-Bhim Nath Baral,
Lecturer
Department of Political Science
Prithvi Narayan Campus
Tribhuvan University, Pokhra, Nepal
Introduction:
Begin Text:
The World is composed with several actors. Traditionally, states were the main actors of international community. But there have been sea changes in the nature of global system. Various states and non-states actors are active in the attainment of their objectives as determined by their own environment. On the one hand, no nation can remain in isolation in the present day world characterized by globalization and on the other hand, every actor is trying its best to protect their interest. Their continuous effort to the advance development in the field of science and technology has made the world free from boundaries. No actor can remain in isolation as everyone has access with the ideas, views and achievements as well. So, the world is shrinking in a small unit called ‘Global Village’.
At the same time we all have become the victims of the demerits of 21st century civilization.
It is impossible to tackle these problems without common effort. All these conditions often create the situation of cooperation, conflict, threat, hopes or wishes. In seeking to achieve objectives, realize values or defend interest, actors in the world community must communicate with those whose actions and behavior they wish to deter, alter or re-enforce (Holsti, 1978:183). The coexistence of separate political units necessitates a certain degree of contract among them. There is a need for communication between governments and the business of communicating between governments is technically termed as diplomacy.
Sovereign states are still the main unit of international system. Acquisition, maintenance and extension of power in the light of national interest remain the principal objectives of every state. Such intention may create the condition of chaos in the relation among the states. It is the diplomacy which tries to maintain adjustment in the conflicting nature of the state. So, diplomacy is taken as the means of adjusting conflicting national interests (Roy, 1978:1). It is also taken as the art of conducting negotiations. It is the diplomacy which tries to regulate inter-state relation so that better world order can be maintained. Global disputes are best solved by peaceful means through diplomatic measures without taking the case before the judiciary. It is because the concept of diplomacy is taken as the vital aspect of international relations.
Concept and Meaning of diplomacy:
The English word ‘diplomacy’ is derived from the Greek word ‘diploun’ meaning ‘to fold’. In the days of Roman Empire all passports, passes along imperial roads and way-bills were stamped on double metal plates, folded and sewn together in a particular manner. The metal passes were called ‘diplomas’. Later, the word ‘diplomas’ was extended to cover other and less metallic official documents especially those conferring privileges or embodying arrangements with foreign tribes. As these treaties accumulated, the imperial archives became encumbered with innumerable little documents folded and endorsed in a particular manner. Gradually, the concept was taken as the act of exchanging information between governments. The word ‘diplomacy’ also came to be related with the management of international relations and those who managed them came to be regarded as ‘diplomats’ (Roy, 1984:1). The term ‘diplomacy’ and ‘diplomats’ are taken as the synonyms of ‘inter- state policy’ (Roy, 1978:3). However, the actual use of these words conveying the above sense is comparatively recent. It is also said that Bruke used the word ‘diplomacy’ to simplify skill or success in the conduct of international intercourse and negotiation in 1796. Possibly that was the first use of the word ‘diplomacy’ in the sense that we now understand.
Diplomacy is a vital concept in the study of international relations. Various scholars have made their intellectual effort to define the term. According to Oxford English Dictionary, “Diplomacy, in fact, is the management of international relations by negotiation, the method by which these relations are adjusted and managed by ambassadors and envoys, the business and art of the diplomatist (1933: 388). Likewise, Encyclopedia Britannica has defined diplomacy as “an art of conducting international negotiations”. Further, Morgenthau has said that “diplomacy is the promotion of national interest by peaceful means”. At the same manner, Encyclopedia of Social Sciences defines diplomacy as “the method of communications between the governments”.
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“A successful diplomat not only protects the interest of his nation but also contributes in the maintenance of world peace. A skillful diplomat applies various techniques like negotiation, mediation, conciliation, accommodation and other amicable means of adjusting conflicting interests and disputes. The scope of diplomacy is up to the solution of a war, during the war and even after the war. Normally, war breaks out when diplomacy fails, but proper conduction of war and management of post war period is possible only through effective diplomacy.
