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Network training at the European Diplomatic Programme
14 Jun 2016 - 17:44

Networking has always been at the core of diplomatic work, but a lot can still be gained from having a sharpened network strategy and using the right tactics. Especially in the past decade, networking for diplomats deserves renewed attention. During the 2015-2016 European Diplomatic Programme (EDP), a group of 58 junior diplomats from across the European Union participated in a workshop networking.

Foreign policy making with new actors

First, diplomatic networking has changed because online communication tools are now at anyone’s disposal. More and mroe actors are involved in international relations. Benefits that used to be enjoyed by wealthy organizations are not exclusive anymore, such as publicity campaigns, lobby work and coalition building. Second, private actors have emerged as powerful actors in international relations. That is why foreign issues are not exclusively the domain of diplomats anymore.

What does this mean for network practices of diplomats?

Although there are still domains where diplomats have the exclusive access to multilateral fora, there are many other issues (e.g. human rights, humanitarian aid, labour standards, sustainability) where diplomats do their work alongside other actors, both governmental and non-governmental. In those cases, diplomats need to participate in the ‘network world’. Instead of being the network owner, diplomats more often need to be the network facilitator.

Moreover, the easy access to online information as well as to link to specific thematic, organizational and geographical groups (access to clusters) has led to a decrease in information monopoly for diplomats. The added value of diplomats to their surrounding network is not being the sole owner of information; diplomats rather need to tailor information to the needs and interest of the network they want to reach.

Lower centrality

These trends can be found back when analyzing the network mappings of diplomats. Generally speaking, diplomats used to be in the center of their network (high centrality). Most issues related to the international sphere would go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Nowadays , the level of centrality in most cases is much lower, because of new entities that have their own relevant network  in international relations.

Making a network plan

With networks that are growing in influence, but at the same time are more fluent, non-hierarchical and not bound to national borders, it is even more important for diplomats to consciously deal with their networking practices. This requires having a thorough understanding of goals and current network. A network needs to be mapped out, not only in quantative terms, but – especially – also in qualitative terms. A next step is to maintain and expand the network, for which different network communication tactics can be used.

European Diplomatic Programme

The EDP is a training project between the EU Member States and EU Institutions. Every year the EDP is being organised and hosted by the member state that holds the EU presidency; currently the Netherlands. The EDP programme has two parallel tracks: one for European diplomatic training directors and one for junior and mid-career diplomats.

The training project for diplomats consists of four separate modules combining skills and knowledge. Apart from this network workshop, the group participated in a training Policy Communication (November 2015, in Luxembourg), went on an exchange visit to European capitals (February 2016) and participated in a EU Negotiation Skills training (March 2016). The fourth and last module covered not only network skills, but also included case studies on planetary security, TTIP and Syrian refugees.

 

 

If you are interested in setting up a workshop networking for your organisation, please contact the coordinator Ms. Mara van der Meer.