Showing papers on "Diplomacy published in 2012"

Diplomatic Theory of International Relations

Abstract: Diplomacy does not take place simply between states but wherever people live in different groups. Paul Sharp argues that the demand for diplomacy, and the need for the insights of diplomatic theory, are on the rise. In contrast to conventional texts which use international relations theories to make sense of what diplomacy and diplomats do, this book explores what diplomacy and diplomats can contribute to the big theoretical and practical debates in international relations today. Sharp identifies a diplomatic tradition of international thought premised on the way people live in groups, the differences between intra- and inter-group relations, and the perspectives which those who handle inter-group relations develop about the sorts of international disputes which occur. He argues that the lessons of diplomacy are that we should be reluctant to judge, ready to appease, and alert to the partial grounds on which most universal claims about human beings are made.

At Home with the Diplomats: Inside a European Foreign Ministry

Abstract: The 2010 WikiLeaks release of 250,000 US diplomatic cables has made it eminently clear that there is a vast gulf between the public face of diplomacy and the opinions and actions that take place behind embassy doors In At Home with the Diplomats, Iver B Neumann offers unprecedented access to the inner workings of a foreign ministry Neumann worked for several years at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he had an up-close view of how diplomats conduct their business and how they perceive their own practices In this book he shows us how diplomacy is conducted on a day-to-day basis Approaching contemporary diplomacy from an anthropological perspective, Neumann examines the various aspects of diplomatic work and practice, including immunity, permanent representation, diplomatic sociability, accreditation, and issues of gender equality Neumann shows that the diplomat working abroad and the diplomat at home are engaged in two different modes of knowledge production Diplomats in the field focus primarily on gathering and processing information In contrast, the diplomat based in his or her home capital is caught up in the seemingly endless production of texts: reports, speeches, position papers, and the like Neumann leaves the reader with a keen sense of the practices of diplomacy: relations with foreign ministries, mediating between other people's positions while integrating personal and professional into a cohesive whole, adherence to compulsory routines and agendas, and, above all, the generation of knowledge Yet even as they come to master such quotidian tasks, diplomats are regularly called upon to do exceptional things, such as negotiating peace

Korean wave as tool for Korea's new cultural diplomacy

Abstract: In recent years, there has been an influx of Korean popular culture throughout the world, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Korean popular culture, also known as the “Korean Wave” (Hallyu in Korean) ranges from television dramas, movies, popular music (K-pop), dance (B-boys), video game, food, fashion, tourism, and language (Hangul). The main focus of this paper is to examine the essence of the Korean Wave and its impact on the world. In particular, this paper aims to explore the relationships between the spread of the Korean Wave and political and social changes in a global perspective. That is, does the Korean Wave affect the political position and diplomatic leverage of Korea in any meaningful way? Toward this objective, this paper first examines the relevant literature of international relations for policy and culture change, especially with regards to globalization, interdependence, soft power and world value change. Then, recent developments of the Korean Wave are reviewed and critically analyzed in order to ascertain political and policy implications for Korean diplomatic and practical directives. Finally, we will draw an interpretive conclusion and recommendations toward the plausibility of the Korean Wave as a policy tool for Korea’s cultural diplomacy.

Cyberpolitics in International Relations

Abstract: Cyberspace is widely acknowledged as a fundamental fact of daily life in today's world Until recently, its political impact was thought to be a matter of low politics -- background conditions and routine processes and decisions Now, however, experts have begun to recognize its effect on high politics -- national security, core institutions, and critical decision processes In this book, Nazli Choucri investigates the implications of this new cyberpolitical reality for international relations theory, policy, and practice The ubiquity, fluidity, and anonymity of cyberspace have already challenged such concepts as leverage and influence, national security and diplomacy, and borders and boundaries in the traditionally state-centric arena of international relations Choucri grapples with fundamental questions of how we can take explicit account of cyberspace in the analysis of world politics and how we can integrate the traditional international system with its cyber venues After establishing the theoretical and empirical terrain, Choucri examines modes of cyber conflict and cyber cooperation in international relations; the potential for the gradual convergence of cyberspace and sustainability, in both substantive and policy terms; and the emergent synergy of cyberspace and international efforts toward sustainable development Choucri's discussion is theoretically driven and empirically grounded, drawing on recent data and analyzing the dynamics of cyberpolitics at individual, state, international, and global levels

The Two Halves of Sports-Diplomacy

Abstract: Sports-diplomacy is a familiar but relatively under-explored area of theory and practice in diplomatic studies. Existing scholarship is akin to sports-diplomacy's practice: anecdotal, sporadic articles that are case specific. This analysis posits that in the modern, plural diplomatic environment, sports-diplomacy does have potential, but that will not be realised until further discussion and scholarship is undertaken. Specifically, the “gap” in the diplomatic studies literature needs filling, as well as addressing and discussing the question: “do the benefits outweigh the dangers of ‘mixing’ sport and diplomacy?” The article's purpose is rudimentary. It aims to prompt discussion and debate between theorists and practitioners from both diplomacy and sport, conducive to a more durable relationship between sports and diplomacy than currently exists.

