QUESTION- “WHAT IMPACT HAS GLOBALIZATION HAD ON THE CONDUCT OF CONTEMPORARY DIPLOMACY?”

MA GLOBAL AFFAIRS AND DIPLOMACY

EVOLUTION OF DIPLOMACY

BRIGHT OWUSU GYASI

SRN: 1304177

COURSE TUTOR: PROFESSOR RICHARD LANGHORNE

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

Abstract

Diplomacy ''The peaceful conduct of relations amongst political entities1'',is subject to the

changes that are ongoing in all areas of human life, the advancement in technology,

particularly communication has essentially affected contemporary diplomacy for more

effective and efficient diplomatic practices where as some of this impact may be negative2.

''This diffusion of diplomacy may in part be attributed to advances in

communications technology. Satellite and digital networking has

encouraged and permitted instant dialogue among groups and

individuals''3.

Introduction

This paper seeks to scrutinise the impact of globalisation on contemporary diplomatic

practices, it will strive to reveal and demonstrate the impact of globalisation on

contemporary diplomatic practice, which is highly characterised with the introduction of

1 Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

2 Ibid

3 Ibid

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

new actors, and tries to find out how these new dimensions have affected recent diplomacy.

I will employ a strategic approach, to demonstrate the core elements of continuity and a

revamp in the 21st century. In the light of this, this essay has been demarcated into three

main sections. The first part provides an introduction to the background and outlines the

key terms. The following section explores the impact of globalisation on contemporary

diplomatic practices, which is scrutinised and discussed to the best of my ability, which

informs my final conclusion.

Although, 'globalisation' does not seem to have a clear cut and a precise definition, there

have been many productive attempts by various scholars to define exactly what this word

means. The International Forum for Globalisation, defines the term as ''a process for

denationalisation of markets, politics and legal system at the highest political and economic

level'. Journalist Thomas Friedman (1953- ), explains 'globalisation' as an unrestrained

cooperation of markets, states, and technologies at an extraordinary level. It is an

''inevitable integration of countries, technology and market''4. This I believe enables

individuals, states and organisations to broaden their activities worldwide faster and

relatively lower cost5. Friedman's definition of 'globalisation' lends itself to the truism that

'no country is an island on its own', and as such, this phenomena helps us to address

individual challenges on a collective platform through technology. Globalisation is, however,

4 Thomas Friedman (1987). News and Views [online]. Available from: <http://www.harisingh.com/newsFriedman.htm>. [Accessed 12.02.2014].

5 IbidBright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

understood as ''a result of modernity'. It has created a unique interstate restructuring of

states institutions. Globalisation is probably the most significant change that has happened

in the history of the world, for some time now.it does involves the rapid paradigm shifts in

all reals of human life, it is however been powered by technology6 .

Diplomacy, as, ''The peaceful conduct of relation amongst political entities7'', Barston, 2014,

also defines diplomacy as the management of relations between countries and other

relevant non state actors8. One of the main weaknesses with the above definitions is that it

fails to address interstate relations in contemporary times. The explanation is deeply rooted

in the traditional diplomatic practice. This is because contemporary diplomacy has shifted

slightly from the political and military issues to economic related issues, This in effect makes

it necessary to restructure the traditional diplomacy to fit into the contemporary

international system9. Aptness to practice diplomacy is a core element of a state, diplomacy

has been in existence, dating back to the early days of civilisation. Saddam Hussein became

the world number enemy due to his consistent disrespect for diplomacy. Diplomacy was

6 Social work [online]. (2009). Available from: <https://socialsciences.arts.unsw.edu.au/tsw/D01GlobalisationSum.14.8.html>. [Accessed 04.02.2014].

7Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

8 R.p Barston (1996), Modern Diplomacy, London: Longman, pg., 1.

9 . Barston, op (2014). AAPG Data pages/Archives [online]. Available from:

<http://archives.datapages.com/data/pac_sepm/042/042001/pdfs/65.htm>. [Accessed 13.02.2014Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

very instrumental in bringing an end to the Iranian hostage crises. 10. Diplomacy can be

traced back to the Bronze Age period, where it became normal practice under the Byzantine

emperors and the Muslim rulers11. The word 'diplomacy' comes from the Greek word

'diploma', which means: 'memorandum, letter or a folded document, which is exchanged

between sovereign states'12. The first diplomats were sent on specific missions and were

usually people with high background calibre13.contemporary diplomacy has its root in the

north of Italy. Egypt and its neighbours practiced diplomacy long before 1000 BC. However,

modern diplomacy started to take shape between the 12th and 13th centuries. Regulations

were developed by the Italian city states to regulate the activities of their diplomatic staffs.

Millan, in 1455 established the first permanent embassy in Genoa14.

Contemporary diplomacy has the potential to bring about conflict, even though it may be

seeking to promote cooperation and integration into the world. Contemporary diplomatic

practices now appears more complex due to globalisation. From domestic affairs (traditional

diplomacy) to international issues, i.e. Climate change, human right abuses. Contemporary 10 Ibid

11 Ibid

12 Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

13 . E diplomat [online]. (2014). Available from: <http://www.ediplomat.com/nd/history.htm>.

14 IbidBright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

diplomacy has also brought about regional security and helps to maintain global peace.

Issues like democracy, good governance, food security, has all been heightened by

globalisation for common interest of the world15.The introduction of private organisations,

i.e. civil society organisations(CSOs) in major global decision making bodies, have played a

significant role, in increasing the number of multilateral environmental negotiations16.In

contemporary diplomatic practices, CSOs have a very important role in various government

ministry and the within the diplomatic community in general, by taken over the role of

humanitarian crises17.

One major instrument of globalisation on contemporary diplomatic practices is the ever

increasing introduction of non-state actors. This phenomenon seems to have complicated

the traditional diplomatic practice, as some of this new 'non-state' actors turns to be more

powerful than some states. A classic example of such a non-state actor is the United Nations

15 Kidane Mengisteab (2004).Africa's Intrastate: The Relevance and Limitations of

Diplomacy. Africa Issues,vol.31,pg 27

16 Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

17 Ibid

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

(UN), which is sometimes even represented as a state in the contemporary diplomatic

practice18.

Global diplomacy

Is highly characterised with international relations and contacts, many countries have now

expanded their diplomatic service globally, to make them more efficient and visible. There

has been a reasonable amount of increase in the number of diplomatic services and the

number of diplomats in general. 'Contemporary diplomacy' has brought on board highly skill

diplomatic staffs, and has now transformed from political and military activities, which

characterised traditional diplomacy. Instead it is largely dominated by trade (economics),

cultural exchanged programs, technology, social and scientific issues. Contemporary

diplomacy now revolves around almost every area of human life, notably: human rights,

global security, food security, health, migration, environmental issues etc. The accelerated

globalisation has also brought about an enhanced, well improved and most convenient

communication system i.e. the Internet, despite the benefits; the Internet has had negative

impact on contemporary diplomacy. The increased in communication technology brought

about the biggest diplomatic scandal in our history: ''Wiki Leaks''. Communication makes it

possible for such leaks to circulate easily across the globe, and the advancement in

technology has also made The Media an important aspect of contemporary diplomatic

practices. The mainstream media, now goes along with the diplomats and report on

18Ibid

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

diplomatic issues as and when they are made available. In instances where diplomatic

missions are held behind closed doors, The Media will be briefed19.

Public Diplomacy

Accelerated globalisation, has given the public a space within contemporary diplomatic

practices. Public opinion in contemporary time forms the basis for diplomatic decisions. The

diplomatic decision on Iraq invasion by the American government, was largely influenced by

public opinion, with the support of the media.

'' A poll conducted in America in January 2003, reveals that, 64% of

Americans wanted the Bush administration to use military action

against the Iraqi government, whereas 63%were against, with 62%

believing that the thread of terrorism will increased should they

attack military''20.

The emergence of professional diplomats as media personalities is major feature

of contemporary diplomacy, in contemporary times it is very common to see

diplomats on television, granting interviews to radio stations and using the social

media to communicate, the latex revolution in communications has provided

19 Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

20 Wikipedia (2012). 2003 invasion of Iraq [online]. Available from: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_invasion_of_Iraq>. [Accessed 05.02.2014].

