Abstract The German state has experienced a wide range of profound changes over the past decade. The impact of reunification continues to hamper the country's economic growth, but much progress has been made on several levels. Diplomatic relations, though, have never been more complex than today. This paper examines how the diplomatic process in Germany has changed from the 1990s to the present, the impact of relevant social and economic factors, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Introduction
General Discussion of Changes in Diplomatic Relations
Fundamental Social and Economic Issues Affecting Reunified German Diplomacy Today
Key Diplomatic Issues
Future Trends and Directions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Germany is located in Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, and south of Denmark Germany occupies a total area which is slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Montana Germany's population as of July 1998 was estimated to be 82,079,454. The capital of Germany is Berlin, which is located in the eastern region. The map in Figure 1 below shows the reunified Germany today. Figure 1. Map of Germany, 2003. As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, Germany continues to represent a key player in the diplomatic relations of the world. Black's Law Dictionary (1990) says that diplomacy is "the art and practice of conducting negotiations between foreign governments for the attainment of mutually satisfactory political relations." This goal has become increasingly elusive in many instances as the German government finds itself at odds with the United States and Great Britain on several fundamental issues."
Abstract This paper explains that, even though the Treaty of Versailles ultimately failed, it changed diplomatic history. The author not only examines Woodrow Wilson's impossible plan for the treaty and the League of Nations but also addresses the motivations of France, Great Britain, Italy and Japan and what they hoped to gain. The paper relates that the German people also felt that they were being treated unfairly and were betrayed by their government; therefore, the problems, which they had with the government and with the allied forces, distressed the German people.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Woodrow Wilson
The Long and Devastating War
The Spoils of War
Political Pressure and the Punishment of Germany
France
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty
How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty
Great Britain
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty
How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty
Italy
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty
How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty
Japan
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty
How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty
United States Politics
German Response to the Treaty
Conclusion
From the Paper "This idea that Congress had regarding whether it would be more difficult to declare war was very important, as it also related to the spoils of war. The Treaty, had it been ratified, would have helped out many nations, but would have also made it more difficult for countries that did war with one another to collect items and take them home to their country. Because of this, the spoils of war that were generally collected would no longer be available, and many of the larger nations did not agree with this idea."
Abstract The 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations sets accepted rules for diplomatic and consular privileges. It sets forth certain immunities that are considered necessary for diplomats to carry out their functions in keeping international peace. This paper discusses how the increase of awareness regarding the global threat of terrorism and several key cases claiming abuse of privileges under the Vienna Convention have raised questions as to the applicability and role that it should play in modern diplomatic relations. The paper examines the relevancy of the Vienna Convention by examining commentary and case law in an attempt to clarify the role of the Vienna Convention in today's society.
Outline:
Case Law: Examining Applicability
The Vienna Convention and Terrorism
Problems of Interpretation and Enforcement
Conclusion
From the Paper "In February of 987, an ambassador from Papua New Guinea returned home after he killed a man while driving intoxicated (Shenon, 1987). He escaped prosecution by using diplomatic immunity. In 1982, a Brazilian ambassador's son shot and injured a bouncer at a nightclub. He returned home without having to stand trial for the incident (Shenon, 1987). There is even a documented case where an ambassador's dog escaped the consequences of biting several neighbors by means of his owner's diplomatic immunity (Shenon, 1987). These cases highlight the potential for misuse of the privileges under the Vienna Convention to get away with real crimes in the country of residence. "
Abstract This paper examines how religion has had an impact on diplomatic practice all over the world, with mixed results. It shows how historically speaking, the religion/diplomacy venture can be viewed as a successful one- provided we understand the objective of this diplomacy to be the infliction of as much bloodshed, intolerance and subversion upon mankind as is humanly possible. It examines how acting as agents of religion, governments far and wide throughout the course of human history have sought to oppress their neighbors under a banner of religious truth and moral conquest and how in the modern context, holy wars are truly no less frequent than they have ever been. It looks at how religion has effected diplomatic practice since the very inception of civilization, as founding political precepts most often revolved around some concept of divinity. Indeed, most nations have traditionally sought to integrate religion and diplomatic practice into one seamless entity, for religion was understood as the ultimate justification for any sort of escapade into foreign territory.
From the Paper "The legacy of the Crusades has endured. The Muslims, once tolerant of Christians, developed a hatred and suspicion for the Christian faith that endures to this day. The outcome of the Crusades led to the Turkish wars of later years, in which Islamic expansion into Europe and the Balkans would set the stage for future Muslim-Christian conflicts. Also significant, the ideology behind the Crusades exists today as well. Religious persecution is not uncommon in the modern global context; the impact of religion upon diplomatic practice remains heavy-handed enough to provide us with contemporary examples of many a spirited genocide and plunder."