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‘Diplomacy’ in the words of Ernest Satow “is the application of intelligence and tact to the conduct of official relation between the governments of independent states, extending sometimes also to their relations with vassal states; or more briefly still, the conduct of business between states by peaceful means” (1962: 1). K.M. Panikkar,in his book, The Principle and Practice of Diplomacy, remarks “Diplomacy used in relation to the international politics, is the art of forwarding one’s interest in relation to other countries”(Quoted, Roy, 1984: 3). According to Frankel “the word diplomacy is often employed in a broad meaning which embraces both the making and execution of foreign policy. In its more technical meaning here employed it has been aptly described as the business of communicating between the governments. It is the inevitable outcome of the co-existence of separate political units (1990:136).
A comprehensive explanation of diplomacy is made by Quincy Wright from two senses. In the popular sense, diplomacy is the tact, skill, persuasion and intelligence with which negotiations are carried out; in the specific sense, it indicates the art of negotiation in order to achieve the maximum of group objective with a minimum of costs, within a system of politics in which war is a possibility (Quoted, Roy, 1978:7).
Besides the above definitions, Harold Nicolson, a great scholar and practitioner of diplomacy in the twentieth century, explains five different meanings of the word diplomacy. These are:(a) a synonym for foreign policy, (b) as negotiation, (c) as the machinery by which such negotiation is carried out, (d) as a branch of the foreign service and (e) as an abstract quality of gift, which, in its best sense, implies skill in the conduct of international negotiation; and in its worst sense, implies the most guileful aspects of tact (Quoted, Roy, 1984:2).
The above mentioned definitions put forward by various authorities, some common concepts are quite evident. It is seen that the most important element of diplomacy is negotiation and such negotiations are conducted to further the interests of the state concerned. Generally, diplomatic measures are adopted to safeguard the interest along with the adoption of peaceful means. Diplomacy is closely connected with aims of foreign policy of the state and regulation of inter-state relationship.
On the whole, diplomacy, which is basically connected with inter-state relations, is the art of forwarding the interests of a state through negotiation and peaceful means, if possible, in relation to other states. It is the art and practice of conducting international relations.
But the definition of modern diplomacy is somehow different from the traditional one. There is the emergence of new actors and the roles of non- state actors have significant impact in international system. So, it is necessary to define the term diplomacy in the context of new global order. However, ‘diplomacy’ is an important branch of international relations. Its success and failure rest upon the control of war. Beginning of war automatically is the symbol of the failure of diplomacy. Morgenthau has rightly taken diplomacy as the element of national power (Morgenthau, 1997:158). So, it is the most important part of national power.
Nature and Characteristics of Diplomacy:
Diplomacy, as a subject of study and the means to carryout foreign policy, consists of techniques and procedures for conducting relations among states. It, in fact, is the normal means of conducting international relations and abilities of those who practice it (Palmer and Perkins, 2015:84). The diplomatic tasks are derived through foreign offices, embassies, legation, consulates and special mission all over the world. Diplomatic intercourses are generally bilateral in nature but as a result of growing importance of international conferences, international organizations, regional arrangements and collective security measures, its multilateral aspects have become increasingly significant. The increasing role of non-state actors has added more complexities in diplomatic intercourse.
However, based on the definition and its scope, ‘diplomacy’ consists of the following nature and characteristics.
# Diplomacy is the art and technique of implementing foreign policy.
# It is a channel or business of communicating between governments.
# It is a method of adjusting and managing interstate relation.
# It is an art of forwarding and protecting nation’s interest.
# It is the quality or skill of international negotiation.
# It is a bargaining game aiming at achieving maximum and giving minimum.
# It requires tact and intelligence.
# It consists of threat and compromise, penalty and persuasion, punishment and reward and so on.
# It is workable both in peace and war.
# It requires trained and professional diplomats.
# It tries to maintain peace by avoiding conflict and war.
# It is the operational aspect of foreign policy.
# Its functioning may be both official and non -official.
# The role of non-state actor is increasing.
Scope of Diplomacy:
Generally Speaking, scope refers to the area covered by a particular object, thing or subject. In course of our study, scope of diplomacy refers to subject matter which is studied, taught or researched under the topic. Hence, the question which arises is as to what the scope of diplomacy is. In the past, the scope of diplomacy was somehow narrow. Diplomacy was not considered as a respectful profession because of the constant threat of war and security issue. But 21st century diplomacy is advanced with new notion, techniques and thoughts. Diplomacy is not the matter of king or the aristocratic family, it is directly or indirectly related to the public. Today there is no aspect of international diplomacy e.g. social, cultural, political, economic, military etc. in which involvement of diplomat, rather, directly is not felt. It has been said that today’s diplomacy is one of the few such areas which influences every aspect of human life. World politics is nothing without diplomacy, everything is covered with it.
