
Open diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that seeks to engage with the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. It involves using various forms of communication, including social media, public speaking, and cultural exchanges, to reach out to foreign publics and promote a positive image of a country or its policies. Open diplomacy is not intended to be a substitution for traditional diplomacy, which is formal and governmental, conducted across official government channels. Closed diplomacy, on the other hand, involves secrecy, deception, and code-breaking, which can be decisive in wartime conditions.
Characteristics of Open and Closed Diplomacy
| Characteristics | Open Diplomacy | Closed Diplomacy |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Open diplomacy is nongovernmental, informal, and involves unofficial interactions and activities between private citizens or groups of individuals, also known as non-state actors. | Closed diplomacy is formal, governmental diplomacy conducted across official government channels. |
| Participants | Open diplomacy involves diplomatic relations offering open access to prospective participants and members of the general public. | Closed diplomacy is limited to diplomats and government officials. |
| Approach | Open diplomacy seeks to engage with the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. | Closed diplomacy is conducted behind closed doors. |
| Information Sharing | Open diplomacy involves information sharing at all levels and by all parties. | Closed diplomacy involves secrecy and a lack of public record. |
| Outcomes | Open diplomacy brings more successful outcomes due to its inclusivity and long-term options achieved through active collaboration. | Closed diplomacy allows for less open and public dialogues, which can limit the creation of multilateral policies. |
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What You'll Learn
- Open diplomacy involves the public and non-state actors to promote mutual understanding
- Open diplomacy is not a substitute for traditional diplomacy
- Open diplomacy is more inclusive and transparent
- Open diplomacy is encouraged by technical developments in communication
- Open diplomacy is a better fit for the modern social climate

Open diplomacy involves the public and non-state actors to promote mutual understanding
Open diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that involves the public and non-state actors, such as private citizens or groups of individuals, in an effort to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. It is a form of global governance that seeks to provide services such as peace, stability, justice, and dispute resolution processes, which are facilitated by the inclusive nature of open diplomacy.
Open diplomacy is not a substitute for traditional diplomacy, which is formal and conducted by government officials across official channels. Instead, it is nongovernmental, informal, and involves unofficial interactions. It aims to assist official actors in dispute resolution by incorporating public opinion and potential alternatives without the need for substantive agreement. This approach has been encouraged by advancements in communication technology, allowing for more public dialogue on sensitive topics and a shift in the language used by governments.
The benefits of open diplomacy include increased inclusion and long-term collaboration, fostering transparency, trust, and cooperation between governments, the public, and different countries. It recognizes the role of public opinion in shaping foreign policy and seeks to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society and academic institutions, to build consensus and support for diplomatic initiatives.
However, open diplomacy also has its risks. The public nature of open discussions can sometimes hinder negotiations, and the need for a certain level of secrecy in certain situations, such as during wartime, remains important. Additionally, playing to the crowd for PR advantage or the sensitivity of certain issues may require closed-door discussions. Despite these considerations, open diplomacy remains a valuable approach, especially in modern times, due to its ability to bring together diverse networks and promote mutual understanding.
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Open diplomacy is not a substitute for traditional diplomacy
Open diplomacy, also known as public diplomacy, is a diplomatic approach that differs from traditional diplomacy in several key ways. Traditional diplomacy is formal and governmental, conducted across official government channels, often behind closed doors. In contrast, open diplomacy is informal and nongovernmental, involving unofficial interactions between private citizens or groups, also known as non-state actors. It seeks to engage with the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. While open diplomacy has its benefits, it is not intended to replace traditional diplomacy. Here's why:
Firstly, open diplomacy has its risks and limitations. While it promotes transparency, trust, and cooperation, it can also lead to the halt of negotiations due to open discussions and public influence. Certain sensitive issues, such as those discussed in the Six-Party talks with North Korea, may require secrecy and closed-door negotiations. Additionally, open diplomacy may be more susceptible to playing to the crowd for PR advantage, which can complicate diplomatic decision-making.
Secondly, open diplomacy is not a substitute for traditional diplomacy because they serve different purposes. Traditional diplomacy is essential for maintaining confidentiality and conducting negotiations that require a high level of discretion. Wartime decisions, for example, often necessitate secrecy, deception, and code-breaking, which are challenging to achieve through open diplomacy alone. Traditional diplomacy allows for a more controlled environment where substantive agreements can be negotiated without the need to disclose all information to the public.
Thirdly, open diplomacy relies on active collaboration and the inclusion of diverse stakeholders. While this inclusivity is a strength, it also means that participants in open diplomacy require a deep understanding of the field and a code of conduct to navigate the complexities of diplomatic relations effectively. The success of open diplomacy initiatives depends on the knowledge and skills of the participants, which may vary depending on their backgrounds and expertise.
Lastly, open diplomacy is a relatively modern concept that has been encouraged by advancements in communications media. It recognizes the importance of public opinion in shaping foreign policy and seeks to engage with civil society and academic institutions. However, this does not diminish the importance of traditional diplomacy, which has a long history and established protocols. Traditional diplomacy provides a structured framework for formal interactions between governments, ensuring that negotiations are conducted in a controlled and official manner.
