Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Public diplomacy
-Joseph S. Nye Jr.
Public diplomacy deals with the influence of public attitudes on the formation and execution of foreign policies. It encompasses dimensions of international relations beyond traditional diplomacy; the cultivation by governments of public opinion in other countries; the interaction of private groups and interests in one country with those of another; the reporting of foreign affairs and its impact on policy; communication between those whose job is communication, as between diplomats and foreign correspondents; and the processes of inter-cultural communications. In the past few decades, public diplomacy has been widely seen as the transparent means by which a sovereign country communicates with publics in other countries aimed at informing and influencing audiences overseas for the purpose of promoting the national interest and advancing its foreign policy goals
Recently, and notably since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington DC, public diplomacy has attracted increased attention from both practitioners and scholars from many parts of the world. After the 2001 attacks, people around the world expressed shock and support
For the U.S. government. Since then, however, negative attitudes about America have
Increased and become more intense, not just within Muslim populations, but worldwide Today, there is a realization that strong negative public opinion about the United
States could affect how helpful countries will be in the war on terrorism
Public diplomacy is transparent and widely
Disseminated
It’s also important that we expand our connections beyond government- to- government...think of new ways to connect with people... having a real dialogue and listening as much as talking. So we are committed to using these new tools in public diplomacy.”
-Hilary Clinton
http://www.publicdiplomacy.org/1.htm
http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL32607.pdf
The evolution of diplomacy
Diplomacy was re-established, but the government-to-people programs, previously confined to wartime, and continued. There are several theories as to why this happened. The two most often cited are that the war had speeded up
the information revolution, which now dominated practically the entire globe,
and that the world was basically divided into Western and Soviet orbits, with
both trying to extend their influence
http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/papers/vp01.cfm?outfit=pmt&folder=7&paper=2712
Initially diplomacy was all about states using diplomacy to protect their own interest but now it is not solely the case because with the presence of private organizations such as the non-governmental organizations (NGOS) things have taking a new shape , Globalization during the 20th century gave rise to the importance of NGOs. Many problems could not be solved within a nation. International treaties and international organizations such as the World Trade Organization were perceived as being too centered on the interests of capitalist enterprises. In an attempt to counterbalance this trend, NGOs have developed to emphasize humanitarian issues, developmental aid and sustainable development.
http://www.nonprofitexpert.com/ngo.htm
Diplomacy has changed significantly and the effectiveness of (NGO’S) is one of such reasons and most importantly public diplomacy as a whole is one of the major factor that differentiate the old diplomacy from the new diplomacy.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Propaganda...... sorry I mean public diplomacy!!!
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Me and Diplomacy.
Until recently my opinion on diplomacy was mostly based on various multilateral negotiations attempting to resolve major conflict in the world. Was i right...? Well i guess part of my opinion was. Today i might see diplomacy maybe in other different ways. Most of my ideas on "new diplomacy" were negotiation and made through multilateral organization, more public and using an inclusive system. i actually think today that diplomacy can be a mixture of both new and or old!! For many different reasons as i mention in earlier post blogs is that the old and new diplomacy should be more considerate as process of "continuity" and that this whole concept of ld and new should be more considerate as an evolution! However I strongly believe that in diplomacy today major actors today in diplomacy are many private cooperation or and nongovernmental organization. They in fact play a very dynamics role and are even able to transcend national boundaries and where government cannot really intervene or play part efficiently on human rights or global issue. Major events have actually attracted attention on diplomacy today it could be environmental issues, or 9/11 event that involves serious negotiations were not only sovereign states attempt to find ways to come to an agreements but others as I mention play part to engage , communicate with the foreign policies to promote public diplomacy. The importance of the media in diplomacy has also evolved in a way where it use to be secret and discreet, today major of these diplomacy are shared to the rest of the world.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
My understanding of Diplomacy today
My initial understanding of diplomacy was a mixture of Old and New Diplomacy. I had a vague image of diplomacy characterized by secrecy, high and low politics and several actors. Throughout this module I feel that this vague image of mine has become quite clear. Firstly, I have learned about the history of diplomacy and how it has evolved. I find it incredibly interesting that diplomacy has continuously adapted itself to changes in the system of international relations. Secondly, I have gained a greater understanding of the role of NGO’s and the difference in how they are greeted by developed and developing states. While NGO’s have increased in importance, it is still clear that their ability to act is based on how far nation-states allow them to. Third, I have gained knowledge about how multi-lateral conferences actually work and the immense work that goes into it, both before and after, by diplomats. For me personally, the most interesting aspect that I have studied has been diplomacy within the European Union. It fascinates me that though there has been a domestication of foreign relations amongst member states, the functions of European Union Bilateral Missions remain inevitable, though for different reasons. Furthermore, I am intrigued by the way in which the Commission’s external delegates have, through developing a niche, introduced both consumer-oriented and structural diplomacy. I don’t believe that my opinions about the role of diplomacy in world politics have changed much. However, I now have, after studying diplomacy, even more respect for the role and function of diplomats.
