Since the end of the First World War, there has been a debate concerning the definition, content, and practice of diplomacy. The debate originates in different views of how democracy and the transformation in the international setting have affected the traditional practice of diplomacy. Some analysts maintain that there is a new diplomacy, characterized by publicity and openness with new kinds of diplomatic activities and agents. Others view modern diplomacy as an amalgam of old diplomacy that has adapted to changes. Since claims are made that we are witnessing a new diplomacy (open and public in a multilateral setting), distinct from old diplomacy(professional diplomats practicing secrecy and confidentiality), a central question in this paper is how we are to view secrecy in international negotiation.