Diplomacy Related Topic Essays

Introduction

This article addresses certain concepts and theoretical understandings based on Diplomacy and Legitimacy. We will provide an exhaustive answer to each of the questions that unfold our understanding and conceptual knowledge about diplomacy, influences of legitimacy, subtle truth concepts, and its efficacy.

Topic 1

What, in political and diplomatic terms, is the concept of "legitimacy"?

The debate about the legitimacy of claim over a territory is very complex in nature. Scholars such as Aristotle and Locke favour the notion that the credibility of a State's claim should be judged on the basis of prevailing code of conduct in a territory. They hold the point of view that if a state fulfils the duty of protecting individual rights of people living with the territorial jurisdiction, then there is no question regarding the legality of the possession of that territory.

Power and authority closely related, but authority used here to refer to institutionalized or formal power. What differentiates authority from power is the legitimacy of the claim (implying both the rights of some superior and some location of authority and obligations on the part of subordinates or subjects of that authority). Legitimacy implies that there is some form of consent or recognition of authority on the part of the regulated or governed (Webster, p. 132). This consent, itself, may be earned, or it may be generated by the rhetorical practices of political leaders. Consent is the product of persuasion and trust, rather than overt coercion.

How was it used, and what influence did it have, in the diplomatic reasoning of the Congress of Vienna?

The Congress of Vienna came about due to the European powers' territorial ambitions as well as Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo. This Congress was the first forum in history to use 'multilateral diplomacy'. Multilateral diplomacy manages the relations of international aspects through engagement in face-to-face negotiations. Through this congress, negotiations took place, which resulted in many adjustments of territories. Monarchies recognized independently or even restored for their powers. Countries, through the Vienna Congress, sorted out their differences and assumed their sovereignty based on their legitimate right to peace and independence.

There are myriad of factors that influence a country's decision to claim control over a territory. Countries having surplus population can claim their control over an area to accommodate a portion of surplus population. Germany and the United States claimed control over Poland and Puerto Rico for the same purpose. To assert the authority over a territory, a state must promulgate laws and entice people to abide by them (Nicolson, p.107). It should also enjoy the mandate of the people to establish its rule over that area. If it is not the case, the people living in that area should be considered as foreigners. It often assumes that someone so obligated always has a reason (of a stringent or pre-emptive kind) to comply. It is possible to deny that obligations do not always entail reasons to comply. So the questions about legitimacy, obligation, and action are more ...