China's Resource Diplomacy in Africa: Powering Development?

Abstract: China's enhanced role within the global economy has profound political implications across the world, but takes a particular form in Africa. Over the past few years China has given much aid and technical support to Africa and for the first time since the end of the Cold War African leaders have genuine choices about which aid donors and investors to work with. But does this translate into development for African countries? How do other donors react? What do 'ordinary' Africans make of it? And how does it impact on wider geopolitics? These pressing questions are addressed through a systematic theorization of the 'China-Africa' relationship. Using detailed case study material collected in Africa the authors paint a picture of gains for some states, but losses for others. Looking beyond the state they see an even more complex picture of evolving social relations between Chinese and Africans and a troubling ecological footprint.

The age of deception : nuclear diplomacy in treacherous times

Abstract: When he was unanimously elected Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1997, few could have forecast the dramatic role Mohamed ElBaradei would play in every key nuclear confrontation of the next twelve years. Dealing with the nuclear aspirations of Libya and North Korea, standing up to the Bush administration on Iraq, and managing the West's turbulent stand-off with Iran, ElBaradei emerged as the one independent voice, unique in maintaining credibility in the Arabic and Western worlds. In this account, ElBaradei take us to the heart of the nuclear debate. Inspector, consultant and diplomat, he moves from a Baghdad restaurant where Iraqi officials bleakly predict war, to behind-the-scenes exchanges with Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell. The Age of Deception is an unparalleled account of the struggle to find solutions to the insecurities of the nuclear age by a man who knows the true risks better than anyone.

Recipes for gastrodiplomacy

Abstract: Gastrodiplomacy, how countries conduct cultural diplomacy through promotion of their cuisine, is an increasing popular strategy for public diplomacy and nation branding. The author examines gastrodiplomacy as a strategy of middle powers trying to create better brand recognition. Numerous middle powers have invested significant capital resources in culinary diplomacy projects to enhance global awareness of their respective cultures as a means to further nation brand status and soft power. This article outlines theoretical distinctions of gastrodiplomacy. It analyzes the strategy and tactics of a variety of gastrodiplomacy campaigns conducted by a range of middle-power states, and examines gastrodiplomacy in the context of people-to-people engagement.

China's soft power and international relations

Abstract: 1. Introduction Hongyi Lai 2. "Soft Power" and Chinese Soft Power Zheng Yongnian and Chi Zhang 3. Soft Language, Soft Imagery and Soft Power in China's Diplomatic Lexicon David Scott 4. The Quandary of China's Soft-Power Rhetoric: The "Peaceful-Rise" Concept and Internal Debate Dominik Mierzejewski 5. China's Cultural Diplomacy: Going for Soft Power Hongyi Lai 6. Challenges for China's International Communication Yiyi Lu 7. Challenges for China's Harmonious Diplomacy Cheng (Jason) Qian 8. Debunking the Myth of China's Soft Power: Changes in China's Use of Foreign Assistance from 1949 to the Present Merriden Varral 9. Is China Rising at America's Expenses? Anti-Americanism and Pro-China Sentiments in Global Public Opinion Zixiao Yang, David Zweig, and Zhengxu Wang 10. China's Foreign Policy as a Rising Power in the Early 21st Century: The Struggle between Taoguangyanghui and Assertiveness Suisheng Zhao

China’s Strategic Misjudgement on Myanmar

Abstract: Yun Sun argues that China’s policy failures on Myanmar in 2011 are rooted in several strategic post-election misjudgements. Following President Thein Sein’s inauguration in March 2011, the Sino–Myanmar relationship was initially boosted by the establishment of a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” and China sought reciprocation for its long-time diplomatic support in the form of Myanmar’s endorsement of China’s positions on regional multilateral forums. A series of events since August have frustrated China’s aspirations, however, including Myanmar’s suspension of the Myitsone dam and the rapid improvement of its relationship with the West. Several strategic misjudgements contributed to China’s miscalculations, including on the democratic momentum of the Myanmar government, on the U.S.–Myanmar engagement and on China’s political and economic influence in the country. China’s previous definition of Myanmar as one of China’s “few loyal friends” and the foundation of its strategic blueprint has been fundamentally shaken, and China is recalibrating its expectations regarding future policies.

