Globalization And Diplomacy

Globalization: the most important, influential phenomenon of our century! It has changed the way our everyday life functions, both in the private and public realm. Increased interconnectedness has made communication easier, we are more and more aware of what is happening not only in our own countries, but also in the places around the world that perhaps one wouldn’t even have thought of in the past. We can follow better what is happening out there also thanks to the media, one of the most powerful devices of our time. We have the opportunity to know more about the political world, who has met who, where and when, and why... we are more curious and keen to learn about what is going on our planet...
So what does globalisation have to do with diplomacy? Obviously quite a lot!
In terms of diplomatic relations, certainly globalization has changed the ways in which states and other international actors communicate, negotiate and interact. As many foreign affairs experts believe, the international system during the 20th century has undergone such significant moments of transformation that the passage from ‘old’ to ‘new’ diplomacy was inevitable.‘New’ diplomacy is concerned with broader global issues in which negotiations are made at a multilateral level, whereas in the ‘old’ era, diplomats were more concerned in discussing their states’ interests.
Some argue that traditional forms of diplomacy are losing their importance because we live in a more complex society that has the need to address its attention towards international problems.
However, in terms of communication, some believe that the traditional way of communication between diplomats might well be no longer necessary as communication has become easier between them thanks to technology, hence the physical presence is not always needed. But then issues such as global economy, climate change, human rights, poverty, and migration have become such important subjects in the political agendas and in diplomatic talks. Can you really deal with such global issues over the phone or via e-mail?
I believe it is fundamental the face-to-face approach when dealing with diplomatic talks as introduced by the ‘old’ way of doing diplomacy. Certainly, communication via telephone or Internet can make life much easier, it can save lots of time to these people whose lives are so busy with meetings and papers at home... and yes, save a bit of the environment by refraining to fly!
But to talk about global problems through a phone call doesn't seem to me as effective as it would be a face-to-face meeting. Having the attention of the media might represent a pressure for them, but it is more effective because it increases awareness.