Do we still need diplomats?
- Introduction
- More than ever, we need diplomats. Diplomats are vital parties in advancing the agendas of their home countries.
- Diplomats are representatives of sovereign states and ensure that the interests of their nations are addressed by the other country (Mearsheimer 1994).
- Thesis: Diplomats remain relevant for several reasons, such as promoting international relations, protecting the interests of their country, and enhancing a government’s network.
- Diplomats are vital in enhancing domestic and global relations
- Diplomats ensure that there is legitimacy and support of policies that affect domestic and international interactions (Bolewski 2007). This role is crucial, given the growing interconnection between national and international policies.
- Diplomats also represent a country’s interest in international affairs. Without diplomats, powerful countries would dominate and overshadow the needs of the less powerful entities, which disadvantages the latter.
- Diplomats safeguard the interests of their country
- Diplomats aid in promoting trust between countries, which is vital in eliminating fear and power imbalance. Through diplomatic ties, states are assured of each other’s intentions and adjust their relationship accordingly.
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- The diplomats also promote cooperation among countries to collectively address issues affecting their interests and power (Mearsheimer 1994). For instance, uniting military forces to confront a common enemy.
- Diplomats ensure that there is no cheating in agreements made by countries and advocate for transparency and future cooperation. Transparency assuages the primary worry that each country will try to cheat the other. The fear of cheating is what hampers international relations.
- Accordingly, diplomats pursue relative gains without which, there would be acute imbalance and abuse of power (Mearsheimer 1994). Inequality of power is inevitable in the present world. Nonetheless, the diplomats ensure that this discrepancy does not become harmful.
- Diplomats also ensure that a state does not abuse its power over weaker states. States would ideally pursue absolute gains and personal interests when engaging with non-dominant countries. Diplomats protect the position of these countries.
- Diplomats are essential figures of government networks and benefit their countries
- The diplomats’ avail information and foster cooperation in activities like dispute resolution (Slaughter 2004).
- Diplomats also help other agencies involved in global relations to find relevant and applicable solutions to complex issues.
- Through diplomatic activities, conflict situations can be turned into positive experiences through sound dispute resolution tactics (Slaughter 2004).
- Diplomats are essential in the negotiation process
- Diplomats create formulas that apply in ending conflict between countries. The formulas have qualities like flexibility, simplicity, balance, and comprehensiveness (Berridge 2015). The diplomats create strategies that conform to these standards for a successful outcome.
- Diplomats also partake in the formation of treaties as they can be part of delegations engaged in drafting agreements. An illustration of the importance of diplomatic activities was the 1984 settlement between China and Britain over Hong Kong (Berridge 2015).
- Using diplomats in international disputes is a common practice involving counties. Further, this option is considered viable when states do not want to involve the international criminal court (ICC) (Scott 2017). The diplomat approach excels when the rules of engagement are clear and protect the interest of the parties involved.
- Conclusion
- Diplomats remain relevant for several reasons, such as promoting international relations, protecting the interests of their country, and enhancing a government’s network.
- As globalization thrives, diplomats play a critical role in promoting positive relationships between the countries.
Reference List
Berridge, G.R. 2010. Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. UK: Palgrave Macmillan
Bolewski, Wilfried. 2007. Diplomacy and International Law in Globalized Relations. Heidelberg: Springer.
Mearsheimer, J. 1994. “The false promise of international institutions.” International Security 19 (3), pp. 5-49.
Scott, Shirley. 2007. International Law in World Politics: An Introduction. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publisher,
Slaughter, A-M. 2004. “Sovereignty and power in a networked world order.” Stanford Journal of International Law, 83 (1).