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

diplomats with sophisticated tools for reaching out to people, public diplomacy

has make diplomat more visible in contemporary times and also engage public

participation and attention in diplomatic issues. Most foreign ministry in recent

times have sought to the use of internet to promote collaborative effort and

interaction with the public, the British broadcasting cooperation (BBC) is noted

for transmitting official news from the UK foreign office to its cherished

listeners21.the united states embassy in Ghana has a fan page on Facebook that it

use to interact with the public. https://www.facebook.com/USEmbassyGhana22.

Regional Diplomacy

Is the conduct of relations between states that belongs to the same topographical region23.

Globalisation has impacted on contemporary diplomatic practice by encouraging and

promoting an effective regional integration and cooperation. Notable among such regional

organisations are, the, 'Economic Community for West African States' (ECOWAS), the

'European Union' (EU), and 'African Union' (AU) etc. This integration has increased the

multilateral diplomacy which helps to develop an effective regional integration and

cooperation. According to Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne, development projects are

21 Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

22https://www.facebook.com/USEmbassyGhana23Ibid

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

the most complex task that contemporary diplomacy deals with, regional integration helps

to foster trade and also promote development projects within the region, a classic example

of regional integration developmental project is the 'WEST AFRICA GAS PIPE LINE PROJECT',

which send gas across the west African sub region, initiated by ECOWAS24.

Economic Diplomacy

In recent times, many diplomatic missions tend to be paying more attention to economic

issues, as many countries, particularly, developing countries use their foreign missions to

attract investors. Through trade fairs and business summits, Economic diplomacy is focused

on the process of economic globalisation, its seeks to encourage and expand the regulation

of trade through global institutions25.the main aim of economic diplomacy in contemporary

diplomatic practice is to avoid the repetition of 'Global Depression'26.most diplomats have

now turn their concentration on trade and investment27The United States believes that,

trade diplomacy is an essential way to enhance political and social change by generating

economic gains and has become a tool for promoting trade and investment28. Economic

diplomacy in contemporary diplomacy seeks to promote trade and investment. A political

scientist by name Benito Montesquieu declared that, 'global peace is the natural effect of

24 Ibid

25 Ibid26 Ibid27 Ibid28 ''Transformational Diplomacy' 'Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice's remarks at Georgetown school of foreign service,18,12.02.2014,available at http://consul-at-arms.blogspot.com/2006/01/sec-rice-transformational-diplomacyBright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

trade''29. This, I believe is true, in the sense that, the recent trading activities between China

and the United States, China and the European Union, China and Africa seems to be gaining

high ground due to the involvement of the various diplomatic missions from this respective

countries30.

Summit Diplomacy

Is a 'conference type' of diplomacy, which is , when various heads of states meet for face to

face interaction and deliberate on issues of global concern' example is the G8 meetings,The

introduction of non-state actors seems to heighten conflicts in contemporary diplomacy.

Most often, the resolutions of these summits maybe politically motivated. The resolution of

the recently held G8 summit on Syria, is, a classic example of politically motivated

resolution. And could be described, as an affront to contemporary diplomacy. This is,

because the Russian President, Vladimir Putin verbally assaulted the US president over

disagreement31.

There is enough evidence of verbal assault from the US President Barrack Obama to the

Russian leader, which is a retaliation of an earlier verbal assault from the Russian leader to

29 Solomon W.Polachek and Carlos Seiglie,Trade,peace and democracy: An analysis of dispute' 'institute for the study of labour discussions papperno.2170,(June 2006)http//papper.ssn.com/soc/papper.cfm?abtract-id=9155360

30 Ibid

31 Before its news [online]. (2013). Available from: <http://beforeitsnews.com/obama/2013/08/obama-insults-putin-calls-him-a-slouch-ww3-unprecedented-ww3-approaches-2454550.html>. [Accessed 13.02.2014].

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

President Obama. Obama is reported to have described Putin as' 'a bored kid in a back of

classroom''32.

