Eleanor Finch
Covert diplomacy, also known as clandestine diplomacy, is a unique form of diplomatic activity that involves keeping the diplomatic initiative a secret from the public, media, and sometimes even one's own government. It is often used as a means to pursue foreign policy and national security objectives, particularly in the context of the War on Terror. Covert diplomacy can be a powerful tool for gathering intelligence, conducting negotiations, and influencing adversaries. While it has been controversial and subject to increasing scrutiny, it remains an important aspect of international relations and can be a critical component of a larger policy supported by the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Covert diplomacy is a policy-implementing tool | To implement foreign policy and national security objectives |
| Covert diplomacy is a quiet option | To be used where diplomacy is insufficient and force is inappropriate |
| Covert diplomacy is a form of intelligence gathering | To gather vital and classified foreign information for strategic policy goals |
| Covert diplomacy is a form of clandestine diplomacy | To engage in secret and deniable discussions with adversaries |
| Covert diplomacy is a form of counter-terrorism | To prevent acts of terrorism |
| Covert diplomacy is a form of counter-proliferation | To prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction |
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What You'll Learn
- Covert diplomacy is a useful tool for pursuing foreign policy and national security objectives
- Covert diplomacy can be used to influence an adversary or as a form of counter-terrorism
- Covert diplomacy may be necessary to resolve conflicts between nations or combat serious criminals
- Covert diplomacy can be used to gather vital and classified foreign information
- Covert diplomacy can be used to protect diplomats and intelligence agents working undercover
Covert diplomacy is a useful tool for pursuing foreign policy and national security objectives
The use of secret services to conduct diplomacy was characteristic of pre-modern inter-state relations, when diplomacy, covert action, and intelligence gathering were often conducted by the same people. While the creation of modern intelligence bureaucracies has led to a greater separation of functions, clandestine diplomacy still exists and can be a useful tool. For example, during the Iranian Revolution and the occupation of the American embassy in Tehran, Canadian embassy staff, assisted by CIA experts, mounted a successful covert exfiltration operation to secure the escape of six Americans from Iran.
Covert diplomacy can be particularly useful in situations where traditional diplomatic activities are insufficient and force is inappropriate. It can also be useful in gathering vital and classified foreign information to guide foreign policy and apprehend the future behaviour of constituents in military applications, trade and investments, and general regional politics. Furthermore, clandestine diplomacy represents a willingness to talk to an adversary, even if talking may not lead to negotiation.
However, covert diplomacy also has its drawbacks and risks. It is often planned and undertaken in secrecy, lacking the accountability that characterizes other governmental initiatives. In addition, the development of modern media and communication technology has made it increasingly difficult to maintain secrecy in diplomatic practices. Despite this, governments must still work in secret in certain situations, such as when resolving conflicts between nations or combating serious criminals and terrorists.
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Covert diplomacy can be used to influence an adversary or as a form of counter-terrorism
Covert diplomacy has been used by the US in its War on Terror since the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is a policy-implementing tool that American presidents have at their disposal to implement foreign policy and national security objectives. Covert diplomacy can be particularly useful when dealing with adversaries who are engaged in armed attacks and/or terrorist activities.
One example of covert diplomacy is the use of secret services to conduct diplomacy. This was common in pre-modern inter-state relations when diplomacy, covert action, and intelligence gathering were often conducted by the same people. Today, clandestine diplomacy is often conducted by intelligence services, who engage in secret and deniable discussions with adversaries. This type of diplomacy can be useful in counterterrorism efforts, as it allows for the gathering and analysis of secret intelligence, which can be used to inform policy decisions.
Another example of covert diplomacy is the use of economic, political, military, and cultural coercion to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. The US has been accused of using its military bases, diplomatic agencies, intelligence agencies, and other channels to collect information, exert influence, manipulate elections, and support opposition parties in foreign countries. This type of covert diplomacy can be used to influence an adversary by creating public opinions and shaping world order to align with US interests.
Covert diplomacy can also be used to influence adversaries through the use of UAV strikes. While some argue that UAV strikes should be completely banned due to the risk of making mistakes or being deceived, others contend that ambassadors should have the ability to sign off on or block UAV strikes as needed. This type of covert diplomacy can be used as a form of counter-terrorism by targeting and eliminating specific terrorist threats.
Overall, covert diplomacy can be a powerful tool for influencing adversaries and combating terrorism. However, it is important to note that the line between traditional diplomacy and covert action can be blurry, and the risks of making mistakes or being deceived may be greater when intelligence services are involved.
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Covert diplomacy may be necessary to resolve conflicts between nations or combat serious criminals
Covert diplomacy can be a powerful tool for resolving conflicts between nations and combating serious criminals. While the concept may seem counterintuitive, it has been employed by governments throughout history to achieve their foreign policy and national security objectives.
