buddhism. ... The kimono was originally from the Han, in which women wore these to important functions such as court, however in Japan, the women who wore Kimonos were required to wear 12 layers. ...
Bastien to the Section - had been hired by the German embassy as a maid. During her time at the embassy, she emptied wastebaskets filled with love letters, useless scraps of paper and at times some secret, essential documents that German officials carelessly threw out, and then transferred them to the French Intelligence Service. ... A note on the hydraulic brake of the 120 cannon and on the manner in which it functioned in maneuvers; 1. ... The General Staff of the Army was convinced that it was Dreyfus who had written a letter to the German embassy, to be henceforth known as the "bordereau"...
Another function is that of intelligence gathering, where ambassadors collect information about the host state, its conditions, developments and policies, and report them directly to the home government. ... The setting up of an embassy and sending diplomats to a host state gives the sending state the ability to protect its interests in the former. ... This function is essential, especially with increased travel. ... While the perceived functions of diplomacy have changed little, the nature of diplomacy has evolved over time and is viewed in two distinct periods - classical and new diploma...
The most accepted definition for the word democracy is "government by the people." Merriam-Webster's dictionary even uses those words to define the word democracy. This, however, gives a broad definition of democracy and leaves one wondering whether America is a democracy. It is a fact that Ameri...
After finding shelter, they discovered that their radios were not functioning. ... This was due to the immense media coverage that it received and the recognition it was given from Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher after its famous storming of the Iranian Embassy in England in 1980. ... The last terrorist was discovered hiding amid the hostages outside the embassy, feigning as a captive himself. ...
By looking at the history and the functions of the WTO, one can see that if China is accepted they would be bound by international rules and would be forced to open their markets. ... The primary functions of the WTO are to administer trade agreements, act as a forum for trade negotiations, settle trade disputes, review national trade policies, assist developing countries in trade policy issues, and to cooperate with other international organizations (2.) ... In March of this year, NATO accidentally dropped a bomb on the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. ...
Each of the websites seemed to function for two obvious reasons: to provide some information about culture and country to interested people, and to p rovide access to the atmosphere of home' for any people not living in their own country, be it India or Romania. ... There is also extensive listings of passport, visa, health and curre ncy exchange information for visiting the country, as well as Romanian Embassy details for Romanians who are currently in other countries (everywhere from Oslo to Tokyo). ...
During the time that he was governor, he reorganized the state government and abolished about 300 offices, boards, and commissions by consolidating their functions into 22 new agencies. ... The most perplexing problem the Jimmy Carter faced during his administration was the seizure of American diplomats and embassy employees in Teheran by radical Iranian students in November 1979. ...
These criteria were mostly about being a democratic country, to fairly treat the minorities, to respect the human rights, to build judicial organs which would function properly and to cooperate in fighting the organized crime, drug trafficking and deepening the economic cooperation which would complete as well a regional stability. ... They don't have to wait at the embassy to take a visa but they can visit other countries, have a better education and even come back to Albania and spread the European culture after they have learned what it really is about. ...
