Chancery (diplomacy)
Some nations title the head of foreign affairs a chancellor, and 'chancery' eventually became a common referent to the main building of an embassy.
[3] There is evidence of the existence of chanceries throughout history, playing a key role in the facilitation of diplomacy and bilateralism.
[4] Chanceries have persisted into the modern age and still play a key role in the formation of foreign relations and maintenance of diplomacy.
[5] Chanceries also have other uses which include providing diplomatic asylum to those seeking it as seen in the cases of Julian Assange and Chen Guangcheng.
From the exterior appearance to interior design, each play a role in the diplomacy that takes place within its walls.
Since the goals of chanceries are to facilitate diplomatic relations between the host and guest nations, artefacts that symbolise their relationship are often used to decorate them.
[12] Their chanceries, designed by Guillermo Jullian de la Fuente, all contain courtyards that allow for more open space and less restrictive diplomatic activities.
[13] The modern design was based on traditional cottage homes found in Ireland, with characteristics such as white walls and slate roofs.
The 21st century has seen attacks on chanceries and diplomatic missions making it vital for the premises to keep its occupants safe.
US embassies in the Middle East and North African region have built stronger and higher fences in an effort to eradicate vulnerability.
Assange's bid for asylum came following concerns on his role in the leaking of many official documents from the United States.
[18] Another notable example is Chinese civil rights activist Chen Guangcheng, who sought refuge following his escape from house arrest at the United States embassy in Beijing, China.
[6] The blind civil rights activist feared persecution from China following his criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and its one-child policy.
[19] After negotiations with the US government, Chen and his family were granted asylum there and were able to migrate there despite China's vexation with the U.S.'s actions.
As mentioned previously, the political importance and prominence of chanceries means that it has a great propensity for attacks, particularly those of a terrorist nature.