Interventions: A Life in War and Peace

Abstract: Over forty years of service to the United Nations - the last ten as Secretary-General - Kofi Annan has been at the centre of the major geopolitical events of our time. As much a memoir as a guide to world order, Interventions provides a unique, behind-the-scenes view of global diplomacy during one of the most tumultuous periods in UN history. With eloquence and immediacy, Annan writes about the highs and lows of his years at the United Nations: from shuttle-diplomacy during crises such as Kosovo, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine to the wrenching battles over the Iraq War to the creation of the landmark Responsibility to Protect doctrine. He is remarkably candid about the organization's failed efforts, particularly in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Ultimately, Annan shows readers a world where solutions are available, if we have the will and courage to see them through.

Sui-Tang China and Its Turko-Mongol Neighbors: Culture, Power, and Connections, 580-800

Abstract: Acknowledgments Conventions of Transliteration Introduction: The China-Inner Asia Frontier as World History Part I: Historical and Geographical Background 1. Eastern Eurasian Geography, History and Warfare 2. China-Inner Asian Borderlands: Discourse and Reality Part II: Eastern Eurasian Society and Culture 3. Power through Patronage: Patrimonial Political Networking 4. Ideology and Interstate Competition 5. Diplomacy as Eurasian Ritual Part III: Negotiating Diplomatic Relationships 6. Negotiating Investiture 7. Negotiating Kinship 8. Horse Trading and other Material Bargains 9. Breaking Bonds Conclusion: Beyond the Silk Roads Appendices Bibliography

China in Ethiopia: diplomacy and economics of Sino-optimism

Abstract: This article examines the motive behind China's increased activities in Ethiopia in recent years and concludes that it lies in Ethiopia's perceived diplomatic usefulness. If China's relations with many African countries could be described as one of "infrastructure for natural resources," the Sino-Ethiopian relationship can be described "infrastructure for diplomatic support." After exploring the nature and scope of Ethiopia's relations with China and highlighting areas of divergence of interest, the article seeks to demonstrate how the convergence of interests between the two countries has ushered in a period of Sino-optimism among Ethiopia's elite and rising expectations among ordinary Ethiopians. Resume: Cet article examine les motivations derriere l'intensification recente de l'activite Chinoise en Ethiopie et conclut que l'Ethiopie est consideree par la Chine comme un allie diplomatique utile. Si les relations de la Chine avec bien des pays africains pouvaient etre decrites comme un "echange d'infrastructure contre des ressources naturelles," la relation sino-ethiopienne peut etre vue, elle, comme "un echange d'infrastructure contre un soutien diplomatique." Apres avoir explore la nature et l'etendue des relations entre l'Ethiopie et la Chine, et apres avoir mis l'accent sur les zones de divergence d'interets, cet article vise a montrer comment la convergence d'interets entre les deux pays a ouvert la voie d'un cote a une periode de "sino optimisme " pour l'elite ethiopienne, et de l'autre a des attentes grandissantes venant de la population generale. China-Africa Relations: A Framework for Analysis In general, three strands of thought inform the on-going debate about the long-term impact of China in Africa: Sino-optimism, Sino-pragmatism, and Sino-pessimism. From the perspective of Sino-optimism, China's re-entry into Africa is to be celebrated; Africa stands to gain much from closer Sino-African relations. From the perspective of Sino-pragmatism, China's greater involvement in Africa may be neocolonial in consequence, if not in intent, since the logic of capital is the same whether those in the driving seat are Europeans, Americans, or Chinese. But it is nevertheless too early, pragmatists say, to make a sweeping judgment on whether the disadvantages of a deeper Afro-Chinese economic engagement will outweigh the advantages for Africa, and China should be given the benefit of the doubt. According to the Sino-pessimist paradigm, Africa's engagement with China will perpetuate the structure of dependency and underdevelopment that is already in place and, moreover, inhibit or block Africa's efforts to overcome it. In the case of Ethiopia, all of the above perspectives are discernible in discussions about the potential impact of Sino-Ethiopian relations, but it is Sino-optimism, as this article will elaborate, that captures the mood of the moment. Sino-Ethiopian relations have passed through three stages, which will be discussed below: the imperial period, the Dergue period, and the Ethiopian Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) period. In order to highlight contemporary features, the bilateral relationship in the EPRDF period (1991-2011) will be broken down further into four phases. The Imperial Period (1923-74) and the Dergue Period (1974-91) Ethiopia's interest in Asia beyond the Middle East dates back only to the 1920s, but the country that captured Ethiopia's attention in (East) Asia in the Imperial period (1923-74) was Japan. For historical and ideological reasons, China was perceived as the "Other," and this image persisted even in the wake of Prime Minister Zhou Enlai's visit to Ethiopia in 1964, the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1970, and Emperor Haile Selassie's visit to China in October 1971. 2 When the Ethiopian military officers (the Dergue) deposed the emperor and seized political power in 1974, Sino-Ethiopian relations were still in a stagnant state. …