Public Diplomacy - The most important aspect of New Diplomacy
"By the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can alone"
– Tony Blair
Public Diplomacy strives to attain the impossible. Politics isn’t just Westminster, Pennsylvania Avenue, Rosenbad or the Leinster House. Political change, in the form of social action, can arise from any aspect of society. If passion for local, national or international issues can be ignited, the general public will be more likely to be aware of and involved in political discourse, alter the opinions of those in positions of influence and “place their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day”. Public diplomacy is founded on the idea that, given most populations has the ability to legally overthrow their government at election time, people are the basis of power and influence. It is a battle for hearts and minds whereby the rules of engagement are fluid and confrontations can occur in a structured form or through the utilisation of guerrilla tactics.
The use of heightened emotions and a desire to act following 9/11 serves as a fruitful example of the ability to utilise both the zeitgeist and the public to achieve an ends. Perhaps the greatest illustration of the politicisation of public emotion is Tony Blair’s October 2001 party conference speech. Similar to Bush, although with somewhat more skill, Blair used embracing, comforting rhetoric to corral the public and direct them towards the path of action he deemed necessary. The power of public diplomacy comes from its flexibility. Largely free of the strict governing rules and procedures which impede other forms of diplomatic engagement, persuasive techniques may be applied in a variety of forms and contexts. This is clearly shown in the build up to the invasion of Afghanistan. Here we saw the leaders of two of the most powerful nations in the world playing off the concern and compassion of their people, and of the global community, to gain support for their arguments.
However, the very administrations that had shown masterful use of public diplomacy years prior soon forget the extent of its importance. The Bush administration’s over-emphasis on physical force and divisive rhetoric in the build up to the Iraq war left it vulnerable to failure from the outset. Neglect of the power of the public would soon prove to be far more dangerous than may have been expected.
No force, no matter how great, no matter how strong their arsenal can eliminate a deviant subgroup of a society without the support of the society as a whole. In fact, as was shown in the tribal regions of Afghanistan and in certain areas of Iraq, the neglect of the battle to win hearts and minds served in some way to strengthen the cause and level of support for the very individuals that the allies sought to isolate and exterminate. This was not a wasted lesson however as the Bush administration and the current Obama administration both have included- personally and financially supported- acts of public diplomacy as part of and alongside military action (as illustrated in the image below).
In fact, the Obama administration has relied heavily on public diplomacy from the inception of its campaign. What began as a mission to convince and rally the American people with a message of hope and collective responsibility continued to become a call to action for those in far off lands and on distant shores.
Obama style public diplomacy incorporates not just political actors but also citizens. Although involved through marriage, it should be remembered that Michelle Obama is not an elected official. Yet she too is offered as a diplomatic tool to conjure support for the American outlook.
Does Traditional Diplomacy have any contemporary relevance?
The diplomatic agenda has expanded, for example to include the promotion of trade and this has become one of the Embassy’s primary tasks. Furthermore, the technology and communication’s revolution has had an impact on the conduct of diplomacy. Technological advances in the field of aviation, the telephone, fax and internet have led to the capability for rapid information sharing and consultation between the embassy and the home government. As a consequence, the foreign office is able to assert itself to a higher degree than previously by providing diplomats with continuous detailed instructions. In addition, the technology revolution has also enabled various government departments to maintain direct relations with their counterparts in other states, thereby bypassing the diplomatic channel. One of its major changes, however, is that summitry has gained widespread practice. Since the early 1970’s heads of state/governments and senior officials have become increasingly involved in diplomacy.
When looking at the surface it appears that old diplomacy has little relevance in the 21st century, however, one should be wary about drawing such a shallow conclusion. By scratching the surface it becomes apparent that while old diplomacy has adapted to the requirements of the 21st century, it is by no means outmoded. Secrecy continues to be a key element of diplomacy. It is about not losing face, the attempt to avoid unnecessary conflicts, complications and influence. If certain negotiations were done publicly, they may never have taken place to begin with. A prime example of this is Henry Kissinger’s secret talks to China which ultimately led to US recognition of the government of Beijing and diplomatic relations to China.
Another example is the 30 years ongoing talks between King Hussein of Jordan and Prime Minister Rabin of Israel. These culminated in a signed peace agreement 1995. What is clear, while other factors must be addressed, is that in order to progress the Israeli Palestinian Issue secret negotiations will play a vital role as public distrust and other external forces have historically and currently impede negotiations. Once secret negotiations have addressed some key areas of disagreement, addressing the concerns of these minor factors will prove easier.
