
Ad hoc diplomacy is a form of diplomacy that involves deploying individuals on limited and temporary assignments to address international crises, negotiate treaties, and execute foreign policy. It is often associated with special missions sent by one state to another with the latter's consent. Multilateral diplomacy, on the other hand, is a diplomatic approach where multiple countries cooperate to address global challenges and achieve shared goals. This type of diplomacy is essential for tackling complex issues that require international collaboration, such as climate change, migration, and sustainable development. While ad hoc diplomacy typically involves temporary missions, multilateral diplomacy focuses on ongoing cooperation through organizations like the UN, EU, AU, and ASEAN.
Characteristics and Values of Ad Hoc Diplomacy and Multilateralism
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of Cooperation | Ad hoc diplomacy involves a temporary mission representing a state, sent by one state to another state with consent to address a particular issue. |
| Number of Countries Involved | Multilateral diplomacy involves cooperation between three or more countries. |
| Nature of Issues Addressed | Ad hoc diplomacy is used to address specific, time-bound issues or international crises. |
| Actors Involved | Multilateral diplomacy involves cooperation between countries and non-state actors like civil society organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders. |
| Forms of Cooperation | Ad hoc diplomacy can take the form of special missions led by high-ranking government officials or diplomats. |
| Historical Context | Ad hoc diplomacy was the primary mode of contact among European powers before the 15th century when permanent embassies became popular. |
| Decision-Making | Multilateral diplomacy involves decision-making through negotiation and dialogue to achieve shared goals. |
| Organizations | Multilateral diplomacy is performed through international organizations like the UN, regional organizations like the EU, and informal mechanisms like summits and bilateral meetings. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ad hoc multilateralism is a form of minilateralism
- Ad hoc diplomacy is the oldest form of diplomacy
- Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is indispensable for addressing global challenges
- Ad hoc diplomacy is utilised for casual, temporary and specific issues
- Ad hoc multilateralism is associated with a security structure

Ad hoc multilateralism is a form of minilateralism
Ad hoc multilateralism refers to a group of actors who come together to form an informal cluster for multilateral exchange with the specific purpose of solving a particular problem. The structure and composition of this group can vary depending on the issue at hand. This form of diplomacy is considered the oldest, often utilised for casual, temporary, and specific issues.
Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy sets itself apart from the multilateral mediating efforts under IGO auspices. It is an indispensable form of international diplomacy, especially when addressing complex global challenges that require cooperation among countries. By working together, nations can find more effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions than those pursued bilaterally.
Ad hoc coalitions are meant to complement established multilateral institutions, as seen during the recent call by leading European politicians to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Regional organisations such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also engage in multilateral diplomacy, addressing issues specific to their regions.
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Ad hoc diplomacy is the oldest form of diplomacy
Ad hoc diplomacy is considered the oldest form of diplomacy. It involves states setting aside certain periods for the precise task of addressing particular issues. These issues are typically casual, temporary, and specific, and are handled by a "special mission". Ad hoc diplomacy is distinct from multilateral diplomacy, which involves multiple countries working together to address common issues and challenges through dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation.
Ad hoc multilateralism, a form of minilateralism, was first coined by Margaret Karns in 1987 to describe the diplomacy of the "contact group" that tried to negotiate an agreement for the independence of Namibia from 1977 to 1982. This group, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and West Germany, functioned as an ad hoc multilateral mediating and facilitating team in close proximity to, but not directly linked with, the United Nations. They secured a basic agreement in 1978 on a plan calling for UN-supervised elections for a constituent assembly in Namibia, leading to early independence.
Ad hoc multilateralism involves a group of actors forming an informal cluster for multilateral exchange to solve a particular problem. The structure and composition of this group can vary depending on the issue at hand. Ad hoc coalitions are meant to complement established multilateral institutions, especially in addressing complex global challenges that require cooperation among countries, such as climate change, migration, sustainable development, and the risks and opportunities presented by new technologies.
Ad hoc diplomacy, as the oldest form of diplomacy, has been utilized by states for temporary and specific issues. However, it is important to note that ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is different from ad hoc diplomacy in that it specifically involves multiple countries working together and falls under the broader category of multilateral diplomacy.
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Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is indispensable for addressing global challenges
Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is a form of minilateralism where a group of actors comes together to form an informal cluster to address a particular problem. The group's structure and composition can vary depending on the issue at hand. This form of diplomacy is indispensable for tackling global challenges and has been used by leading European politicians in recent times to address the coronavirus pandemic.
Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is a distinct approach from the multilateral mediating efforts under IGO auspices. It is a flexible and adaptable form of diplomacy that can be tailored to address specific issues. This makes it an effective tool for addressing complex global challenges that require cooperation among countries. By working together, countries can find solutions that are more effective, efficient, and sustainable than those pursued bilaterally.
One example of ad hoc multilateral diplomacy in action is the "Contact Group" or "Western Five," consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and the Federal Republic of Germany. This group functioned actively from April 1977 until mid-1982, mediating and facilitating close to the United Nations without being directly linked to it. They secured a basic agreement in 1978 on a plan calling for UN-supervised elections for a constituent assembly in Namibia, leading to its early independence.
Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is also performed through regional organizations such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These organizations provide a platform for regional cooperation and integration, and their member states engage in multilateral diplomacy to address region-specific issues.
In conclusion, ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is a valuable tool for addressing global challenges. It allows for flexibility and adaptability in addressing specific issues and fosters cooperation among countries. By working together in this informal manner, nations can find effective and sustainable solutions to complex problems.
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Ad hoc diplomacy is utilised for casual, temporary and specific issues
Ad hoc diplomacy is a form of diplomacy that is employed for casual, temporary, and specific issues. It is considered the oldest form of diplomacy, with a state setting aside certain periods for the precise task of addressing a particular issue. This is typically handled by a "special mission".
Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is a diplomatic approach in which a group of actors, specifically designed for a particular problem, forms an informal cluster for multilateral exchange with the aim of solving the problem. The structure and composition of this group can vary, ideally in line with the problem. The term "ad hoc multilateralism" was first coined by Margaret Karns in 1987 to describe the diplomacy of the "contact group" that tried to negotiate an agreement for Namibia's independence from 1977 to 1982. This group, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and West Germany, functioned actively as an ad hoc multilateral mediating and facilitating team in close proximity to, but not directly linked with, the United Nations.
Ad hoc multilateralism is a form of minilateralism that complements established multilateral institutions. It is particularly useful for addressing complex global challenges that require cooperation among countries, such as climate change, migration, sustainable development, and the risks and opportunities presented by new technologies. Regional organisations such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also engage in multilateral diplomacy to address region-specific issues.
However, it is important to note that ad hoc diplomacy in international law does not regulate all forms of its execution. Its scope is limited to special missions in bilateral diplomacy, excluding other forms such as limited temporary delegations in multilateral relations.
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Ad hoc multilateralism is associated with a security structure
Ad hoc multilateralism is a form of minilateralism. It involves a group of actors forming an informal cluster for multilateral exchange to address a particular problem. The group's structure and composition can vary depending on the issue at hand. This form of diplomacy is often utilised for casual, temporary, and specific issues.
The term "ad hoc multilateralism" was first coined by Margaret Karns in 1987 to describe the diplomacy of the
Ad hoc coalitions should complement established multilateral institutions, as recently demonstrated by leading European politicians calling for ad-hoc measures to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy is a valuable tool for addressing specific issues and challenges that require international cooperation and a tailored approach.
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Frequently asked questions
Ad hoc diplomacy is when a state sets aside a period to address a particular issue. This is generally handled by a "special mission". It is considered the oldest form of diplomacy and is used for casual, temporary, and specific issues.
Multilateral diplomacy is a diplomatic approach where multiple countries work together to address common issues and challenges. This involves dialogue and negotiation to achieve shared goals and promote cooperation among nations.
Ad hoc multilateralism is a form of minilateralism where a group of actors comes together to form an informal cluster for multilateral exchange with the aim of solving a particular problem. The "Contact Group", consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and the Federal Republic of Germany, is an example of an ad hoc multilateral team.
Ad hoc multilateral diplomacy was used by the "Contact Group" to negotiate an agreement for the independence of Namibia from 1977 until 1982. More recently, leading European politicians have called for ad hoc coalitions to complement established multilateral institutions in coping with the coronavirus pandemic.
Multilateral diplomacy is essential for addressing complex global challenges that require cooperation among countries. By working together, countries can find solutions that are more effective, efficient, and sustainable than those pursued bilaterally. Global challenges such as climate change, migration, and sustainable development can only be addressed through mutual cooperation.

