Once, a diplomat was considered as an honest person who is sent to lie abroad for the good of his country. Usually, lie, spy and steal were professionally done by the diplomats. But diplomat and his act, diplomacy, is a skillful art of negotiation. With the fast changing world in the face of globalization, along with the threats of fundamentalism, ethnicity and terrorism, ebbing state system, crisis in sovereignty in states, human rights, newer international regimes, diplomacy has been forced to move beyond its old themes and incorporate a new agenda in its study.
The scope of diplomacy has still more increased because of collective security treaties. Growing popularity of cultural activities, summit meetings, open diplomacy, aid diplomacy, oil diplomacy, expansion of mass destructive weapons and their regulation come under the scope of diplomacy.
A diplomat today is expected to develop friendly relations and promote trade, economic and cultural relations. He is an important channel which arranges meetings, conferences, treaties and agreements among the states which make friends and foes. The countries maintain their economic, trade, commerce, cultural, social, technical and scientific relations through diplomacy.
A successful diplomat not only protects the interest of his nation but also contributes in the maintenance of world peace. A skillful diplomat applies various techniques like negotiation, mediation, conciliation, accommodation and other amicable means of adjusting conflicting interests and disputes. The scope of diplomacy is up to the solution of a war, during the war and even after the war. Normally, war breaks out when diplomacy fails, but proper conduction of war and management of post war period is possible only through effective diplomacy.
Finally, the invention of mass destructive weapons has created the fear of total war. But this war will not be affordable for human civilization which is both costly and devastating and may create post war rehabilitation problems nor can the countries sacrifice themselves. It is only the diplomacy that can manage the fearful situation. Terrorism, refugee, environmentalism, human rights, migration, space race and several other issues are emerging in the world. The diplomat has the responsibility to tackle and manage those problems. So, the scope of diplomacy is not fixed nor can it remain static rather it keeps on changing and increasing.
Objectives of Diplomacy:
Hans J. Morgenthau in his book Politics among Nations has mentioned that the fundamental objective of diplomacy is the promotion of national interest by peaceful means. This has always been so and is particularly so in view of the destructive potentialities of total war (1997:563). Though the concept of national interest has different connotations, the main objective of diplomacy is to attain the goal defined by foreign policy. Generally, the foreign policy objectives of a state can be classified into the following three types (Roy, 1978:14):
Immediate objective: The matters related to the protection and promotion of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.
Intermediary objectives: Management of internal affairs, enhancement of national prestige, protection of the interest of the private pressure groups etc.
Long term objectives: Increase country’s influence, flourishment of ideology and maintain hegemony.
Kautilya, a master diplomat of Ancient India, in his famous treatise, Arthasastra, emphasizes four chief objectives of diplomacy i.e. acquisition, preservation, augmentation (increase size or value) and proper distribution. He further says that the aim of diplomacy is the attainment of Siddi and happiness through possession of power (Roy, 1984:5). Likewise, Machiavelli, thinker of the fifteen century, also determined the objectives of diplomacy which is always directed towards the protection and preservation of national interest i.e. security which can be achieved only through the acquisition of power.
A successful diplomat not only protects the interest of his nation but also contributes in the maintenance of world peace. A skillful diplomat applies various techniques like negotiation, mediation, conciliation, accommodation and other amicable means of adjusting conflicting interests and disputes. The scope of diplomacy is up to the solution of a war, during the war and even after the war. Normally, war breaks out when diplomacy fails, but proper conduction of war and management of post war period is possible only through effective diplomacy.
