Different elements in the new diplomacy

Public diplomacy and multilateral diplomacy are key elements in the new diplomacy as well as the “paradiplomacy” of non-state actors. None of these three kinds of diplomacy is more important than any other. None of them has more impact in the international system than the others because they all have their own role to play in what is called diplomacy.

The introduction of non-state actors in the international system such as multinational corporations, NGOs, celebrities or international organizations, among many others, has helped weak states and minorities to be heard and taken into account in the international community. Moreover, non-state actors are, sometimes, more concerned about citizens, environment and improving quality of life rather than states’ national interests. A clear example of this is the recent announcement of some food companies such as Carrefour or Lidl which says that they will stop selling tuna in order to preserve the species.

Non-state actors have a huge impact in the international arena. They are used as intermediaries by many states as a way to keep relations with enemies or non-recognized governments. Besides, they are used as partners by international organizations since non-state actors can provide expertise, information and legitimacy. Thus, the “paradiplomacy” of non-state actors benefits the world by maintaining and promoting peace.

Public diplomacy also has its own and important role in diplomacy. It is used to build relations between different states and to react against bad press. Furthermore, public diplomacy helps in the modeling of state’s image in the world. States want to have a good image so that they can attract investments and tourism and export their culture, values and products around the globe. However, if public diplomacy is not used correctly, it can have deep effects in the way a country is seen by the others.

Multilateral diplomacy is essential for any state in the globalized world that we are currently living. International problems require international solutions and states by their own can no longer solve problems that affect different states at the same time. The eradication of species, for example, can only be solved by cooperation between states. So, throughout the years we have seen an increase of multilateral conferences and negotiations in order to solve problems and avoid conflicts.

Thus, as a conclusion, it is not possible to determine which one is more important since they all are interconnected, interdependent and have their own role in diplomacy.

Public Diplomacy in contemporary world politics

The importance of Public Diplomacy in contemporary world politics

In addition to strengthening foreign military ties and trade relations through bilateral and multilateral agreements, it has long been recognised that winning over foreign public opinion is important and can help to make cooperation at states level much easier. Diplomacy is no longer an isolated ‘Government to Government’ process, whereby foreign ministers and diplomats control all interaction between states. Governments across the globe (have always, and will continue to) seek to influence foreign public opinion via ‘Government to People’ communications strategies. Such as broadcasting information by radio and television; engaging in direct dialogue between diplomatic officials and local citizens; promoting domestic cultural activities overseas and building long-term individual relationships through student exchange programmes and scholarships.

Jamaican students show off their scholarship letters, which were presented yesterday (Aug.17) at a reception held at the Chinese Embassy in Kingston.
A total of 11 students have been awarded full scholarships under the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme to pursue masters and doctoral degrees in China.

http://www.jis.gov.jm/education/html/20100819T100000-0500_25040_JIS_11_STUDENTS_HEADING_FOR_STUDIES_IN_CHINA.asp

As Dr Nicholas J. Cull, Professor of Public Diplomacy at University of Southern California writes ‘public diplomacy is a two-way street’ (http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/papers/vp01.cfm?outfit=pmt&folder=7&paper=3028). In addition to communicating a message that will win-over the foreign audience, the communicator must in return listen to the audience’s response, or at least convey that their opinions have been heard. If opinions are ignored, public participation will dissolve and the communication exercise will be ineffective or even cause adverse reactions.

Besides the possibility of losing public support by adopting a one way communication process, the practice of public diplomacy is neither welcomed nor embraced by all states. Some states perceive public diplomacy as a tool for promoting western ideology, propaganda and subversion, and for those citizens who choose to participate they face serious repercussions from their governments.

But whilst public diplomacy is mainly concerned with influencing foreign public opinion, we have recently seen Americas President Obama use public diplomacy to speak directly to the Iranian people and their government, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY_utC-hrjI with the intention of presenting a new open image aimed at winning over the government of Iran.

For several decades America portrayed a strong dominant image across the globe and until 2001 had reduced resources and expenditure on public diplomacy. However, we now have a reversal and a softer image under the current leadership.

President Obama, greets the Indian delegation present at the airport to see him off in the traditional Indian way of namaste as he leaves for Indonesia at the end of their tour of India, at the airport in New Delhi, India, on Nov 9.

Saurabh Das/AP

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/1109/Obama-trip-welcomes-India-to-high-table-of-global-influence

Public diplomacy is a multidimensional tool that is used by most countries to pursue their foreign policy agendas. Consequently, public diplomacy remains important in contemporary world politics.