Diplomacy and the Conduct Of Inter State Relations in the 21st Century
Alozie Cyprian C.
Department of Political Science
Abia State University, Uturu.
Email:aloziechimdi@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study focused on the application of diplomacy in the enhancement of relations among nation states in the 21th Century. From time immemorial, diplomacy has remained an effective tool through which nation states attempt to enhance inter-states relations or resolving disputes among them without resorting to warfare. The paper examined the origin, functions, types, some diplomatic tools as well as some case studies. Interstate relations has remained a sine qua non for the fostering of better relations and understanding among nation states in very many areas of state relations. The theoretical framework of this paper is anchored on political idealism as a framework of analysis. This study relied on documentary method of data collection. The method adopted for data analysis is content analysis. The paper discovered that diplomacy has to a considerable degree promoted friendly relations among nation states as well as reducing the potency of gun boat diplomacy among both the great and smaller powers. The paper recommends among others the intensification of the use of diplomacy in the settlement of inter-state disputes or disagreements as it has much more promise of building lasting relations among states than the use of coercive means.
Keywords: Diplomacy, Inter- State, Relations, Foreign Policy, Nation States.
