Showing papers on "Diplomacy published in 2019"
28 Jun 2019
TL;DR: In this article, the United States views China and China views the U.S. as a threat, and China's peripheral and cross-regional relations are discussed.
Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Who Makes Chinese Foreign Policy Today? 3. Trade, Political Economy and Globalisation 4. Multilateralism and Institutional Relations 5. Strategic Thinking and the Roles of the Military 6. The United States Views China (and China Views the United States) 7. China's Peripheral Diplomacy 8. Moving beyond Asia: China's Cross-Regional Diplomacy 9. Conclusions.
91 citations
TL;DR: The concept of "migration diplomacy" was introduced by as mentioned in this paper as an object of analysis for academics and practitioners alike, distinguishing it from other forms of migration-related policies and practices.
Abstract: Academic and policy debates on migration and refugee ‘crises’ across the world have yet to fully engage with the importance of cross-border population mobility for states’ diplomatic strategies. This article sets forth the concept of ‘migration diplomacy’ as an object of analysis for academics and practitioners alike, distinguishing it from other forms of migration-related policies and practices. It draws on realist approaches in International Relations to identify how the interests and power of state actors are affected by their position in migration systems, namely the extent to which they are migration-sending, migration-receiving, or transit states. The article then discusses how migration issues connect with other areas of state interest and diplomacy, including security interests, economic interests and issues of identity, soft power and public diplomacy. Finally, the article suggests the utility of applying a rationalist framework based on states' interests in absolute vs. relative gains as a means of examining the bargaining strategies used by states in instances of migration diplomacy.
82 citations
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03 Oct 2019TL;DR: NICE-GALAN as mentioned in this paper analyzes how Spanish chemists became powerful ideological agents in different political contexts, from liberal to dictatorial regimes, throughout the century, and unveils chemists' position of power in Spain, their place in international scientific networks, and their engagement in fierce ideological battles in an age of extremes.
Abstract: Agusti Nieto-Galan argues that chemistry in the twentieth century was deeply and profoundly political. Far from existing in a distinct public sphere, chemical knowledge was applied in ways that created strong links with industrial and military projects, and national rivalries and international endeavours, that materially shaped the living conditions of millions of citizens. It is within this framework that Nieto-Galan analyses how Spanish chemists became powerful ideological agents in different political contexts, from liberal to dictatorial regimes, throughout the century. He unveils chemists' position of power in Spain, their place in international scientific networks, and their engagement in fierce ideological battles in an age of extremes. Shared discourses between chemistry and liberalism, war, totalitarianism, religion, and diplomacy, he argues, led to advancements in both fields.
66 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigates China's present approach of using "outward-oriented" higher education internationalization for status and image enhancement, and the challenges it faces in the response to this approach.
Abstract: This paper investigates China’s present approach of using “outward-oriented” higher education internationalization for status and image enhancement, and the challenges it faces in the response to this approach. It examines the three major dimensions of China’s present approach including its cultural diplomacy based on Sino-foreign higher education collaboration (i.e., the Confucius Institute program), international development aid in higher education, and international student recruitment at the higher education level. The theoretical framework is developed based on neo-Marxist theories of center-periphery model and world system. The concepts of “soft power” and public diplomacy, Knight’s argument of “knowledge diplomacy,” and Hayhoe’s argument about HE-based civilizational dialogue have been used. The paper reviews and analyzes China’s strategic plans related to its higher education internationalization, as well as relevant academic and non-academic literature about the three major dimensions of its present approach. Findings reveal that tensions still exist between China’s goals and the reality. It suggests that China’s approach should be given a neutral and serious assessment.
60 citations
TL;DR: The authors argued that the re-constitution of diplomacy is intimately linked to gender and the practices of exclusion and inclusion of women and men over time, and argued that women are more likely to be discriminated than men.
Abstract: This article argues that the (re-)constitution of diplomacy is intimately linked to gender and the practices of exclusion and inclusion of women and men over time. While the big debates in both aca...
60 citations
TL;DR: The concept of "diaspora diplomacy" was proposed by as discussed by the authors, which considers the components of diplomacy and the changing relationships that diasporas have with states and other diplomatic actors.
