The world of international relations has changed radically in thelast few years. Technological, social and political change havecombined to undermine the traditional assumptions of diplomacy - inparticular, the events of 11 September set in stark relief therisks and dangers.

Shaun Riordan, a former British diplomat, draws on his ownexperience, case studies, and current debates in internationalrelations to assess the performance of diplomatic services and tosketch out the new diplomatic environment. Traditional diplomaticservices and structures are found wanting.

Riordan argues forcibly against realpolitik and for a morepro-active diplomacy based on the promotion of ideas and values asa better way of securing the West's long-term interests. In doingso, he presses for radical re-structuring of diplomatic services,replacing hierarchical with networked structures, and the creationof new forms of global governance that incorporate NGOs and theprivate sector, as well as government officials, in a broaderdiplomatic effort.