The central and perifheral organs of the state in foreign relations A study from the perspective of Spanish municipal law

Abstract

Contemporary states have made use of sovereignty to play a greater role in international relations in a globalised and interdependent world, in which foreign policy is directed not only between States, but also towards other subjects of international law. In the case of Spain, the Constitution has marked a transcendental change in foreign action based on a new framework of powers, in which new territorial entities come into play, as well as the impact of its presence in international forums (especially the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations) and respect for international law. In this context, State bodies are classified as central and peripheral, where the former are made up of the Head of State (King or President of the Republic), the President of the Government (Head of Government or Prime Minister) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, all of whose competencies acquire a double dimension, internal and external, since they not only form part of the State organisation but also assume the highest functions of representation, direction and management in the sphere of international relations. Secondly, and as a result of the previous classification, there are the peripheral or decentralised bodies, which make up the State’s pure diplomacy abroad, and are classified into diplomatic missions, consular offices, permanent representatives in international organisations and ad hoc missions that are carried out through special missions or delegations to international conferences.