Abstract: This article bridges diaspora studies and diplomacy studies by proposing the concept of ‘diaspora diplomacy’, which considers the components of diplomacy and the changing relationships that diasporas have with states and other diplomatic actors. First, we ask who are the key actors engaged in diaspora diplomacy? Second, how is diplomatic work enacted by and through diasporas? Third, what are the geographies of diaspora diplomacy? Diaspora diplomacy directs researchers to reconsider the distinction between domestic and foreign policy, and the territorial dimensions of both diaspora and diplomacy. We engage with assemblage theory, highlighting the polylateral and multi-directional aspects of diaspora diplomacy.
57 citations
22 Nov 2019
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an interdisciplinary effort at tracing the respective roles of law and diplomacy in the relations of the European Union (EU) with its trade and investment partners in Asia.
Abstract: tive dynamics between law and diplomacy on international trade and investment. It brings together lawyers and political scientists from Europe and Asia in an interdisciplinary effort at tracing the respective roles of law and diplomacy in the relations of the European Union (EU) with its trade and investment partners in Asia. Focusing on trade and investment relations with Asia, the EU presents a particularly interesting case, as it has been a strong proponent of a rules-based international economic order for years and a frequent user of the formal procedures established in international treaties in case of disputes. At the same time, it has kept diplomatically active to adjust dispute management and international agreements to the needs and demands of the partners involved. Furthermore, not only is this region of crucial importance due to the presence of both vigorous emerging economies, like China, India and Vietnam, and more established partners, like Japan, EU–Asia relations also present a broad set of economic disputes and recent negotiation efforts analyzed in the contributions to this volume. This book will be of key interest to scholars and students of international trade/economic law, EU politics, EU external relations (law), international relations, diplomacy and more broadly to international relations and Asian studies.
48 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore how diplomats use information and communication technology (ICT) such as word processing software and mobile devices to collaboratively edit and negotiate documents, and argue that track-change diplomacy can in fact lead to a loss of control, challenging existing understandings of diplomacy.
Abstract: How does technology influence international negotiations? This article explores “track-change diplomacy,” that is, how diplomats use information and communication technology (ICT) such as word processing software and mobile devices to collaboratively edit and negotiate documents. To analyze the widespread but understudied phenomenon of track-change diplomacy, the article adopts a practice-oriented approach to technology, developing the concept of affordance: the way a tool or technology simultaneously enables and constrains the tasks users can possibly perform with it. The article shows how digital ICT affords shareability, visualization, and immediacy of information, thus shaping the temporality and power dynamics of international negotiations. These three affordances have significant consequences for how states construct and promote national interests; how diplomats reach compromises among a large number of states (as text edits in collective drafting exercises); and how power plays out in international negotiations. Drawing on ethnographic methods, including participant observation of negotiations between the European Union's member states, as well as in-depth interviews, the analysis casts new light on these negotiations, where documents become the site of both semantic and political struggle. Rather than delivering on the technology's promise of keeping track and reinforcing national oversight in negotiations, we argue that track-change diplomacy can in fact lead to a loss of control, challenging existing understandings of diplomacy.
45 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the nationalities of the most senior positions in the United Nations Secretariat over a 60-year period and found that the most overrepresented countries are small, rich democracies like the Nordic countries.
Abstract: National governments frequently pull strings to get their citizens appointed to senior positions in international institutions. We examine, over a 60-year period, the nationalities of the most senior positions in the United Nations Secretariat, ostensibly the world’s most representative international institution. The results indicate which states are successful in this zero-sum game, and what national characteristics correlate with power in international institutions. The most overrepresented countries are small, rich democracies like the Nordic countries. Democracy, investment in diplomacy, foreign aid, and economic/military power are predictors of senior positions—even after controlling for the U.N. staffing mandate of competence and integrity. National control over the United Nations is remarkably sticky; however the influence of the United States has diminished as U.S. ideology has shifted away from its early allies. In spite of the decline in U.S. influence, the Secretariat remains pro-American relative to the world at large.
45 citations
01 Jan 2019
TL;DR: The authors analyzes how Eisenhower defined war and its utility in his New Look defense policy and the ramifications for America's interactions with the world through its foreign policy, arguing that Eisenhower redefined the relationship between war and society as he executed his grand strategy, further removing society from the decision for war.