Moreover, while the diffusion of actors in diplomacy is undeniable, one ought to be cautious to equal that to direct influence. Non nation-state actors do play a greater role today than 40 years ago. It should be noted however, that their level of influence is based on the willingness of nation-states. Despite heavy emphasis on multilateral treaties, bilateral agreements are still an important part of diplomacy. This is exemplified by the US pursuing bilateral immunity agreements with ICC signatories to avoid any jurisdiction whatsoever by the Court. Furthermore, permanent embassies remain a vital part of the diplomatic landscape. Though some of its functions have been altered, the embassy is still the central manager of foreign relations. When compared to its traditional functions, it is apparent that while heads of states/government take greater part in negotiations, diplomats provide a supportive role from beginning to end. Additionally, rather than collecting information, the embassy analyses the information by placing it into context for its home government.
Moreover, traditional functions still prove highly relevant. The embassy serves to cultivate contacts and identify such contacts to be cultivated for the future. The embassy serves as an early notification system to the host country of the desires, positions and thoughts of the home government regarding actions and positions of the host country. Recently, the Swedish ambassador in Kampala warned the Ugandan government that if Bill 18 – the anti-homosexuality bill- was passed, Sweden would not only publicly denounce it, but also withdraw development aid.
The importance of Public Diplomacy
The Chinese government is also aware of China’s image worldwide, tainted by the lack of human rights and democracy as well as minorities’ issues such as Tibet. Determined to address its problematic image, China is actively pursuing public diplomacy. Recently, China’s foreign minister Yang Jiechi stated that Chinese diplomats are now encouraged to actively court the public. Furthermore, Chinese culture is promoted through the Confucius Institute’s educational institutional partnerships worldwide. Moreover, in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, China took an unprecedented move. She opened up to foreign assistance and allowed journalists to report with almost no restrictions. These moves successfully served to place China’s image in a positive light. In addition, China used the Beijing Olympics 2008 to launch a massive public diplomacy campaign. As the largest global media event, the Olympics serves as a “platform that connect audiences globally”. China efficiently used the Olympics by loosening restrictions on media coverage and impressing foreign publics with its display of modernity, wealth, organization and maintenance of cultural values. All these different instruments of public diplomacy serve to promote China as a benign world power that is of no threat to other nations. Additionally, it aims to promote Chinese culture as admirable and China as being in the process of reform.
Arguably, it is evident that public diplomacy is important and does matter. Having said that, it is the extent to which the influence and impact of public diplomacy stretches is up for debate.
My view now...
Friday, 30 April 2010
Todays Diplomacy: A Mission with a Vision.
Since beginning of the module and with this part of assignment of writing blogs and unique methods of teaching by Steven Curtis has brought a dimension of today's diplomacy actually look like and portrayed in with advanced method. I am somewhere able to practically analyse the flow of world politics in norms of diplomacy. This is what I have developed by the module.
In today’s scenario, It seems Diplomacy have got a mission with technological, multilateral and advanced development. Globalization and media has played pivotal role in shaping new vision of today's diplomacy. However, public diplomacy and its multilateralism have driven far more ahead and have made diplomacy as important aspect of foreign policy today. Use of soft power, importance to human security, human rights, environmentalism and its bio-diversity had however resulted in to world peace. There are some drawbacks still hence they can be overcome at some point. Our visit to Swedish embassy gave us practical knowledge and means of example in this module study.
However, new diplomacy has figured out the human security, mutual international relations, mutual trade and commercial diplomacy, fast means of communications and its method on developing. Overall. It was need for today and as per today's situation. For example surgeons will surgery the injured parts of body but not the whole body itself. Similarly, Today’s diplomacy has surgery its injured part from the past and has played important role in world politics.
Diplomacy in a new light.
What the future holds for us!
Diplomacy for states is vital for their existence as an independent state and also to be a part of large communities such as UN, Commonwealth and EU. Through the use of diplomacy states are able to bargain and retain what they need and also most states are able to either oppose and agree, which is not the case for most of the poorer states who agree to certain conditions even though it can be harmful to the state and its people. As multinational organisations and NGO’s stream line certain negotiations the government based discussions are always done through diplomats or the foreign ministers. Who is the key link between most states along with ambassadors and diplomats.
Modern day communication may have eased the role of a diplomat and also have changed the way diplomacy was conducted but the traditional meeting a state leader in person having embassies and high commissions are still seen as vital for most states one of which being a source of communication with each other (Interstate communications) also for trade and migration which has been one of the key roles played by most of the modern day diplomats.
