The Relational Model Of Diplomacy

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The relational model of diplomacy is the system of diplomacy most commonly associated with India and China, and focuses on a center of power with the tendency towards national interest when it comes to diplomatic roles (Holmes-284). The relational model of diplomacy also features a heterarchy system, which is an arrangement of elements that are unranked or have the potential to be ranked in a number of ways. The heterarchy in the relational model of diplomacy has worked in the past for China and India as the ancient mandala system, which has become very important to the development of the relational model today (Holmes-277). The relational model of diplomacy is different from the Westphalian state system because of the use of a zone system, …show more content…
The Westphalian states system of sovereignty is the main difference concerning the relational model’s use of a zone system (Holmes-284). The concept of zones used by the relational model doesn’t outline any definitive borders like with the Westphalian sovereignty, but focuses on spheres of influence (Homes-276). The relational model also focuses more on national interest when it comes to intervention in global politics instead of honoring each state or entity as being equal like the Westphalian system (Holmes-284-285). The use of heterarchy for the relational model verses hierarchy in the Westphalian model also outlines the differences between the two states systems with heterarchy being more flexible to change while hierarchy is a solid ranked system (Holmes-302). The strengths of the relational model of diplomacy is that it is more open to non-state actors with a heterarchy system, and it’s constantly evolving to change with the flow of the international community (Holmes-284-285). The weaknesses of the model is that there is a lack of coordination and consistency in the behavior of states with this model of diplomacy, and can cause for varying

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