Proposing a Framework for Development Diplomacy Policy: Antecedents and Consequences

Development diplomacy, as a strategic tool in international relations, plays a significant role in promoting international cooperation, reducing inequalities, and achieving sustainable development goals. This study was conducted with the aim of proposing a framework for development diplomacy policy. The research method is qualitative and based on a systematic literature review. Out of 210 articles examined, 23 were ultimately selected for final analysis after several stages of screening. This study offers a framework for development diplomacy policy that identifies the antecedents, strategies, outcomes, and intervening conditions in the development diplomacy process. It addresses various dimensions of development diplomacy, including environmental diplomacy, public diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. The internal factors influencing development diplomacy include security, economic and soft power, political stability, corporate social responsibility, government-business relations, and leadership styles. International factors also play a crucial role in shaping development diplomacy. These include geopolitical policies, foreign direct investment, foreign policy interests, diplomatic relations, and international relations. As a key instrument of foreign policy, development diplomacy encompasses a wide range of activities, including environmental diplomacy, public diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and development cooperation. Strategies of development diplomacy are generally categorized into five types: political, economic, social, environmental, and technological. Moreover, the outcomes of development diplomacy are extensive and may lead to improvements in global image, creation of development opportunities, structural development, economic growth, national competitiveness, capital enhancement, and knowledge transfer. In addition, internal and external intervening conditions influence the success of development diplomacy. Political and economic conditions, national reputation, governance, the global economy, and economic sanctions are among these conditions.