Changing Role of Diplomatic and Consular Offices: Poland’s Experience

The chapter ‘Evolution of the Role and Function of Diplomatic and Consular Offices in the Changing Landscape of International Relations: A Historical Perspective on the Experiences of Polish Diplomacy’ examines the transformation of diplomacy from ancient times to the present, with a particular emphasis on Poland’s experience. The author traces the evolution of diplomatic principles and institutions-from the Peace of Westphalia (1648) and the Congress of Vienna (1815), through to the creation of the League of Nations and the United Nations, and up to the challenges of the digital era. Special attention is given to the development of the Polish diplomatic service after regaining independence in 1918, the structure of consulates in the Second Republic, and their role during World War II. The theoretical part discusses the main functions of diplomacy – representation, negotiation, information, promotion, and protection – and their modern transformations. This chapter argues that contemporary ‘neo-new’ diplomacy connects states, international organisations, NGOs, corporations, and citizens, while technologies (AI, social media) reshape but do not replace its essence-dialogue and cooperation. The author highlights the importance of soft power, where credibility, trust, and reputation have become key currencies, and effective diplomacy requires flexibility, digital competence, and the ability to adapt to global challenges.

Keywords: diplomacy, international relations, history of diplomacy, diplomatic offices, Polish diplomacy, functions of diplomacy, evolution of diplomacy