Street-Level Diplomacy? Administrator Reflections on Small Grant Schemes as a Public Diplomacy Tool

Abstract

ABSTRACT Embassy-based small grant schemes [SGS] are a niche development tool with public diplomacy objectives. SGSs create opportunities for local actors to pursue development goals whilst enabling diplomatic staff to practice a kind of street-level diplomacy, engaging segments of society outside traditional diplomatic circles. However, an argument often raised against such programmes are SGS administrative costs and the risk of misappropriation. Recognising this critique, the analysis explores the challenges and benefits of SGSs as seen by those individuals who manage these programmes at the embassy level. It also examines the experiences of SGS officials as they reflect on the diplomatic value of small grant schemes given their administrative and bureaucratic challenges. Despite challenges inherent in SGSs, diplomats and others involved perceive the benefits as worthwhile; however, results suggest that the benefits are contingent upon appropriately flexible and efficient systems, but also an officialdom capable of capitalising on the value of street-level diplomacy.