In conclusion, while open diplomacy offers benefits such as inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration, it is not meant to replace traditional diplomacy. Both approaches have their strengths and limitations, and they can complement each other in navigating the complex landscape of international relations. Open diplomacy can assist official actors and provide backup support, while traditional diplomacy remains crucial for confidential negotiations and formal intergovernmental agreements.
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Open diplomacy is more inclusive and transparent
Open diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that seeks to engage with the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. It is characterised by its inclusivity and transparency, fostering trust and cooperation between governments and the public, as well as between different countries.
In contrast to traditional diplomacy, which is often conducted behind closed doors by government officials, open diplomacy emphasises engagement with civil society, academic institutions, and other non-state actors. It involves using various forms of communication, such as social media, public speaking, cultural exchanges, and other outreach methods, to reach foreign publics and enhance a country's image or promote its policies.
The aim of open diplomacy is to assist official actors in resolving disputes by considering public opinion and potential alternatives. It does not aim to replace traditional diplomacy but rather to supplement it by providing a platform for unofficial interactions and activities between private citizens or groups, known as non-state actors. Open diplomacy is particularly relevant in the modern social climate due to its inclusivity and the long-term benefits achieved through active collaboration.
Open diplomacy has its risks, such as the potential for negotiations to be halted due to open discussions and public influence. However, it has been encouraged by advancements in communication technology, allowing for more public dialogue on sensitive topics and a shift in the language used by governments. Overall, open diplomacy facilitates global governance by promoting peace, stability, justice, dispute resolution, and unified norms for trade and industry.
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Open diplomacy is encouraged by technical developments in communication
Open diplomacy, also known as public diplomacy, is a diplomatic approach that seeks to engage with the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. It involves using various forms of communication, including social media, public speaking, and cultural exchanges, to reach out to foreign publics and promote a positive image of a country or its policies. The aim of open diplomacy is to foster transparency, trust, and cooperation between governments and the public, as well as between different countries.
Technical developments in communication have provided the tools and platforms necessary for open diplomacy to flourish. Social media, for example, has enabled diplomats and government officials to engage directly with the public, share information, and build relationships with a wider range of stakeholders. This increased interaction and accessibility have contributed to the shift away from traditional, closed-door diplomacy towards a more open and inclusive approach.
Additionally, the development of digital tools and platforms has enhanced the effectiveness of open diplomacy. For instance, digital diplomacy, as discussed by Dr. George F. Vella, involves using digital technologies to engage in diplomatic efforts and connect with foreign publics. This can include web-management for diplomatic services, knowledge management, and distance learning, all of which contribute to the goal of open diplomacy by increasing accessibility and fostering mutual understanding.
Furthermore, technical developments in communication have contributed to the emergence of global governance, which is closely linked to open diplomacy. Global governance seeks to address global problems such as pandemics, wars, and economic issues through collaboration between civil society, legislators, and governments. The ability to connect and communicate across borders has facilitated this collaboration, allowing for the formation of global networks and the development of shared goals. Thus, technical advancements in communication have played a crucial role in encouraging and enabling the practice of open diplomacy.
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Open diplomacy is a better fit for the modern social climate
Open diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that seeks to engage with the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. It involves using various forms of communication, such as social media, public speaking, and cultural exchanges, to reach out to foreign publics and promote a positive image of a country or its policies. Open diplomacy is informal and involves unofficial interactions between private citizens or groups, known as non-state actors.
Furthermore, open diplomacy can lead to more successful outcomes due to its collaborative nature. It encourages active collaboration and the creation of multilateral policies through open discussions and public influence. In contrast, traditional diplomacy, conducted behind closed doors, can limit the creation of multilateral policies as it does not allow for the same level of public input and collaboration.
While open diplomacy has its risks, such as the potential for negotiations between parties to halt, it is still a valuable approach in the modern social climate. It provides an opportunity for direct and immediate public influence in foreign relations, with the aim of assisting official actors in managing and resolving disputes by discussing potential alternatives extracted from public opinion. Overall, open diplomacy promotes global security and peace by engaging with civil society and academic institutions to build bridges between different countries and cultures.
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Frequently asked questions
Open diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that involves the public and other non-state actors to promote mutual understanding, build relationships, and achieve diplomatic goals. It involves using various forms of communication, such as social media, public speaking, and cultural exchanges, to reach out to foreign publics and promote a positive image of a country or its policies. Open diplomacy is not a substitute for traditional diplomacy but rather a complement to it.
Closed diplomacy, also known as traditional diplomacy, is a formal and governmental process conducted across official government channels. It is often conducted behind closed doors by diplomats and government officials and allows for less open and public dialogue.
Open diplomacy fosters transparency, trust, and cooperation between governments and the public, as well as between different countries. It recognizes the importance of public opinion in shaping foreign policy and encourages active collaboration and inclusion. Open diplomacy has been found to bring more successful outcomes due to its inclusive nature and the long-term options it provides.
One of the dangers of open diplomacy is that open discussions and public influence can sometimes contribute to the halt of negotiations between parties. Additionally, the highly sensitive nature of certain topics may require closed-door discussions to protect national security and maintain confidentiality.

