Abstract: This thesis analyzes how Eisenhower defined war and its utility in his New Look defense policy and the ramifications for America’s interactions with the world through its foreign policy. It argues that Eisenhower redefined the relationship between war and society as he executed his grand strategy, further removing society from the decision for war. To avoid what he believed to be the inevitable global destruction of a general war turned nuclear, Eisenhower broadened the scope of ‘war” to balance domestic opinion for containing communism while also avoiding the devastating consequences of war in American society. By authorizing coups in Iran and Guatemala, Eisenhower blurred the line between coercive diplomacy and violent political warfare. President Eisenhower’s reliance on covert action to achieve political outcomes prevented general or nuclear war but it strengthened an emerging model for society’s relationship with war. Political warfare and covert action increased the gap between society and the commitment of American power during the Cold War. In his effort to prevent war, Eisenhower expanded presidential power and set a precedent that continues today.
40 citations
TL;DR: Face-saving is a ubiquitous yet under-theorized phenomenon in International Relations as discussed by the authors and it has been referred to as a shorthand for status and reputation, as a "cultural" trait found in many cultures.
Abstract: Face-saving is a ubiquitous yet under-theorized phenomenon in International Relations. Prevailing accounts refer to face-saving as a shorthand for status and reputation, as a “cultural” trait found...
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25 Sep 2019
TL;DR: The authors explored the drivers of this reinvention, arguing that it arose from a combination of elite conviction and electoral calculation, and the impact it has had on India's international relations, and argued that the reinvention has had a profound impact on Indian foreign policy.
Abstract: Narendra Modi's energetic personal diplomacy and promise to make India a 'leading power' surprised many analysts. Most had predicted that his government would concentrate on domestic issues, on the growth and development demanded by Indian voters, and that he lacked necessary experience in international relations. Instead, Modi's first term saw a concerted attempt to reinvent Indian foreign policy by replacing inherited understandings of its place in the world with one drawn largely from Hindu nationalist ideology. Following Modi's re-election in 2019, this book explores the drivers of this reinvention, arguing it arose from a combination of elite conviction and electoral calculation, and the impact it has had on India's international relations.
TL;DR: The theoretical and conceptual connections between sports, soft power, and public diplomacy especially in the context of trying to improve countries' images to achieve foreign policy goals are discussed in this article.
Abstract: The term soft power refers to the ability to shape preferences of others and getting them to do what you want through attraction without the use of payments or of military force. The three main resources of soft power are culture, political values and foreign policy. Cultural diplomacy refers to the way culture is used for public diplomacy and soft power purposes. Countries, cities, and communities have been using sports for public diplomacy and branding purposes to achieve social, political, and financial goals, and improve the image of the country. The international exposure, the focus on culture, and peaceful values in sports make it a useful tool for countries to use soft power to achieve international goals and improve their public diplomacy. The purpose of this article is to discuss the theoretical and conceptual connections between sports, soft power, and public diplomacy especially in the context of trying to improve countries’ images to achieve foreign policy goals.
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31 Jul 2019
TL;DR: Theory and Practice of Chinese Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice as discussed by the authors Theory and practice of Chinese foreign policy in theory and practice is discussed in detail in the article "The Making of China Foreign Policy: Theory, Process and Practice".
Abstract: Theory And Practice * Chinese Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice Samuel S. Kim. * Structure and Process in the Making of Chinese Foreign Policy David Bachman. * International Structures and Chinese Foreign Policy Alastair Iain Johnston. Interactions * Sino-American Relations: Practicing Damage Control Steven I. Levine. * Sino-American Relations John W. Garver. * Japan and Europe in Chinese Foreign Relations Donald W. Klein. * China and the Third World: Patterns of Engagement and Indifference Peter Van Ness. Policies And Issues * Force and Diplomacy: China Prepares for the Twenty-first Century Paul H.B. Godwin. * [In][ter]dependence in Chinas PostCold War Foreign Relations Thomas W. Robinson. * Human Rights in Chinese Foreign Relations James Seymour. * China and the Multilateral Economic Institutions William R. Feeney. * Chinas Environmental Diplomacy Elizabeth Economy. Prospects * Chinese Foreign Policy: Retrospect and Prospect Allen S. Whiting.
TL;DR: In contrast to Russia's seizure of Crimea, the uprising in Eastern Ukr... as discussed by the authors, it was seemingly unable to achieve a successful or decisive outcome in Eastern Ukraine, and why.
