
The Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps and compares the world's most significant diplomatic networks. The index offers insights into the diplomatic efforts and investments of various countries, including the number of diplomatic posts they maintain abroad. It provides a comprehensive overview of global diplomacy, covering 66 countries or territories in Asia, the Group of 20 (G20), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The index is a valuable resource for understanding the diplomatic landscape and the projection of power and influence by different nations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | An interactive tool that maps the world's most significant diplomatic networks |
| Data | Drawing on data collected up to November 2023 |
| Countries/ Territories | 66 countries or territories in Asia, the Group of 20 (G20), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) |
| Features | Visualises where these countries or territories invest in diplomacy, how they compare to each other in terms of their global diplomatic footprints, and how their networks have evolved over time |
| Latest Findings | China has the most expansive diplomatic network in the world, closely followed by the United States |
| Türkiye and India have expanded their networks the fastest, adding 11 posts each since the last release of the Index in 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps the world's most significant diplomatic networks
- The 2024 Index reveals the diplomatic networks of 66 countries and territories in Asia, the G20, and the OECD
- China has the most diplomatic posts abroad out of any country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Diplomacy Index
- The Index allows users to select a country or city to view its diplomatic connections and use the timeline to see data from previous years
- The Diplomatic Capacity Index (DCI) measures the diplomatic resources that countries can draw on to exercise influence on the global stage

The Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps the world's most significant diplomatic networks
The Global Diplomacy Index is a powerful interactive tool that provides valuable insights into the world's most significant diplomatic networks. It offers a comprehensive overview of the diplomatic landscapes of 66 countries or territories, spanning Asia, the Group of 20 (G20), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Index is designed to be explored through an interactive map, allowing users to visualise and compare the diplomatic connections of these nations.
Developed by the Lowy Institute, the Global Diplomacy Index serves as a unique resource for understanding global diplomacy. It provides a detailed breakdown of each country's diplomatic investments, highlighting where they allocate resources and how their diplomatic networks have transformed over time. This tool empowers users to delve into the diplomatic landscape of a specific country or city, revealing its intricate web of international connections.
One of the key strengths of the Global Diplomacy Index is its ability to facilitate comparisons between countries. Users can explore how nations stack up against each other in terms of their global diplomatic footprints. This feature sheds light on the varying levels of diplomatic engagement and strategies employed by different countries, offering a nuanced perspective on their international relations.
The Index also captures the dynamics of diplomatic networks, showcasing their evolution. By utilising the timeline feature, users can trace the changes in diplomatic connections over the years, identifying trends and shifts in global diplomacy. This historical context is invaluable for understanding the broader trajectories of international relations and the factors driving them.
The Global Diplomacy Index is more than just a map; it is a rich source of information for policymakers, analysts, and anyone interested in global affairs. It provides a window into the diplomatic strategies and priorities of nations, offering insights that can shape foreign policy decisions and international collaborations. By making this complex information accessible and visually engaging, the Index contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate world of diplomacy.
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The 2024 Index reveals the diplomatic networks of 66 countries and territories in Asia, the G20, and the OECD
The Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps the world's most significant diplomatic networks. The 2024 Index, published by the Lowy Institute, reveals the diplomatic networks of 66 countries and territories in Asia, the Group of 20 (G20), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The index provides an overview of where these countries and territories invest in diplomacy, how their global diplomatic footprints compare, and how their networks have evolved.
The 2024 Index includes an interactive map that visualises the diplomatic networks of the included countries and territories. This allows users to explore and compare the diplomatic connections of each country or territory, providing insights into their global diplomatic strategies. The map also highlights the busiest diplomatic capitals, with European cities topping the list, and Damascus leading in embassy re-openings, while Kabul experienced the most closures.
The 2024 Index reveals that China has the most diplomatic posts abroad, surpassing the United States, which previously held the top position. China has a higher number of diplomatic postings than the US in Africa, East Asia, the Pacific, and Central Asia. However, the US still maintains an edge in Europe, North and Central America, and South Asia. Both countries are now equal in terms of diplomatic presence in the Middle East and South America.
The Index also highlights the expanding diplomatic networks of middle powers in a more multipolar world. For example, Türkiye and India have rapidly grown their diplomatic connections. Additionally, Japan is recognised as a global diplomatic heavyweight, while Indonesia leads among Southeast Asian countries. Australia, despite being near the bottom of the G20, is noted for its leadership in the South Pacific region.
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China has the most diplomatic posts abroad out of any country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Diplomacy Index
The Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps and compares the world's most significant diplomatic networks. The 2024 Global Diplomacy Index, published by the Lowy Institute, reveals that China has the most diplomatic posts abroad out of any country in the world. With 274 diplomatic posts worldwide, China has expanded its diplomatic network beyond that of any other country, including rival superpower, the United States.
