This book brings together leading scholars to examine the changing roles and structures of foreign ministries in twelve countries, as well as their place within the European Union. The contributors assess how foreign ministries have responded to both domestic and international pressures, including the demands of globalization, the rise of new actors, and the need for more open and networked forms of diplomacy. Rather than accepting the conventional wisdom that foreign ministries are losing relevance, the volume demonstrates that they are actively redefining their functions—integrating economic and political roles, embracing digital communication, and developing new strategies for information gathering and negotiation.

The analysis highlights the crucial linkages between foreign policy and the mechanisms through which it is conducted. Chapters explore how ministries balance the need for rapid, transparent communication with the long-term perspective and discretion that diplomacy requires. The book also addresses the impact of supranational organizations like the EU, showing how foreign ministries must now coordinate not only with their own governments but also with a growing array of international partners and networks. By focusing on both challenges and innovations, the volume provides valuable insights into the ongoing adaptation of diplomatic institutions.