While various technologies and various other ways to communicate as been developed in the world still diplomacy is vital for state leaders but......yes but many human catastrophes have occurred and we humans have depilated own environment and now we are faced with climate change and various forms of tragedies that no one has for seen. Even still as everything else fails among government policies, corrupt politicians and terrorism still diplomacy continues to be a part of the modern day communication strategy.
New diplomacy, which brought out universal issues and made it be applicable to all humans have reached its highest point. These strategies are involved and attached to human feelings, feelings such as empathy towards one another which allows states to help one another even when their rivals or at war for humanitarian needs. It’s that simple reason why states depend on diplomacy. I always wanted to be a diplomat one who would bring things to a state that never had what the powerful states share.
Most governments spends billions on their foreign relations and on maintaining security and premises for embassies in hostile and rather vague states that are either of economic interest if not of territorial threat. Even still diplomacy at its highest, most states fails to agree and move towards a peaceful solution. Diplomacy has been a source of way most states interacted with each other at times of harmony or turmoil, yet its future depends merely on the hands of those who practice it. Can be in a more prudent and realistic way governments are keener on retaining peace rather than going in to full-fledged war just as in Iraq, Afghanistan and various other countries.
my opinion on the role of diplomacy in world politics today
Diplomacy is a very complex process which changes as often as the globe evolves , every tool or branch of diplomacy has its significance let’s take the role of the united nations on human right matters and also to promote peace and to act as a platform for nations so that they can resolve conflicts using peaceful diplomatic method and it has in a way play a very significant role in the new diplomacy and also the NGO’S and the private organisations are a major factor in the new diplomacy today because they also deal with human right matters and environmental issues , so many aspect of the new diplomacy has changed since the post cold war era.
Public diplomacy is also a major important section of the new diplomacy that has really caught my attention, the fact that the public opinion also matters, they can express themselves and also give their opinion, this days it is not only the interest of a country that is being promoted in other countries, the role of diplomat and foreign ministries today in different countries and also since the invention of globalization it has shaped the world politics today for example, technology which has provided almost everyone with a phone, internet and this has aid communication without much hassles, it has also helped today’s leaders to find a solution to help prevent wars and build a good relationship with other countries , other factors play a major important role in the world politics but public diplomacy will always stand out as a very important factor in today’s new diplomacy.
http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-politics/diplomacy-in-real-politics
Thursday, 29 April 2010
My understanding of diplomacy today
Sunday, 25 April 2010
My understanding of diplomacy today
Friday, 16 April 2010
There is no doubt that all aspects of the new diplomacy are important but amongst all
Firstly; with NGO’s playing an active role in diplomacy, citizens had a chance to participate in diplomacy aswell which was not possible before. Now ordinary people, like us, can have their campaigns and adress their issues in contrast to the old-diplomacy secrecy policies.
Secondly; sometimes NGO’s are more effective than the governments because of focusing mostly on one issue and take care of that but governments have more issues to take care of than NGO’s. For example; TEMA (Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats) is only focusing in environmental issues.
Thirdly; the interest of NGO’s are terrorism, environment, human rights and etc. has slightly changed the interest of states and diplomacy, now states are more conscious.
In addition to the reasons listed above, with the participation of NGO’s in diplomacy, the secrecy of old times has been out of the diplomacy. The world politics became international and the borders of states started to disappear as the concerns of the NGO’s are mostly international.
To conclude; today NGO’s influence on world politics is in various ways can not be denied and possibly their effects on diplomacy is more than the other aspects of the new diplomacy.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
New diplomacy, what's the most important aspect?
G.R. Berridge,Diplomacy: theory and practices,4th edition
Important Aspects
Sources: http://www.diplomacy.edu/books/mdiplomacy_book/petrovski/regular/petrovski-7.htm
Most important aspect of the New Diplomacy
For more information on the Landmine ban treaty see the Satow scanned reading on weblearn, and Greenpeace.org has an extensive overview of their involvement with the Copenhagen treaty.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Public diplomacy as the most important aspect of the new diplomacy
Public diplomacy play’s a very vital role in the new diplomacy, it is a theory of friendship and peace because it is developed in an international direction and even a global location, the social and political entities seek to engage the members of the foreign public and the conversation dialogue between the foreign public and the social political entities is more likely to decrease the risk of war and increase and the risk of international cooperation this has help to build relationships between countries and has helped small and medium states because it create an opportunity to gain influence and shape international agenda and that has helped develop their economy and national securities that go beyond their limited hard power recourses (related to size economic and military power).
Public diplomacy communicates to all boundaries, countries, borders it’s all about nation branding and building a nations reputation and this process has helped to maintain peace between so many countries just like the relationship between china and Egypt, China and
Public diplomacy has become a very vital issue since the world war II , public opinion has become an important factor in international affairs, and it a theory of peace so in my opinion world peace is very important so i will say public diplomacy is the most important aspect of new diplomacy.