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Embassies in the 21st C.?

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  • 20-03-2009 2:58pm
    #1
    silverharp
    Registered Users Posts: 18,396 ✭✭✭✭


    Given that we live in the 21st C world of call centres , video conferencing , Fed Ex. the internet etc. , are Embassies /Ambassadors necessary? are they good value? has their role evolved such that they as an institution their role would stack up on a cost / benefit analysis?

    A belief in gender identity involves a level of faith as there is nothing tangible to prove its existence which, as something divorced from the physical body, is similar to the idea of a soul. - Colette Colfer



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    #2
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,429 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    So, when you're in some hellhole prison, whould you prefer your consular service delivered in person or via a conference call on a 14k modem?


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    #3
    silverharp
    Registered Users Posts: 18,396 ✭✭✭✭silverharp


    Victor wrote: »
    So, when you're in some hellhole prison, whould you prefer your consular service delivered in person or via a conference call on a 14k modem?


    it that it? their killer app. , seems like this could be covered under travel insurance?

    A belief in gender identity involves a level of faith as there is nothing tangible to prove its existence which, as something divorced from the physical body, is similar to the idea of a soul. - Colette Colfer



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    #4
    Dannyboy83
    Registered Users Posts: 4,236 ✭✭✭Dannyboy83


    silverharp wrote: »
    Given that we live in the 21st C world of call centres , video conferencing , Fed Ex. the internet etc. , are Embassies /Ambassadors necessary? are they good value? has their role evolved such that they as an institution their role would stack up on a cost / benefit analysis?

    I don't think it would be a good idea to get rid of them.
    Its harder to justify unreasonable decisions when you will have a person to answer to instead of a monitor to turn off.
    They do lots of useful functions such as passport renewal etc.
    They understand various specific cultural issues relative to a specific country.
    There are lots of reaons really.

    The negative political effect of withdrawing or expelling ambassadors can be a useful political weapon when people aren't playing ball.
    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2087274.ece
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1557729/Russia-to-respond-to-expulsion-of-its-diplomats.html

    Other job descriptions too
    http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/russia-accuses-senior-british-diplomat-of-spying_10070436.html

    I think Ambassadors will always be a necessity to be honest, wheter today or 200 years.


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