From the Paper "In the book "Diary of a Chinese Diplomat" by Zhang Deyi, the time is the latter portion of the nineteenth century, and the author provides much information about the life of a Chinese diplomat of the period, the attitudes of the Chinese as expressed to and through their diplomatic corps, and the reaction of the Chinese diplomats to the different cultures they encountered as they represented their country in far distant parts of the world. The Chinese diplomat in this case comes to the United States through San Francisco and travels to Washington to meet with Secretary of State Seward, among others, and in this and subsequent meetings with American officials, the diplomat tells of the different requirements placed on a diplomat for filling out papers, getting letters of accreditation, and other details of his work even as he reacts to the new world that has opened ... "
Abstract This paper argues that when the interests of sovereign nations conflict, a diplomatic solution will not always be available. The author explains that often countries whose interests conflict with that of another powerful sovereign country simply will not accept a diplomatic solution that is extremely unfavorable to them. The author continues that there will inevitably be dictators and other powerful leaders who are inherently blood thirsty and aggressive.
From the Paper "But, could not disputes over points of conflict be resolved by diplomatic means? In objection to our first consideration, it seems that there need not be any essential reason as to why disputes could not simply be settles by diplomatic means. Why must war be inevitable and why must diplomatic solutions break down? Well, for one thing, when the diplomatic sticking point involves the fact that one country simply wishes to annex anther country as its territory, then it seems that an acceptable diplomatic solution would be impossible, because one country would have to agree to being invaded and assimilated into the other. It is equally unlike that the invading country would be willing to agree not to invade, because it is in their minds and interests to do so. Secondly, we must remember the case of terrible tyrannical leaders being elected to power and realize that sovereign nations will not always, and not even typically, be governed by rational men who are open to diplomatic solutions. Indeed, it is equally possible that a national ruler might be more predisposed to war than to diplomacy, and, in such a situation, how can an irrational aggressor ever be reasoned with? Thus, it is absolutely impossible that, by simply attempting to resolve the dispute between themselves, sovereign nations will ever be able to solve all of their problems by purely diplomatic means."
Abstract This paper explores, with detailed analysis, the diplomatic problems Kennedy faced during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The paper includes a brief look at the historical event for a frame of reference and delves into issues of foreign policy and strategies used to remedy this troubling event. This paper also displays how these strategies only worsened the situation by causing diplomatic troubles between the United States and the Soviet Union. Further, the paper examines the relationship between President Kennedy and Premier Khrushchev and how their leadership styles varied, but also made strides toward a peaceful solution possible.
From the Paper "The Cuban Missile Crisis did not happen over night, one day in October 1962. This issue started at the end of World War II and the advent of the Cold War. It was when the distinction between world powers became more evident that a weapons race started because of the spread of Communism closer to home. Dino Brugioni writes, "the Cuban question must be considered a part of the worldwide challenge posed by Communist threats to peace" (Brugioni 1990, p. 115). The United States relationship with Cuba was minimally awkward because of Castro's parent relationship with the Soviet Union. Castro was slowly becoming a pawn for the Soviets to use to demonstrate their influence. Kennedy had inherited the Bay of Pigs and the entire backlash that came with it. This was hardly a good starting point for the Kennedy administration."
This paper examines the different nuances of one of the most influential diplomatic incidents of the 19th century, that of the seizing of Confederate diplomats from a British Navy vessel.
Abstract The Trent Affair was the event that represented the closest Great Britain ever came to entering the American Civil War on the side of the Confederacy. It examines how it was a focal point for the on-going diplomatic negotiations between the rebels and England and how it fueled controversy on both sides of the Atlantic. It deals with five authors with varying points of view on the argument for and against British involvement, who wrote five very different analyses of this period of great turmoil.
From the Paper "Norman Ferris's book, The Trent Affair, has a different take on the actions of Captain Charles Wilkes. He has a much more sympathetic tone when dealing with Wilkes and his choices. He describes in some detail the thought process behind Wilkes's decision to intercept the Trent, and ultimately calls the idea "a daring notion." (Ferris, 19) Later, he writes about the legality of the entire affair. "For about one week," he writes, "the legality of that act seemed unquestionable. Then, one by one, the precedents so confidently cited earlier were revealed by publicists to be erroneous or inapplicable." (Ferris, 34) This is a far cry from John's condemnation of the act as piracy, while still showing the mistaken ideas that were being touted as legalities."
Abstract Tactful European diplomat, thrifty businessman, powerful lawyer, meticulous biographer, beloved uncle, nature lover, protector of American culture, the United States' first world renowned writer-Washington Irving was all these things and much more. This paper details the life of Washington Irving and his impact on American history as both an author, diplomat and a preserver of American culture.
