What is it about?
With the evolution of international society and the needs of its citizens, the consular function has shown to possess an almost chameleonic quality, from special judicial responsibilities and the promotion and facilitation of trade to the assistance of citizens living and travelling overseas. In domestic society, consular work shows the relevance of foreign ministry work for ordinary people and this activity thus helps generate support for the foreign ministry and its work.
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Why is it important?
My international graduate students immediately understand the importance of "citizen security" in the world today, either by instinct or by personal experience. The contrast with the neglect of this dimension of the practice of international relations in the literature is remarkable, or perhaps shocking. Gladly, the book has been a source of inspiration for other academics. Almost ten years after its publication, there is now a smal but significant body of literature on consular diplomacy.
Perspectives
Here is a confession: after publication of this book I gradually see the even greater significance of its theme. To find out more one really has to go inside the engine room of international politics. It has been a pleasure to engage with practitioners and advise foreign ministries on consular diplomacy, and to learn by means of participatory research.
Jan Melissen
Leiden University and University of Antwerp
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Consular Affairs and Diplomacy, February 2011, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/ej.9789004188761.i-334.
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