Abstract: What were Russia’s objectives in Eastern Ukraine, and why was it seemingly unable to achieve a successful or decisive outcome? In contrast to Russia’s seizure of Crimea, the uprising in Eastern Ukr...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explain the foreign policy transform of China under Xi Jinping's leadership since 2012 and propose a framework to understand the transformation of Chinese foreign policy and the conduct of China's diplomacy.
Abstract: Chinese foreign policy and the conduct of China’s diplomacy have undergone tremendous transformation under Xi Jinping’s leadership since 2012. How can scholars explain the foreign policy transforma...
TL;DR: This paper developed the concept of "frontline diplomacy", defined as all diplomats' activities taking place away from headquarters, and discussed two innovations in frontline practices: the action of Sherpas in G20 summits following the 2008 crisis and the use of Twitter by US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul (2012-14).
Abstract: This article develops the concept of ‘frontline diplomacy’ – what practitioners referring to work in embassies, consulates, and permanent representation as ‘the field’ –, defined here as all diplomats’ activities taking place away from headquarters. IR scholarship tends to focus on Ministries of Foreign Affairs located in capitals. On the contrary, building on the practice turn in IR, we first show that international politics emerge from frontline practices. Adding to criticism against the practice turn, we then explain that it has missed important transformations occurring in frontline diplomacy because it tends to privilege stability over change. We finally discuss two innovations in frontline practices: the action of Sherpas in G20 summits following the 2008 crisis and the use of Twitter by US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul (2012–14). For each we answer three questions: How do these activities transform traditional modes of operation? How are non-state actors involved in them? What do they tell about transformation of global politics? Because diplomatic practices at the frontlines epitomise international politics, these new directions for inquiry contribute substantively to IR scholarship. At the theoretical level, they enrich the continuing encounter between IR and diplomatic studies through practice theory and help to understand change in practice.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse and evaluate Indonesia's grappling with the Indo-Pacific and evaluate its actorness in the region, its strategic discourse on the region and its commitment to the region.
Abstract: This article analyses and evaluates Indonesia’s grappling with the Indo-Pacific. Analysis is threefold – Indonesia’s actorness in the Indo-Pacific, its strategic discourse on the Indo-Pacific, and ...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The evolution of science diplomacy is described in this paper as an international, interdisciplinary and inclusive (holistic) process, involving informed decision-making to balance national interests and common interests for the benefit of all on Earth across generations.
Abstract: The unambiguous reality of human civilization is that we now are globally interconnected. This fact is revealed by ‘world wars’, which happened for the first time in the history of humankind only in the last century. In context, global human population size has grown more than 1000% since the advent of the nation-state with the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. During this period, the influence of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has been expanding, certainly since the industrial revolution around 1800 when the human population reached 1 billion, accelerating to 8 billion people as we enter the next decade during our digital revolution. The challenges are on a planetary scale, as reflected further by concern about Earth’s climate, crossing the spectrum of sub-national to international jurisdictions with the nation-state at the centre. As an example, science diplomacy from the polar regions illustrates how transatlantic science relations are embedded into a global context. With hope and inspiration from the perspective of a practitioner and observer, the evolution of science diplomacy is shared herein with local-global applications as an international, interdisciplinary and inclusive (holistic) process, involving informed decision-making to balance national interests and common interests for the benefit of all on Earth across generations.
TL;DR: This article found that Twitter diplomacy under the Obama administration was largely rational; that is, it reflected the rational actor model, as the topic focus of tweets was proportional to stated U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Abstract: While national governments increasingly deploy digital diplomacy communication strategies to harness the power of social media, political scientists have paid sparse attention to certain aspects of this development. Our study endeavors to address this lacuna by employing content analysis and data-analytic methodologies to examine U.S. Twitter diplomacy. We leverage a robust dataset of tweets posted by leading foreign policy officials in the Obama administration to determine whether Twitter diplomacy exhibited a coherent communication strategy (per the rational actor model of foreign policy), or a more ad-hoc and disjointed practice (per the pluralist and bureaucratic politics models). Furthermore, this study assesses several variables relating to the efficacy of Twitter statecraft, including the formatting of tweets, and the resonance and geographic reach of tweets. We find that Twitter diplomacy under the Obama administration was largely rational; that is, it reflected the rational actor model, as the topic focus of tweets was proportional to stated U.S. foreign policy priorities.
TL;DR: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now more engaged within the global sustainability agenda as mentioned in this paper, though they historically sought to coordinate strategies, dif-ferent countries have different priorities.
