FOREIGN POLICY INPUT IS INFORMED BY DIPLOMATIC PROCESSES.DISCUSS.

A PAPER SUBMITTED BY GROUP 3 TO THE SCHOOL OF ARTS,SOCIAL

SCIENCES AND BUSINESS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE DEGREE IN
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY.

SUBMITTED TO: MR. UNGAYA

DATE: 8TH MARCH 2024

GROUP MEMBERS

NAME ADM NO:

EVANS ONG’ARE OCHIENG BIR/013/2020

NEEMA GRACE WANJIRU CHEGE BIR/009/2020

DANCUN MUTUNGA BIR/030/2020

NAOMI ASUZA BIR/004/2020

IMALI MERCYLYNE BIR/017/2020

RODNEY SOSI NYAGWAYA PPA/034/2020

TAMIA KALUNDA BIR/006/2019

ZUMA CHIGUBA MWANDURI BIR/045/2020

QUESTION; HOW DOES DIPLOMATIC PROCESSES CONTRIBUTE TO SHAPING

FOREIGN POLICY
INTRODUCTION

Diplomatic processes is a cornerstone of International relations serving as a primary means

through which countries engage with each other to pursue their interests, resolve disputes and
promote cooperation. Rooted in centuries-old traditions and practices, diplomacy has evolved to
encompass a wide range of activities and interactions aimed at advancing national interests and
fostering peaceful relations among nations.

Diplomacy serves as the primary conduit for communication and interaction between states
providing governments with essential inputs and avenues for decision-making, through
diplomatic channels, countries exchange information/ engage in negotiations and seek to build
consensus on a wide range of issues, from trade and security to human rights and environmental
protection.

The following are ways in which foreign input is informed by diplomatic process;

i) Information Gathering and Analysis

Diplomatic missions and channels provide valuable sources of information and intelligence
about developments in other countries, regions, and global affairs. Diplomats gather insights
through diplomatic cables, meetings with foreign officials, intelligence-sharing agreements, and
open-source research, which help policymakers assess the geopolitical landscape and formulate
informed foreign policy decisions

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, US diplomats in Moscow provided crucial intelligence
regarding Soviet Union activities in Cuba, which informed President Kennedy’s decision-making
process. Similarly in modern times, diplomatic missions in North Korea provide valuable
insights into the secretive regime’s intentions and capabilities through observation and discreet
engagement.

Diplomatic missions play a crucial role in understanding the decision-making processes of

foreign actors and thus deriving diplomatic analysis. For example, US diplomats stationed in
Beijing closely monitor China’s leadership dynamics and policymaking mechanisms to
anticipate the country’s strategic moves. By understanding China’s internal dynamics, diplomats
can engage effectively with Chinese officials and advance US interests in areas of mutual
concern such as trade and security.

Another instance is during the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011 where diplomats across the Middle
East analyzed social, economic and political factors to understand the drivers of unrest and
assess their implications for regional stability. This analysis informed policy responses and
diplomatic engagements aimed at promoting democratic reforms and addressing grievances.

ii) Negotiation and Diplomatic Agreements

Diplomatic negotiations play a central role in shaping foreign policy outcomes, as states seek to
advance their interests through diplomatic agreements, treaties, and international commitments.
Diplomatic processes such as summits, conferences, and bilateral or multilateral negotiations
provide opportunities for states to engage in dialogue, address disagreements, and reach mutually
acceptable compromises on issues ranging from trade and security to environmental cooperation
and human rights.

Diplomatic negotiations is a central tool in diplomacy, allowing countries to pursue their

objectives through dialogue and compromise. For example, the Camp David Accords in 1978
facilitated negotiations between Israel and Egypt, leading to a historic peace treaty that reshaped
the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Through intensive negotiations mediated by the
then US President Jimmy Carter, key issues such as the status of the Sinai Peninsula and
Palestian autonomy were addressed, demonstrating the power of diplomacy to resolve
longstanding conflicts and its input in the individual foreign policy of the affected countries.

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change negotiated in 2015 is an example of how diplomatic
agreements can influence foreign policy. By shaping national priorities and strategic objectives,
the agreement which was signed by nearly 200 nations influenced the foreign policy agendas of
participating countries emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and sustainable
development.

iii) Conflict Prevention and Resolution

Diplomatic efforts are essential for preventing conflicts and resolving existing disputes between
states. Diplomatic channels enable states to engage in dialogue, mediation, and confidence-
building measures to de-escalate tensions, prevent misunderstandings, and find peaceful
solutions to conflicts before they escalate into violence. Diplomatic interventions, facilitated by
third-party mediators or international organizations, can help bridge differences, build trust, and
promote stability in volatile regions.

Diplomatic missions serve as early warning signs, detecting potential conflicts before they
escalate. For instance in the Balkans during the 1990s, diplomatic reports highlighted rising
ethnic tensions, providing policymakers with crucial insights to intervene before the situation
deteriorated into violent conflict. Similarly, diplomatic efforts in the leadup to the Rwandan
genocide underscored the importance of early warning systems in preventing atrocities.

