The world of international relations has changed radically in the last few years. Technological, social and political change have combined to undermine the traditional assumptions of diplomacy - in particular, the events of 11 September set in stark relief the risks and dangers. Of course, there are new opportunities, but diplomats have failed to exploit them. Shaun Riordan, a former British diplomat, draws on his own experience, case studies, and current debates in international relations to assess the performance of diplomatic services and to sketch out the new diplomatic environment. Traditional diplomatic services and structures are found wanting. The roles of new players, both governmental and non-governmental, are examined, and a case is made for the private sector taking on many traditional functions of embassies. The relations between western states and those with the rest of the world are clearly distinguished, as Riordan argues forcibly against realpolitik and for a more pro-active diplomacy based on the promotion of ideas and values as a better way of securing the West's long-term interests. In doing so, he presses for radical re-structuring of diplomatic services, replacing hierarchical with networked structures, and the creation of new forms of global governance that incorporate NGOs and the private sector, as well as government officials, in a broader diplomatic effort.