In order to define and propose solutions to contemporary international governance challenges, it is essential to explore the defining characteristics of both traditional and new forms of diplomacy. No longer is diplomacy an exclusive, closed-door institution, where longstanding guardians of official statecraft reign supreme. Yet while non-governmental organizations, corporations, research institutes, individuals and even celebrities can be found engaging in diplomatic activities on a daily basis, there is no consensus as to whether they should be considered diplomats.

CIGI's research on complex diplomacy aims to foster dialogue on a range of topics, including: the links between governance and diplomacy; the nature of public diplomacy vs. advocacy; the impact of the phenomenon of celebrity diplomacy; and recent changes to the practices of state-based diplomacy. These objects are carried out through the sponsoring and hosting of conferences, seminars and workshops, and the production of presentations, working papers and books.

PUBLICATIONS

• Which Way Latin America? Hemispheric Politics Meets Globalization
  Edited by Andrew F. Cooper and Jorge Heine (UNU Press, 2009)


• Global Governance and Diplomacy: Worlds Apart?
  Edited by Andrew F. Cooper and Brian Hocking and William Maley (Palgarve Macmillan, 2008)


• Celebrity Diplomacy
  Andrew F. Cooper (Paradigm Publishers/UBC Press, 2007)


• Celebrity Diplomacy and the G8: Bono and Bob as Legitimate International Actors
  Andrew F. Cooper (Working Paper #29: 2007)


• Great Expectations: Mexico's Short-Lived Convergence under NAFTA
  Carol Wise (Working Paper #15: 2007)


• Consequences of an Emerging China: Is Development Space Disappearing for Latin America and the Caribbean?
  Nicola Phillips (Working Paper #14: 2007)