Privatizing Diplomacy?

Editor's Note: Globalization, deregulation, and marketization are restructuring the relationship between public and private actors in the twenty‐first century. It appears to many observers as if governments are giving up their traditional prerogatives and delegating to the private sector functions that are central to the state. These include critical areas of state control including diplomacy and security affairs. This ISP Policy Forum explores the following questions: Brian Hocking explores the changing nature of national diplomatic systems and the emergence of what he labels “catalytic” diplomacy. Deborah Avant analyzes the increased use of private military services and the implications this holds for state control. Virginia Haufler examines how international diplomacy has incorporated the private sector into conflict prevention strategy. These three pieces illustrate important changes in international policymaking regarding the role of the private sector. Developments are occurring in the realm of diplomacy that challenge assumptions as to its character...