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Д. А. Крячков
UNIT IV
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Second, Copeland’s advice and practical proposals are inspiring and visionary and 
rooted in his deep reflections on the diplomatic ecosystem. Yet, in a world where many 
foreign ministries choose not to embrace the possibilities of new communication tech-
nologies and social media platforms (after all, only a few governments and foreign ser-
vices use Facebook, twitter, Youtube, or Second Life), he might be overestimating the 
possibilities for change within a profession still marked by tradition and conservatism. 
He also acknowledges that many of his proposals would lead to the end of centralised 
control over communication and that this is something for which many governments are 
simply not ready.
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With its research base, Guerrilla Diplomacy looks like a textbook, but it is not a stan-
dard one. Its tone is conversational, and it is truly enjoyable to read. When choosing 
this book, do not expect to learn about the basics of diplomacy such as conventional 
bilateral and multilateral diplomacy or the Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Relations. 
With its holistic approach, the book is, rather, a tool for navigation through a complex 
and intertwined system of multiple actors, levels, and problems and a guideline for ad-
vancing the role of diplomacy in a changed world. The book poses many challenges to 
the traditional view on diplomacy. However, even if one does not conform at all with the 
specific perspective Copeland takes, the book remains a valuable read for its insights 
into the workings of the “diplomatic ecosystem” and its thought-provoking proposals 
for adaptation of this system. Definitely, it will be appreciated by undergraduate and 
graduate students alike. Practitioners may have more than quibbles with Copeland's 
solutions to the marginalization of diplomacy, but they are unlikely to disagree funda-
mentally with his diagnosis.
Ex. 27. Choose an article from an academic journal on the topic connected with 
your research and write a critical review of this article following the guidelines in 
Unit 3 (ex. 35).