Since the 17th century when the Treaty of Westphalia forged the modern international system, diplomacy has been defined almost exclusively by state-to-state relations. In recent decades, traditional notions of diplomacy have been eroded through the process of globalization. Multinational corporations command influence and resources greater than those of many nations. Single-issue advocacy groups influence national politics and help shape the global agenda, as do media conglomerates.

The internet has virtually erased national borders in the commerce of information and ideas. In dealing with these changes, governments and corporations find themselves confronting unprecedented challenges.

Under the Presidency of His Highness the Aga Khan, the ADI has recently undergone a strategic revitalization process that has involved the reframing of the ADI mission and program to address in concrete and practical ways the new challenges and opportunities facing the international community in the 21^st century. As part of its new mandate, the ADI will be focusing its attention not only on the role of states but also corporations, multi-lateral institutions, single-issue advocacy groups and the media in shaping global affairs.

We are currently developing a series of study groups, training programs and other activities related to contemporary diplomacy that will be introduced in the course of this year. One of our first activities is the “Forum for New Diplomacy,” which we are undertaking with the International Herald Tribune.