Agency Change: Diplomatic Action Beyond the State

(Hardback)

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John Robert Kelley puts forth that modern diplomatic efforts derive not from states whose centuries-long power is loosening, but rather from a new breed of diplomatsexit the diplomacy of institutions; enter the diplomacy of individuals competing for power. Moving beyond standard concepts of traditional and new diplomacy, Agency Change illustrates how parallel, yet disparate diplomatic systems emergestatesmen seeing power vis--vis non-state actors seeking solutions to problemsand examines different mutually beneficial solutions to this phenomenon. Kelley examines how different factor impact diplomatic action: Idea entrepreneurship Agenda-setting Mobilization Gate-keeping He concludes that the time has come for governments to innovate their diplomatic efforts in order to find a way to coexist with non-state actors while maintaining accountability, legitimizing the use of state strength, and leveraging permanent presence in diplomatic relationships. This thorough survey shows how states can embrace change by first recognizing sources of power in todays diplomatic affairs, and presents a case for what states can do now to respond to a world in which diplomacy has gone public.

Reviews

With the influence of non-state actors on the rise, diplomatic systems have no choice but to evolve. Kelley addresses an array of crucial issues related to this evolution, issues that diplomats and scholars must grapple with. His book will be of great value to this audience. -- Philip Seib, University of Southern California
In homage to his tweeting activist protagonists, Kelley has produced a well-rounded and user-friendly synthesis of diplomacy's creative breakdown for their further perusal. -- Iver B. Neumann, Montague Burton Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and author of Russia and the Idea of Europe.

Author Bio

John Robert Kelley is assistant professor at the School of International Service at American University, and an associate at the London School of Economics IDEAS think tank. Prior to entering academia, he worked at the U.S. Department of State, where he served as program officer in the Office of Foreign Missions.