Quiet and Secret Diplomacy

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    Abstract

    Quiet and secret diplomacy entail more than simply discretion: they involve a conscious desire to leave activities unadvertised, or to hide certain form of engagement from scrutiny. Secrecy has a long history: it has been reinforced on occasion by laws and institutions, and has long been used to hide the frailties of political leaders. Secrecy can provide space for complex negotiations, especially with unappealing actor such as terrorist groups. However, it may be difficult to maintain, it may be a barrier to learning from experience and it is increasingly challenged by vigorous media, and by the expansion in the range of actors involved in diplomacy. Its consequences are often difficult to assess; as a result, it may be that it is best appraised by attention to situational issues rather than some grand ethical theory.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe SAGE Handbook of Diplomacy
    EditorsCostas M Constantinou, Pauline Kerr, Paul Sharp
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherSAGE Publications
    Pages451-461
    Volume1
    Edition1
    ISBN (Print)9781446298565
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

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