The Early Days of the European External Action Service: A Practitioner’s View

Abstract: [SummaryThe proposal to create the European External Action Service (EEAS) seemed to be an acceptance by the European Union’s political elites that, in the post-Westphalian world, more attention needed to be given to collective European diplomacy rather than individual national diplomacy. Yet there was no guarantee that existing officials, whether from EU institutions or from the EU member states, would easily accept the related diplomatic norms and values. Melding different epistemic communities into one effective new diplomatic community is not a foregone conclusion. Europe’s new diplomatic service ‘an sich’ is not a diplomatic service ‘fur sich’. While creating a team with a spirit of unity was the formal goal, ambiguities in the Lisbon Treaty’s articles on the EEAS have facilitated a major reassertion of bureaucratic politics, which are destined to keep Westphalian diplomacy alive and to produce even more turf battles and complexity. The mind-sets of the component parts of the EEAS are so diverse that, without serious discussion of these issues and concentrated training, creating a new European diplomacy will be difficult., Summary The proposal to create the European External Action Service (EEAS) seemed to be an acceptance by the European Union’s political elites that, in the post-Westphalian world, more attention needed to be given to collective European diplomacy rather than individual national diplomacy. Yet there was no guarantee that existing officials, whether from EU institutions or from the EU member states, would easily accept the related diplomatic norms and values. Melding different epistemic communities into one effective new diplomatic community is not a foregone conclusion. Europe’s new diplomatic service ‘an sich’ is not a diplomatic service ‘fur sich’. While creating a team with a spirit of unity was the formal goal, ambiguities in the Lisbon Treaty’s articles on the EEAS have facilitated a major reassertion of bureaucratic politics, which are destined to keep Westphalian diplomacy alive and to produce even more turf battles and complexity. The mind-sets of the component parts of the EEAS are so diverse that, without serious discussion of these issues and concentrated training, creating a new European diplomacy will be difficult.]

Global Health and International Relations

Abstract: Acknowledgements vi List of Abbreviations viii List of Boxes, Tables and Figures xi Introduction 1 1. What is Global Health? 6 2. Constructing a New Agenda: International Relations and Global Health 23 3. Health, Foreign Policy and Global Health Diplomacy 49 4. Global Health and the International Political Economy 78 5. Global Health Governance 101 6. Security and Health 130 Conclusion 158 Notes 164 References 167 Index 193

A Single Roll of the Dice: Obama's Diplomacy with Iran

Abstract: Have the diplomatic efforts of the Obama administration toward Iran failed? Was the Bush administration's emphasis on military intervention, refusal to negotiate, and pursuit of regime change a better approach? How can the United States best address the ongoing turmoil in Tehran? This book provides a definitive and comprehensive analysis of the Obama administration's early diplomatic outreach to Iran and discusses the best way to move toward more positive relations between the two discordant states. Trita Parsi, a Middle East foreign policy expert with extensive Capitol Hill and United Nations experience, interviewed 70 high-ranking officials from the U.S., Iran, Europe, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Brazil-including the top American and Iranian negotiators-for this book. Parsi uncovers the previously unknown story of American and Iranian negotiations during Obama's early years as president, the calculations behind the two nations' dealings, and the real reasons for their current stalemate. Contrary to prevailing opinion, Parsi contends that diplomacy has not been fully tried. For various reasons, Obama's diplomacy ended up being a single roll of the dice. It had to work either immediately-or not at all. Persistence and perseverance are keys to any negotiation. Neither Iran nor the U.S. had them in 2009.

Geopolitics and Soft Power: Japan’s Cultural Policy and Cultural Diplomacy in Asia

Abstract: Japan's cultural policy and cultural diplomacy in Asia has changed dramatically over the past one hundred years, from actively introducing and imposing Japanese culture during its empire-building period, to essentially avoiding the promotion of Japanese culture in Asia for most of the postwar period due to fears of being seen once again as engaged in cultural imperialism, and more recently, to supporting and encouraging the export of Japanese contemporary culture and lifestyle in order to attain “soft power.” Looking at the fluctuations in Japan's cultural policy over these three periods allows us to understand how Japan has used cultural policy to further its geopolitical goals and more basically how it has viewed the role of “culture” in the context of its relations with Asian neighbors. In a broader sense, the Japanese experience shows that cultural policy, even when inward-looking, is not isolated from a country's geopolitical position and its ambitions in the world, regardless of the political system...