One of the key advantages of covert diplomacy is its ability to provide a quiet option when traditional diplomacy is insufficient, and force is inappropriate or undesirable. For example, in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States shifted its focus to counterterrorism efforts, and covert action took precedence over traditional diplomacy. Intelligence officers took the lead in policy implementation through covert action, while diplomats' roles evolved to align with counterterrorism-driven foreign policy.
Covert diplomacy can be particularly useful in situations where public negotiations or agreements are not feasible. For instance, it would be difficult to imagine the US government engaging in open negotiations with a terrorist group like al-Qaeda. However, negotiations with allies or sponsors of such groups may be possible through clandestine diplomacy. This type of diplomacy can also be used to secretly engage with adversaries, gather intelligence, and potentially influence their actions.
Additionally, covert diplomacy can be effective in combating serious criminals. For example, intelligence officers can provide arms and training, engage in proxy warfare, or conduct regime overthrows and assassinations. While some may view these actions as controversial or even bellicose, they can be crucial in addressing complex global challenges, such as cyber threats and pandemic response, which require collaboration and coordination among nations.
In conclusion, covert diplomacy can be a necessary tool for resolving conflicts between nations and combating serious criminals. It provides a discreet alternative to traditional diplomacy, allowing for flexible policy implementation and the pursuit of national security objectives. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and ethical implications of covert actions, as they can be controversial and have profound consequences.
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Covert diplomacy can be used to gather vital and classified foreign information
Covert diplomacy is a unique form of diplomatic activity that involves concealing the diplomatic initiative from the public, media, and even one's own government. It is a policy-implementing tool that can be used to pursue foreign policy and national security objectives. For instance, American covert diplomacy played a prominent role in the War on Terror after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Covert diplomacy can be an effective tool for gathering vital and classified foreign information. Intelligence services are often used to engage in secret and deniable discussions with adversaries, allowing for the collection of valuable intelligence. This was seen during the Iranian Revolution, where Western countries collected human intelligence (HUMINT) and conducted a successful covert operation to exfiltrate six Americans from Iran.
The use of covert diplomacy for intelligence-gathering can be traced back to pre-modern inter-state relations, where diplomacy, covert action, and intelligence gathering were often conducted by the same individuals. While modern intelligence bureaucracies have separated these functions, intelligence officers are still posted in foreign embassies to monitor affairs. This intelligence gathering is crucial for national security and foreign policy decision-making.
However, covert diplomacy and intelligence gathering are controversial and legally questionable. They are often conducted in secrecy, raising concerns about a lack of accountability. Additionally, the line between diplomacy and espionage is blurry, and the use of diplomatic immunity to protect intelligence agents has been questioned. Nevertheless, covert diplomacy can provide valuable information that may not be accessible through traditional diplomatic channels.
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Covert diplomacy can be used to protect diplomats and intelligence agents working undercover
Covert diplomacy has been used by the United States and its allies since the Cold War to further foreign policy and national security objectives. It is a policy option that can be used as an alternative to, or in support of, other approaches, such as military force.
The use of covert diplomacy can be a means to protect diplomats and intelligence agents working undercover. Covert diplomacy is a form of secret diplomacy, which involves concealing diplomatic initiatives from the public, media, and even one's own government. This secrecy can be used to protect the identities and activities of diplomats and intelligence agents, allowing them to operate without attracting attention or endangering themselves.
For example, during the Iranian Revolution and the takeover of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, covert diplomacy was employed to protect six Americans who had escaped becoming hostages. A successful covert exfiltration operation, mounted by Canadian embassy staff assisted by CIA experts, secured their escape from Iran.
In another instance, following the Raymond Allen Davis case, where a CIA contractor shot and killed two men in Lahore, Pakistan, the US government contended that Davis was protected by diplomatic immunity due to his CIA employment. This incident highlighted the protections awarded to diplomats working as undercover intelligence agents.
Furthermore, covert diplomacy can be used to engage in secret and deniable discussions with adversaries. This allows for a certain level of dialogue and negotiation to take place, even when formal negotiations are not possible. By keeping these discussions secret, the safety of the diplomats and intelligence agents involved can be maintained, especially when dealing with sensitive issues or hostile entities.
However, it is important to note that covert diplomacy and intelligence activities must be conducted within the legal framework of international law and in accordance with diplomatic relations norms. While secrecy can provide protection, it also carries risks, including the potential for mistakes, deception, and a lack of accountability.
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Frequently asked questions
Covert diplomacy is a unique form of diplomatic activity that involves keeping the diplomatic initiative a secret from the public, media, and even one's own government.
Covert diplomacy is used when normal diplomatic relations are insufficient and force is inappropriate. Covert diplomacy can also be used to resolve conflicts between nations or combat serious criminals and terrorists.
Covert diplomacy can take many forms, from formal to informal, public to private, and bilateral to multilateral. It can involve intelligence gathering, clandestine diplomacy, and covert action.
Covert diplomacy can be controversial, as it lacks the accountability and transparency of normal diplomatic relations. It can also be difficult to maintain secrecy, especially with modern media and communication technology.
