ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the development of diplomacy in terms of the diplomatic setting; actors; methods and conduct of diplomacy in key areas such as negotiation, trade, environment, regionalism, security and normalisation. It the discusses been ideas and questions relating to the purposes and broader uses of diplomacy. In terms of the setting of diplomacy, the international system can be characterised as a contested system; that is one in which there are substantial differences over norms and purposes. Other operating features worth noting which have affected the conduct of diplomacy since 2000 are the rapid pace of change in the international system, growth of actors in diplomacy, and, the shift in the axis of central political power to Asia. The greater diversity and plurality of actors has introduced new players as in logistics diplomacy, the extension of south-south bilateral contacts, regional cooperation and summit mechanisms on economic and trade cooperation.