Abstract: After decades of reluctance, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now more engaged within the global sustainability agenda. Though they historically sought to coordinate strategies, dif...
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept of metis is used to obtain international recognition and secure membership of international organizations in contemporary world politics, and the authors explore the problem of how emerging states obtain international status and join international organizations.
Abstract: How do emerging states obtain international recognition and secure membership of international organizations in contemporary world politics? Using the concept of ‘metis’, this article explores the ...
22 May 2019
TL;DR: In early October 2014, a piece of news from the International Monetary Fund went virual among major international media as mentioned in this paper, and the international community agreed that China has already been an important force in contemporary international community, but many countries are still not clear about how China can use its power.
Abstract: Since 2012, especially after the concept of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics initiated at the end of November 2014, Chinese diplomatic ideas and endeavours have been focused on shaping this new kind of relationship. The international community agrees that China has already been an important force in contemporary international community, but many countries are still not clear about how China can use its power. The Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation was the core of the administration after Xi Jinping served as President in China. At the eve of the Central Conference on Foreign Affairs convened by Xi Jinping, China’s international status has changed significantly. In early October 2014, a piece of news from the International Monetary Fund went virual among major international media. In China’s foreign relations, the ideas of classification among neighbouring countries, developed countries, developing countries have been used since the 1990s.
01 Jan 2019
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper explored the nature, scope, essence and direction of China's diplomacy under Xi Jinping's rein and found that there is no consensus on the nature and scope of these changes.
Abstract: China’s diplomacy has undergone a sea of changes under Xi Jinping’s rein But there is no consensus on the nature, scope, essence and direction of these changes This article aims to explore both t
TL;DR: The recently increased interest in transnational, serial nominations for UNESCO World Heritage status and comparable forms of official recognition demonstrates the critical role of heritage as a dipl... as mentioned in this paper,.
Abstract: The recently increased interest in transnational, serial nominations for UNESCO World Heritage status and comparable forms of official recognition demonstrates the critical role of heritage as dipl...
TL;DR: For instance, the authors argues that emotions are crucial to geographies of performance, yet our understanding of their role in diplomacy is not well developed despite many calls, especially from feminist geographers, for greater atte...
Abstract: Emotions are crucial to geographies of performance, yet our understanding of their role in diplomacy is not well developed despite many calls, especially from feminist geographers, for greater atte...
TL;DR: Other Bandungs as discussed by the authors examines other conferences and gatherings across the Afro-Asian world, and frames these articles as an interconnected story of the multiple pulls of cultural and intellectual traffic in the post-colonial era.
Abstract: This essay introduces a special issue focused on "Other Bandungs," which moves away from the focus on the high diplomacy of the 1955 Bandung conference to examine other conferences and gatherings across the Afro-Asian world. These gatherings speak to a broader participation of activists, intellectuals, cultural figures, and political leaders in the Afro-Asian moment. This collection thus disrupts hard divisions between state and non-state and warring Cold War blocs, while pointing to the changing social dynamics of internationalism in the Afro-Asian world. This essay points to the material dimensions enhancing and undermining transnational activity, from air travel and passport restrictions to the political economy of conference financing and Cold War patronage. Taken together, this essay frames these articles as an interconnected story of the multiple pulls of cultural and intellectual traffic in the post-colonial era.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The authors examined how the Chinese government has mobilized a small number of diplomatic Twitter accounts to build a communication network and pursue the external propaganda goals of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Abstract: The phrase “tell China stories well” ( jianghao zhongguo gushi ) is an important guide to China’s approach to public diplomacy. Uttered by Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2013, this phrase is an encouragement to use China’s own communication channels to promote and testify to official Chinese views and opinions and to strengthen the international influence of China. While social media diplomacy in China is still in its infancy, the Chinese government has launched a few diplomatic Twitter accounts to develop its public diplomacy network and to post stories about China for a global audience. Using a mixed-methods approach (i.e., manual coding, computer-assisted content analysis, network analysis, and discourse analysis), we examined how the Chinese government has mobilized a small number of diplomatic Twitter accounts to build a communication network and pursue the external propaganda goals of the Communist Party of China.
TL;DR: In this article, the main aim of this special issue is to elaborate the intersect of science, policy, and practice and discuss ways knowledge can be distributed more equally and bridged across these spheres.