A Theoretical Approach to Regional Diplomacy: Revisionist States in Power Cycle Transition

Diplomacy is one of the most important instruments used by states to achieve national goals and interests. Therefore, diplomacy and diplomatic policy making are significant preoccupations of nation-states in the international relations area. But given the characteristics of international system, especially its cycle of power, linkage between diplomacy and cycle of power gains more importance. Of course, this subject is most relevant to regional diplomacy of revisionist states. In this respect and given the systemic cycle of power along with order patterns and its turning points, a question rises on opportunities and restrictions of revisionist states and their impact on diplomacy of such states. This article argues there is a direct linkage between the cycle of power and diplomacy due to the realistic nature of world system. There are different patterns of order in power cycle including hegemonic, controlling, concert and non-structure Nation states undergo transition from one turning point to another to achieve a higher position. Therefore, they face different challenges that can be conceptualized in the Cold War framework. The author believes that the network model of diplomacy can be helpful. This article tries to depict a model of network diplomacy in transition stages of power cycle by revisionist states.