(Mis)Understandings of defence diplomacy as public diplomacy: Insights from three Spanish elites

Defence diplomacy and public are two diplomatic practices often treated in the literature as disconnected realms. While former focuses on peaceful cooperative use of armed forces, latter emphasizes advancement strategic communication international policy actors. However, it is possible to bridge differences between using concept soft power. By doing so, defence can be understood a set developed by states seeking influence attract third while employing military force within these parameters. This paper contributes firstly conceptual debate bridging both types diplomacies. Secondly, selects case study, Spain, examine perceptions three different Spanish elites involved formulation implementation policy: politicians, industry managers. adopts qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews, focus groups with experts, manual content analysis primary documentary sources. The results show that agree importance for achievement state goals but continue understand fundamentally from classical prism. They also discuss inclusion new concepts, such deterrence, part diplomacy.