The Most important aspect of New Diplomacy
The most important aspect of New Diplomacy is that it is new especially, since the end of the cold war. It does and practice new forms of diplomacy. Non-governmental organisations, environmentalist, public opinion, news media, even celebrities seem to have an effect in a way diplomacy is conducted. Although I believe Bilateral Diplomacy remain to be a defining factor of the international system, gone are the days where by political issues are dealt by state representatives behind closed doors and result is delivered. Today, issues are trashed out among the different groups, in full glare of the media and round the clock some of whom even have acquired a seat at the UN.
New Diplomacy’s main feature is inclusiveness. State less nations, Poverty reduction, the environment, war, organised crime, security, globalisation etc. all these issues have victims as well as beneficiaries. In New Diplomacy, their effect is discussed and brought to the attention of the International Affairs by their respective representatives. As well as increasing awareness among the general public and create huge debate, New Diplomacy, like many other things willingly or forcefully had to evolve, into a new era-public opinion matters and politicians are well aware of that.
Hirut
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Hirut,
ReplyDeleteI definately agree with your stance but have little concerns about the survival of NGOs in extremely religious or culturally polarised environments like the Middle East. A section of whom may interprete the work of NGOs as an extension of imperialism by the USA or 'the west'
Dear Hirut,
ReplyDeleteI read your comment on the new diplomacy and I have to say I support most of your views. Yes, you have a point that the diplomacy today is new, more inclusive and open, which benefits more states, however, I don't think that the days when politicians used to meet behind closed doors and discuss matters are really gone. As this is a feature of the traditional diplomacy, I believe that neither today nor ever will it be unnecessary, or obsolete. Many people argue that technology today, mostly the Internet, will replace the traditional type of diplomacy: face-to-face contact as well as the role of embassies, but I strongly believe that this form of diplomacy is essentially needed in dealing with issues which require urgent attention: terrorism, war on terror, vilonce, etc. ,at least in terms of security matters and more efficient outcome, based on appropriate knowledge and competence.
Also, in addition to what Samuel said, culture and religion take a very important place in today's diplomacy and this is another new feature in it. I read the article by Huntington about the clash of civilizations and he suggests that there will be a time when there will not be economic issues at stage or any other more important issues than religion. The whole process of globalization will transform to a religious clash, as a result of which cultural upraisals will be very common. So yes, as the world is changing, diplomacy as everything else changes, so that development is feasible.
I agree with you statement in a sense that the old diplomacy non-state actors had no involvement in the negotiation.
ReplyDeleteI also agree when you said that bilateral diplomacy is still the most praticed and the most important, however in some issues, for instance the ones that involve security the non-state actors still can get involved, i wonder if this will change one day...!