From the Paper "Besides writing American literature Irving published a book entitled Bracebridge Hall depicting the beautiful English countryside where he now was spending great amounts of time. Sir Walter Scott suggested that he travel to Germany to collect German folklore. Irving took Scott's advice and moved to Dresden where he studied German, viewed German art and collected new material for his next work. He also wrote plays for the court of King Frederick Augustus I. After living in Germany as a visiting celebrity, Irving moved to Paris to begin compiling his notes into what finally became the book Tales of a Traveler in 1824. ""
Tags: sleepy, hollow, legend, rip, van, winkle, Revolutionary, War
Abstract The paper explains how the play and film of "M. Butterfly" both tell the same story in much the same way, but there are some details that are very different and the way elements are emphasized is different. It shows how both the play and the film raise the same essential question for the viewer, though, a question that was originally raised by the true story on which each is based: Given that the diplomat in the story has an affair for several years with a man dressed as a woman and claimed not to know that this was a man and not a woman, how is this possible?
From the Paper "The external world of the film is more realistic than the "suggested" world of the stage, and this also undercuts the way the play deals with the conflict between reality and illusion because it makes reality more real and the illusion more obviously an illusion. The way Hwang develops Song Liling contributes to the essential deconstruction of Madame Butterfly, for while Song Liling decries the story of the opera, he makes use of it to seduce Gallimard and plays the part of Cio-Cio San in their relationship. "
Abstract This paper examines the fictional novels of two military officers, William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick. It analyzes the Unites States government's incompetence in foreign affairs. The paper illustrates the disinterest of U.S. diplomats in the foreign country he is living in. The author describes the subject of the book as the conflict of the United States foreign policy against the Communists, and their goal to take over portions of Southeast Asia.
From the Paper "The main theme woven throughout the book is that of U.S. governmental incompetence in our foreign affairs. Ambassadors and personnel cannot speak the native language of the countries where they are stationed. Often the personnel are political has-beens, who got a choice Ambassadorship for years of governmental work. Each of the stories in the book builds on the last, and adds depth to the different characters, showing their inefficiency and lack of judgment, contrasted with the "good" characters, who really try to help and learn about the native people."
Abstract This paper takes the form of a letter to a new President of the United States from a Chinese diplomat stationed in Taiwan. The letter emphasizes that the United States not abandon Taiwan due to the fact that this would promote warfare.
Abstract This paper examines the economic policy in diplomatic and trade relations between the United States and Cuba. In analysis of this policy, the paper determines the impact that these relations have had on the United States. The current level of Cuba-U.S. agricultural trade is presented and the issue of sanctions is explored.
From the Paper "Tension and confrontation are the definitions used to describe the relations between the United States and Cuba over the last forty years Due to Cuba's establishment of very close ties with the Soviet Union and the part Cuba played in fueling the Cold War frictions between the United States and Cuba have been of a long-running nature. While President Clinton was in office the policy with Cuba was one that promoted the 'peaceful transition' of Cuba to a stable and democratic government and held respect for human rights. Two complements of the policy were first the maintenance of pressure on the government in Cuba for bringing about changes through the embargo and Libertad Act while at the same time making provisions for humanitarian assistance to the people of Cuba."
Abstract The paper discusses how diplomatic relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic have been characterized in recent decades by economic cooperation, mutual trust and bilateral good will. The paper explains that because of geographical proximity, geopolitical realities and economic ties, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United States, for successive American administrations have had a strong interest in supporting the development of a democratic, stable and economically healthy Dominican Republic and Dominican leaders have welcomed American support.
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Yasir Arafat: A Political Biography," written in 2003 by Barry M. Rubin and Judith Colp Rubin. The paper discusses the style and tone of the book and describes the book's analysis of Arafat's personal and political flaws, as well as his perseverance, intelligence, creativity flexibility and effective diplomatic ways. The paper concludes that it is a well-written, balanced and extremely interesting book.
From the Paper "A key aspect of Arafat's long diplomatic success, especially in the latter decades of his career, the authors suggest, was the late Palestinian leader's successful cultivation of a particularly sympathetic public image. Perhaps ironically for one who publicly resisted any trappings of success or appearance of modern-day sophistication in favor of a humble if militant stubble-bearded look, Arafat used the mass media with enormous skill. He portrayed himself as a simple, no-frills man of the people, with his simple dress (usually a military uniform, as if he had come straight from battle), stubbly beard, and head-scarf carefully arranged to resemble a map of Palestine. Moreover, Yasir Arafat's disarming personal warmth, toward journalists and others, successfully masked his ruthlessness and perpetual propensity toward violence."
