ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the factors which contribute too ineffective methods and foreign policy failure. Cooperative methods are central to much of diplomatic activity. The main diplomatic methods involve: exchange of views with other actors; clarification or amendment of drafting in negotiations; checking positions on policy; seeking support for an initiative and building bilateral relations or coalitions. Strategies based on resistance or seeking delay move diplomacy potentially into non-cooperative areas, if positions are held, rather than shifting to accommodation. Methods include seeking clarification; calls for further meetings; drafting changes, with the aim of changing, delaying or blocking proposals or initiatives. In expansion strategy states and other actors seek to extend their influence and diplomatic space through groupings, institutions, dialogue and representation rather than necessarily in a territorial sense. Active strategy is used to refer to an overall foreign policy orientation which seeks to expand the role, activities and influence of a state or origin.
