Critically Assessing The Importance Of The Vienna Convention On Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) To The Practice Of Diplomacy And International Relations Between Sovereign States
- IJLLR Journal
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Parth Kapoor, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), Jindal Global Law School
Introduction
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) which was adopted in 1961, stands as a cornerstone of modern international law as it codifies the principles and norms which govern the diplomatic interactions among the primary subjects of international law i.e. the states. It provides a vast framework comprising of all immunities, responsibilities and other facets that make the interactions easier thereby facilitating smooth functioning of diplomacy and also mending any frictions which may arise during such interactions. With 192 signatory states, we see that the VCDR in today’s time has gained the characteristic of being (almost) universally accepted and the same uphold its importance in the modern sphere by aiding interactions. With this paper, I aim at critically analysing the widespread importance of the VCDR alongside its key facets contributing to diplomacy and its evolving relevance in the contemporary world. This analysis is aimed at arguing that even though the VCDR remains a crucial aspect facilitating diplomatic relations among states, its efficiency is time and again tested by not only the modern realities but also the unique ways of interactions and tensions that dwell among today’s modern systems.
Historical Context and Development of the VCDR
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) came to existence because the world needed a clear and consistent legal framework to manage diplomatic relations. Before this, diplomacy operated mostly on the basis of tradition, informal customs, and one-on-one agreements between countries. While we know that the idea of diplomacy goes back thousands of years i.e. ancient Mesopotamia or the Greek city-states, it wasn’t until the modern state system took shape after the 17th-century Peace of Westphalia that the need to formally codify diplomatic rules became urgent and alarming. This new system placed a strong emphasis on state sovereignty and territorial integrity. By the 1800s, many diplomatic practices like granting immunity to diplomats and respecting the sanctity of embassies had become common, but they weren’t always applied consistently. This lack of uniformity often led to misunderstandings and conflicts between states. Therefore, VCDR was created to put everyone on the same page and ensure that diplomacy could function smoothly, safely, and respectfully around the world.
