diplomatic service: Recent Developments

Recent Developments

In the 20th and 21st cent. there have been numerous meetings of heads of state and foreign ministers and various types of international conferences, all of which have tended to lessen the traditional diplomatic function. Moreover, some claim that modern communications have also changed diplomacy greatly by removing whatever autonomy diplomats may once have had in making policy decisions. The possibility of telephone or other direct contact with a superior has allegedly reduced diplomats to a quasi-messengers. Even if this may appear true, diplomats continue to serve as expert advisers, and while not empowered to make final decisions, they greatly influence the decision-making process.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Recent Developments
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic Immunity
Diplomatic Service of the United States
The Members of the Service
Origins
Bibliography

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