The Oslo Accords of 1993 mediated by Norwegian diplomats brought Israelis and Palestinians to
the negotiating table, laying the groundwork for peace talks and eventual agreements. Similarly
diplomatic initiatives led to the Dayton Agreement in 1995 which ended the Bosnian War and
established a framework for peace in the Balkans. This two examples demonstrate the
effectiveness of diplomatic processes in resolving complex conflicts.

iv) Crisis Management and Diplomatic Response

In times of crisis or emergencies, diplomatic processes are crucial for coordinating international
responses, mobilizing support, and facilitating humanitarian assistance. Diplomatic channels
enable states to communicate effectively, share information, and coordinate joint actions to
address urgent challenges such as natural disasters, pandemics, or armed conflicts. Diplomatic
missions may also engage in crisis diplomacy, shuttle diplomacy, or track-two diplomacy to
defuse tensions and find diplomatic solutions to crises.

For instance during the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa in 2014, diplomatic efforts facilitated
international cooperation to contain the spread of the virus and provide humanitarian assistance
to affected countries. Diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners led to the
deployment of medical personnel, logistical support and financial aid to address the crisis
effectively. Similarly, diplomatic efforts in Yemen focused on negotiating humanitarian
ceasefires and facilitating humanitarian access to deliver life-saving aid to millions of civilians
trapped in conflict.

The effective management of crises and diplomatic responses play a profound role in shaping
foreign policy, by influencing issue prioritization, alliance formation, policy adaptation,
international norms and public opinion. By addressing crises proactively and strategically,
diplomats contribute to the formulation of foreign policies that reflect national interests, values
and commitments to global peace and stability.

v) Representation and Advocacy

Diplomatic missions serve as the primary means through which states represent their interests,
advocate for their positions, and influence decision-making in international forums. Diplomats
engage in public diplomacy, lobbying, and advocacy efforts to promote their country's policies,
gather support for their positions, and build coalitions with like-minded states to advance shared
objectives on issues such as climate change, non-proliferation, or global health.

Diplomatic representation at the United Nations General Assembly, for instance allows countries
to voice their opinions on global issues, shape resolutions and influence the direction of
international cooperation. Diplomatic missions also engage in advocacy efforts to promote
specific policy positions and initiatives on behalf of their governments. For instance, diplomatic
representatives may advocate for trade agreements, investment opportunities or development
projects that align with their country’s economic interests.

CONCLUSION

Diplomatic processes are integral to informing foreign policy input by providing valuable
information, facilitating negotiations, preventing conflicts, managing crises, and representing
states' interests in the international arena. Effective diplomacy enhances states' ability to navigate
complex international challenges, pursue their national interests, and promote peace, security,
and cooperation on the global stage.

Through these multifaceted diplomatic efforts, countries navigate complex international

landscapes assert their interests and address global challenges. Whether through mediation in
conflicts, representation at international forums or advocacy for policy positions, diplomatic
processes inform foreign policy inputs by shaping priorities, building alliances and promoting
cooperation. Ultimately, effective diplomatic processes are essential for promoting peace,
stability and prosperity on the global stage and their significance in foreign policy development
cannot be overstated.

REFERENCES

Jönsson, C., & Hall, M. (Eds.). (2019). Handbook of Diplomacy. Edward Elgar Publishing. [This
comprehensive handbook covers various aspects of diplomacy, including its role in shaping
foreign policy, negotiation processes, and diplomatic strategies.]

Berridge, G. R. (2019). Diplomatic Theory of International Relations. Cambridge University

Press. [This book provides an overview of diplomatic theory and its relevance to foreign policy
formulation, highlighting the role of diplomacy in shaping international outcomes.]

Hill, C., Smith, S., & Vanhoonacker, S. (Eds.). (2019). International Relations and the European
Union. Oxford University Press. [This edited volume explores the interaction between
diplomatic processes, European Union foreign policy, and global governance.]

Rana, K. (2019). The 21st Century Ambassador: Plenipotentiary to Chief Executive. Palgrave
Macmillan. [This book examines the changing role of ambassadors in the 21st century, focusing
on their contributions to foreign policy formulation, diplomatic negotiations, and international
cooperation.]

Cooper, A. F., Heine, J., & Thakur, R. (Eds.). (2018). The Oxford Handbook of Modern
Diplomacy. Oxford University Press. [This handbook offers insights into contemporary
diplomatic practices, including their impact on foreign policy decision-making, crisis
management, and global governance.]

Puchala, D. J., & Hopkins, R. F. (Eds.). (2018). The Nature of International Society. Routledge.
[This edited volume discusses the role of diplomatic processes in shaping international society,
norms, and institutions, with implications for foreign policy formulation.]