Polylateral Diplomacy

Polylateral Diplomacy, is the Newest Diplomatic Mode where Diplomacy is qualified as Public–Private Collaboration, it is the catalytic processes that constitutes this interface of official diplomacy with Private Initiatives. Non-State Actors operate at domestic, transnational, international and global levels, and their de facto diplomacy often happens in parallel to that of sovereign states, challenging the latter’s jurisdiction. This has made the contemporary diplomatic arena pluralistic, dynamic and complex. In this mode the main categories of non-state diplomatic actors are identified and explained highlighting thus their comparative advantages vis-à-vis state actors. The global public commons, where delivery of global public goods is at stake, is discussed to contextualize the intersection of state and societal interests. The intersection makes it imperative for joint ventures in statecraft and civilcraft—essentially the networked model that polylateral diplomacy entails.

Dr. Yolanda Kemp Spies
Former South African Diplomate
A. Professor of International Studies
Zayed University

Evolution of the system of diplomacy

  • Bilateral :
  • 15th century: representations
  • 1626 first ministry of foreign relations FRA
  • Multilateral :
  • 19th century : Great power conferences
  • 20th century : Universal membership organization
  • 21st century : polylateral diplomacy