Besides these, some scholars define the objectives of diplomacy in terms of political, economical, cultural and ideological view. S.L. Roy, in his book Diplomacy, has made this justification. According to him, the primary concern of diplomacy is the safeguarding of its political independence and territorial integrity and the fundamental political objective of diplomacy is to achieve its ends peacefully. He further says that political freedom alone would not be sufficient unless accompanied by economic advancement. He has given equal importance on the exchange of cultural ties to foster the relations with the other countries. He has also given equal importance on ideology in molding international politics (Roy, 1984:5-12). Besides this, Gandhijee Roy, in his book Principles of Diplomacy, has explained the objectives of diplomacy as (a) Political objectives, (b) Non- political objectives or secondary objectives. According to him, the political objective of a state is to extend its influence upon the rest of the world through the extension of power. But the small and developing powers have the aim to preserve their sovereignty and identity.
Likewise, it is the non – political objective of the diplomat to enhance economic strength through commercial diplomacy. Further, the countries have other secondary objectives like the continuation of diplomatic relations, organization of conferences, meetings, organizing official visit etc. (Roy, 1978:14-16).
However, the overall objectives of diplomacy can be summarized in following points:
# To protect and promote national interest.
# To safeguard the national, political and economic integrity of the state.
# To strengthen friendly relations and to neutralize hostile friendship.
# To conduct war.
# To prevent the hostile alliances by keeping the enemy divided.
# To achieve economic and commercial objectives.
# To render food assistance.
# To fulfill permanent interest of the country.
# To develop the environment of mutual give and take.
# To establish goodwill.
# To enhance national prestige.
# To maintain international peace.
It is the fundamental obligation of every diplomat to protect and promote one’s national interest. So, he should always be serious and active in the interaction with world community.
Importance of Diplomacy:
Diplomacy is taken as the core part of international relations. It has many and varied roles to play in international relations.
It has been approximately considered as the oldest method that men have devised for resolving the problem of war and peace. The human civilization with many conflicts and disagreements has tried to bring into healthy society by diplomatic effort following the method of negotiation, persuasion, dialogue etc. Such efforts, to many extent, were found successful to reduce the possibility of the use of force.
International system is anarchic. It lacks supreme power to challenge the sovereignty of state. Every sovereign state wants to fulfill its interest. This desire creates conflict in the society and the states use power as the means of fulfilling their interest. Two factors-diplomacy and international law, are found most important in the maintenance of international peace. Diplomacy has always been playing vital role in the preservation of peace. Though we have several instances of the failure of diplomacy in preventing war, still its role in the settlement and aftermath of war can’t be denied. According to Morgenthau, a condition for the creation of peaceful world is the development of diplomacy which can contribute peace through accommodation (Morgenthau, 1997:563). Generally, its importance can be presented in the following points:
# Firstly, it is historical concept as the term diplomacy is as old as the civilization of state. Both Eastern and Western civilizations have dealt on it.
# The role of diplomacy always remained active in the adjustment of international policies. Majority of international problems have settled through compromise which is possible through diplomacy.
The role of Lord Krishna in Mahabharat, Narad in Satyauga, Hanuman and Angad in Ramayan proved that even in the ancient period the importance of diplomacy had justified.
# Diplomacy is considered as the cheapest way of exercising power in international affairs. Even a small nation can maintain a core of diplomats who represent them in other nations and international conferences. As the representative of sovereign state, small power diplomats maintain their status as the representatives of powerful states. It is possible for the small powers to protect their interest only through effective diplomacy.
# Diplomacy tries to achieve the maximum of group objective without war.
# It is said that diplomacy is not workable during war. But it can’t be accepted. It is equally important during war. It is even useful tool to make the war easy. The works like forming alliances, neutralizing a potential enemy, reducing the damages of war etc. can be done through diplomacy.
# Besides the politics of power and struggle, there are several other subjects like trade, business, tackling with humanitarian problems, environment, terrorism and so on which come under diplomatic dealing.
To sum up, the above facts prove that as an instrument of maintaining peaceful international order, the importance of diplomacy is undeniable.
End text:
# Shortly to begin with “Foreign Policy and Diplomacy”.
# Text courtesy: An Introduction to DIPLOMACY, By Lecturer Bhim Nath Baral, Department of Political Science, Prithvi Narayan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhra- A book published in 2018 A. D. ( 2075).
# Published in the larger interests of those who wish to learn about Diplomacy.
# Published with the straight permission from the distinguished author Shri Bhim Nath Baral: Ed. N. P. Upadhyaya.