Unit 2 - STATE BODIES FOR FOREIGN RELATIONS : THE FOREIGN MINISTRY

Question 1

Functions of the Head of State, Head of Government and Foreign Ministry

Answer 1

Play the major roles in the foreign affairs o the state and represent the state in its international relations.

Question 2

Three political figures under International Law

Answer 2

The tree exist in the same conditions and their acts and decisions are internationally binding (on the state they represent).
IL recognizes that they have full powers to give consent to international treaties.

Question 3

In which article is regulated the capacity of states to conclude treaties?

Answer 3

Article 6 and 7 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of the Treaties (1969)

Question 4

What happens when the head of state and government exist separately inside the same country?

Answer 4

That the internal laws regulate their specific powers to make a distinction between expressing consent, ratifying, signing, etc

Question 5

According to Spanish constitution, who is the head of state?

Answer 5

The King

Question 6

Functions of the King

Answer 6

Express state’s consent to be bound by an international treaty
Represent Spain at the highest level of its international relations
Sign ratification acts

Question 7

What element need the treaties to be implemented?

Answer 7

They need the King’s signature to be fully effective

Question 8

Definition of letter of credence

Answer 8

It is a formal diplomatic letter that appoints an ambassador to another sovereign state.
Commonly known as diplomatic credentials, they are addressed by one head of state to another, asking them to give credence to whatever the ambassador may say on the country’s behalf.
It is presented by the ambassador personally to the receiving head of state in a formal ceremony.

Question 9

Functions of the president

Answer 9

Represents the state on the international scene.

Is in charge of the initiative, direction and execution of the foreign policy.

Question 10

When the government can take action?

Answer 10

When it has the authorization of the parliament and signature of the king.

(They can authorize what the president has put before them)

Question 11

Double nature of the foreign minister

Answer 11

1. It is an internal organ of the state and part of the government: they plan and execute he country’s foreign policy in the framework of the government guidelines.
2. It is an organ of the external relations of the state, an intermediary between the state and the foreign state: represent the state and have full powers to bind the country on the international arena

Question 12

What diplomacy needs regarding the foreign ministry?

Answer 12

More unified direction. And better preserved archives

Question 13

Why diplomacy need better preserved archives and more unified direction?

Answer 13

Because the multiplying international relationships and thickening network of resident embassies lead to eh possibility of bad implementation and execution of the foreign policy of the state.

Question 14

Main functions of the foreign ministry

Answer 14

1. Staffing and supporting missions abroad
2. Policy-making and implementation
3. Coordination of foreign relations
4. Dealing with foreign diplomats at home

Question 15

Staffing and supporting missions abroad (foreign ministry)

Answer 15

• Provide the personnel for consular and diplomatic missions abroad (posts in the IO’s headquarters) + recruitment and training o the members and selecting the right personnel to particular posts
• Supporting the diplomats and their family in dangerous situations abroad (anger of murder or kidnapping)
• Constructing buildings abroad
• Ensure that the mission objectives are accomplished and issuing instructions (avoiding localities)
• Periodic visits of inspection

Question 16

Define the concept of LOCALITIS

Answer 16

It is a condition that ambassadors suffer when hey are abroad by assuming the host country’s perspective and getting attached to te country so the interest of their home country are undermined

Question 17

Hoe the foreign ministers avoid the LOCALITIS phenomenon to occur?

Answer 17

By circulating the diplomatic personnel and letting them serve in short terms in te foreign country, posting the diplomats back home to not to loose contact with his nations society an government.

Question 18

2. Policy- making and implementation (foreign ministry)

Answer 18

Mirar apuntes

Question 19

3. Coordination of foreign relations (foreign ministry) - strategies for promoting coordination

Answer 19

There are 7 strategies:
- Retaining control of all diplomatic and consular missions
- Placing senior foreign ministry personnel in key positions
- Securing for the foreign ministry te position of ‘lead department’
- Requiring written clearance on key questions
- Requiring prior notice of any proposed official trip abroad
- Exchanging staff with other ministries.
- housing key functions under the same ministerial roof.
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Question 20

4. Dealing with foreign diplomats at home (foreign ministry)

Answer 20

The increasing of the states has led to an increase of the size of diplomatic corps nd frequency of special missions.

Foreign ministries have a separate protocol department or one that embraces together protocol with another closely related function.

Departments contains experts in ceremonial, diplomatic and consular law .

Question 21

The representative character of the head of state, head of government and foreign minister.

Answer 21

Because of this, they are entitled to receive special treatment when visiting foreign countries.

They must have prior invitations of the receiving state and receive the honors corresponding to the high position that they hold.

In addition, the government of the host state must offer diplomats protection to avoid crime or kidnapping .