This book presents a comprehensive overview of the current international practice of diplomacy. Armed with over 30 years of experience in the German Foreign Service, the author explains the workings of the different actors on the diplomatic stage. The book provides a detailed coverage of various diplomatic agencies as well as the functions of diplomats and consuls, explaining the methods and protocols of the art of diplomacy. It will serve as a good reference source for students and scholars of diplomacy, diplomats in foreign ministries and diplomatic and consular missions.

The Permanence of Diplomacy The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Services The Functions of Resident Diplomats Interfering and Unwelcome Diplomats Diplomatic Relations The Members of Diplomatic Missions Diplomatic Missions: Their Premises Diplomatic Asylum An Embassy's Lifelines Special Missions Inside an Embassy Consular Functions Counsular Posts Multilateral Conferences International Organizations and Diplomacy Permanent Missions and Their Members International Secretariats and Officials External Missions of International Governmental Organizations International Treaties and Diplomacy Diplomatic Methods