Debating China's assertiveness: Taking China's power and interests seriously

Abstract: Engaging the recent debate on China's assertive foreign policy, we suggest that it is normal for China – a rising power – to change its policy to a confident or even assertive direction because of its transformed national interests. We argue also that it is better to understand future US–China relations as a bargaining process. Whereas China negotiates for a new status in the system with redefined interests, the United States and other countries need to adjust their old political practices. China's ‘core interest’ diplomacy launched in 2009 is the first step in revealing ‘private information’ for peaceful bargaining with the outside world. A status quo foreign policy is not a wise choice for the United States because of the changing power and interest configurations in the international system.

Mapping the Chinese and Islamic Worlds: Cross-Cultural Exchange in Pre-Modern Asia

Abstract: Long before Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope en route to India, the peoples of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia engaged in vigorous cross-cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean. This book focuses on the years 700 to 1500, a period when powerful dynasties governed both regions, to document the relationship between the Islamic and Chinese worlds before the arrival of the Europeans. Through a close analysis of the maps, geographic accounts, and travelogues compiled by both Chinese and Islamic writers, the book traces the development of major contacts between people in China and the Islamic world and explores their interactions on matters as varied as diplomacy, commerce, mutual understanding, world geography, navigation, shipbuilding, and scientific exploration. When the Mongols ruled both China and Iran in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, their geographic understanding of each other's society increased markedly. This rich, engaging, and pioneering study offers glimpses into the worlds of Asian geographers and mapmakers, whose accumulated wisdom underpinned the celebrated voyages of European explorers like Vasco da Gama.

The changing fortunes of differential treatment in the evolution of international environmental law

Abstract: This article traces the evolution of international environmental law and dialogue in the four decades from Stockholm, 1972, to Rio+20, 2012, with a focus on the changing dynamics of the discourse between developed and developing countries, and the corresponding interpretational shifts in the application of differential treatment in international environmental law—climate change law in particular. This article argues that in the first three decades of environmental diplomacy, from 1972 to 2002, the international community witnessed an exponential growth in the number and range of multilateral environmental agreements, an array of tools, techniques and practices, and a rapid expansion of differential treatment in favour of developing countries. Differential treatment in central obligations, albeit disputed from its inception, found pride of place in the Kyoto Protocol negotiated in 1997. The decade that followed, 2002 to 2012, witnessed heightened popular and political mobilization around the climate change issue. But, in response to seemingly intractable difficulties across the North–South and North–North spectrum, it was accompanied by a retreat from differential treatment in central obligations. The battle over the future (or lack thereof) of the Kyoto Protocol, and the recent developments in the climate regime—in particular the 2011 Durban Platform Decision—testify to this retreat from certain variants of differential treatment, and interpretations of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. An analysis of these developments and the politics that gave rise to them, reveal that while the international regime can survive the erosion of certain limited forms of differential treatment, a wholesale rejection of differential treatment, and of the ‘equity’ concerns that animate it, would destabilize the normative core of the regime as well as render the climate regime unattractive to key players like India.

Polite Anarchy in International Relations Theory

Abstract: Part One: ANARCHISM AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Chapter 1: Revisiting Anarchism Chapter 2: Anarchism and International Theory Part Two: WILLIAM GODWIN AND POLITE ANARCHY Chapter 3: Contesting the State in 1790s Britain Chapter 4: The Polite Anarchist Chapter 5: Godwin's International Thought Part Three: ANARCHIST INTERNATIONAL THEORY Chapter 6: Polite Anarchy and Diplomacy Chapter 7: Conclusion

Major emerging powers in sustainable development diplomacy: Assessing their leadership potential

Abstract: It is often argued that the growth of major emerging powers, such as China, India, Russia, and Brazil, will have a transformative effect on the world economy and politics, but the implications of their rise on sustainable development diplomacy have remained understudied. Do these new powers have the potential to exercise leadership and address the stalled performance on the sustainable development agenda? Drawing on theories of leadership in multiparty negotiations and the empirical study of two major emerging powers’ coalitions, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China), this article assesses their leadership potential in sustainable development diplomacy. It finds that emerging powers are already engaging in policy coordination in the sustainable development realm, have begun to use their influence to create incentives for other actors in the system and have been conducting skillful diplomacy to develop their coalitions and forge consensus in global policy-making. However, exerting actual global leadership would require building a stronger policy agenda. One area with particular potential for emerging powers to exert leadership is the clean energy arena of sustainable development diplomacy.