Diplomacy and Global Security: A Historical Narrative of the Post-Cold War Era

Abstract

Immediately after the Cold war, there was a general optimism of an international system that would enable the component nation-states to pursue economic growth and greater independence. Despite the various strategies by the component nation states in the international system to attain self-sufficiency in economic terms and thus reduce dependence on other nation states for their needs and survival thereby weakening bilateral relations, the contemporary realities of the international system in the face of global security challenges pose a compelling sustained cooperation and collaboration among the nation states in the international system. Global security includes military and diplomatic measures that nations and international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) take to ensure mutual safety and security.
It also includes the regional and sub-regional collaborative strategies at combating security challenges. Diplomacy and global security are among the most pressing issues facing the world today. Success or failure can have huge implications for the international community and society as a whole. This paper submits that global security will remain a compelling factor in diplomatic relations in the twenty-first century.