China's diplomatic network extends across multiple regions, with a particularly strong presence in Africa, East Asia, and the Pacific. In Africa, China has 60 diplomatic posts, compared to 56 maintained by the United States. China's presence in East Asia is even more pronounced, with 44 posts, outnumbering the United States' 27. Additionally, China has established 10 posts in the Pacific Islands countries, surpassing the United States' count of 8. China also leads diplomatically in Central Asia with 7 posts, compared to 6 for the United States, following the latter's withdrawal from Afghanistan.
However, the United States still maintains a diplomatic edge over China in certain regions. In Europe, the United States operates 78 diplomatic posts, compared to China's 73. Similarly, in North and Central America, the United States has 40 posts, outnumbering China's 24. South Asia is another region where the United States holds a diplomatic advantage, with 12 posts, compared to China's 10. Despite their intense rivalry, China and the United States are now evenly matched in the Middle East and South America, with both countries having 17 posts in the Middle East and 15 in South America.
China's rise to the top of the diplomatic rankings reflects its growing global influence and investment in diplomacy as a tool for projecting power. The expansion of China's diplomatic network has contributed to its ability to compete with the United States on the world stage. Meanwhile, the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan and its relatively weaker diplomatic presence in certain regions underscore shifts in global power dynamics.
The 2024 Global Diplomacy Index highlights the ongoing geopolitical competition and the changing landscape of international relations. As countries like China, the United States, and other rising powers continue to invest in diplomacy and expand their networks, the global diplomatic landscape will undoubtedly undergo further transformations in the years to come.
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The Index allows users to select a country or city to view its diplomatic connections and use the timeline to see data from previous years
The Lowy Institute's Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps and compares the world's most significant diplomatic networks. The 2024 Index includes 66 countries or territories in Asia, the Group of 20 (G20), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Index draws on data collected up to November 2023 and visualises where these countries or territories invest in diplomacy, how they compare in terms of their global diplomatic footprints, and how their networks have evolved over time.
Users can select a country or city to view its diplomatic connections in detail. For example, a user might choose to explore China's diplomatic network, which is currently the most expansive in the world, closely followed by the United States. China has a larger diplomatic presence in Africa, East Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Central Asia, while the United States leads in Europe, North and Central America, and South Asia.
The Index also allows users to use a timeline to view data from previous years. This feature enables users to track the evolution of diplomatic networks over time and identify trends or shifts in global diplomacy. For instance, a user could compare China's and the United States' diplomatic postings in 2019, the year China overtook the US as the world's leading diplomatic nation, to the current postings in 2024.
Additionally, the Global Diplomacy Index highlights countries that have rapidly expanded their diplomatic networks. For instance, Türkiye and India have added the most posts to their diplomatic networks since the last index, with eight of India's 11 new posts since 2021 being in Africa. On the other hand, Russia's diplomatic network has declined due to its ongoing war with Ukraine, resulting in mass expulsions of Russian diplomats and consulate closures.
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The Diplomatic Capacity Index (DCI) measures the diplomatic resources that countries can draw on to exercise influence on the global stage
The Diplomatic Capacity Index (DCI) is a tool that measures the diplomatic resources that countries can leverage to exert influence on the global stage. It was developed by the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute and comprises over 80 indicators, incorporating three years of data for 30 countries.
The DCI focuses on four Classes of Diplomatic Activity: diplomatic infrastructure, diplomatic access, leverage-able advantages for diplomacy, and standing as a background for diplomacy. It also considers three Spheres of Diplomacy: the political, economic, and security spheres. By examining these areas, the DCI provides insights into the potential for future diplomatic activities and foreign relations of nations.
One of the key advantages of the DCI is its ability to offer a new baseline for assessing and comparing countries' diplomatic capabilities. It allows policymakers and analysts to compare national diplomatic capacity with other measures of national power, such as military or economic strength. This comprehensive view helps identify areas where countries may excel or fall short in their diplomatic endeavours.
The DCI collates and compares the investments that states make in their diplomacy. It sheds light on the distribution of diplomatic access and its impact on outcomes sought from international organizations. For instance, it explores whether a higher level of diplomatic access translates to more influence or coercive power beyond the specific institutions in question.
In conclusion, the Diplomatic Capacity Index is a valuable tool for understanding and comparing the diplomatic resources and potential influence of nations on a global scale. It offers insights into the complex world of diplomacy and international relations, providing a new lens through which to view and assess diplomatic activities and their potential outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
The Global Diplomacy Index is an interactive tool that maps the world's most significant diplomatic networks.
The Global Diplomacy Index was created by the Lowy Institute.
The Global Diplomacy Index includes 66 countries or territories in Asia, the Group of 20 (G20), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The Global Diplomacy Index measures the diplomatic resources that countries can draw on to exert influence on the global stage. It considers four classes of diplomatic activity: diplomatic infrastructure, diplomatic access, leverageable advantages for diplomacy, and standing as a background for diplomacy.
China has the most diplomatic posts abroad out of any country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Diplomacy Index.

