Health Diplomacy

Has gained a lot of attention in contemporary diplomatic practice. It was initiated by Peter

Bourne, former aide to US president Jimmy Carter. Bourne asserts that, healthcare is

essential to the promotion of international relations and global peace33. He asserts that,

giving humanitarian aid to a country can be a yardstick to create dialogue, since issues of

health are vital to every state. His idea has contributed hugely toward the formation of

''global health policy'' it has also impacted a lot on the activities of the World Health

Organisation(WHO), which has the world health assembly(WHA) as its highest decision

making body, comprising of 193 member states34. It is an undeniable fact that, one state

health status risk can affect not only its neighbours but the entire global community. There

are many recent examples of such health concern issues, including the HINI pandemic flu

infection outbreak in 2009 and the SARS outbreak in 2003. This makes it significant for

various diplomatic missions to restructure their diplomatic practices to be able to meet the

demands of the changing world so as to ensure an infectious free world35.

Embassies 32 Ibid

33 Rebecca Katz, Sarah Kornblet, (2004). Defining health diplomacy: changing. The Milbank quarterly. Vol, 2, pp.1, 4, 6, 7.

34 Ibid

35 IbidBright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

Official diplomatic activities are carried out at the various embassies, in recent times,

embassies are stationed in the capitals within a nation. In the 'Vienna Convention on

Diplomatic Relations', the ambassador is the head of the diplomatic mission, and thus

represent his home government36. Globalisation has impacted hugely on the activities of

embassies in that, it has brought on board a new set of duties and responsibilities. During

the cold war, embassies were divided blocks, and their area of concentration was military

and politics. However, contemporary diplomatic practices have shifted to economic,

scientific, social, health, agricultural and, almost, all areas of human life. Unlike the

traditional diplomacy, most contemporary diplomatic missions have concentrated their

attentions to immigration issues, i.e. issuance of visa.

Conclusion

Our epoch of globalisation continues to unravel and no one can seem to predict to what

extent this phenomenon is going to have on contemporary diplomatic practices. As a result,

diplomats and the entire diplomatic community will have to be given adequate training,

making them proactive, skilful and strategic, to ensure, mechanisms are in place to meet the

demands of the accelerated globalisation process. They will also have to be circumspect in

their dealings with non-state actors to avoid tension. Issues of terrorism will have to be

36 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Missions [online]. (1961). Available from:

<http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/17843.pdf>. [Accessed 13.02.2014]Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

critically looked at as to avoid armed conflict, which is likely to bring about another world

war37.

There seems to be new sets of 'diplomatic actors' in contemporary diplomatic practices.

These changes are deeply rooted in the traditional diplomatic practice, and in the

contemporary diplomatic practice, various ministry or department of government are

allowed to represent their government on the various diplomatic missions, on issues that

are related to their respective area of specialisation38. For example, in contemporary

diplomatic practice, Finance Ministers negotiate and sign for loans on behalf of their

country, which has made contemporary diplomatic practices more complex. As such, much

effort is needed, in the form of training to prepare diplomatic staffs to meet the accelerated

globalisation demand.

''Various government departments and agencies have grown

accustomed to addressing their foreign counterparts directly,

sometimes bypassing completely regular diplomatic channels, and

businesses and CSOs are now in dialogue with them, among

themselves and with a range of inter-government organisations39''.

37 Conflict Research Consortium [online]. (1998). Available from:

<http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/prevent.htm>. [Accessed 13.02.2014].

38 Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution, theory and

administration. Second edition. ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

39 IbidBright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

REFERENCES

1. Keith Hamilton and Richard Langhorne (2010). The Practice of Diplomacy. Its evolution,

theory and administration. Second edition. Ed. London, New York: Routledge Taylor

2. International forum on globalisation [online]. (2013). Available from:

<http://www.ifg.org/>. [Accessed 05.02.2014].

3. Thomas Friedman (1987). News and Views [online]. Available from:

<http://www.harisingh.com/newsFriedman.htm>. [Accessed 12.02.2014].

4. Thomas Friedman (1987). News and Views [online]. Available from:

<http://www.harisingh.com/newsFriedman.htm>. [Accessed 12.02.2014].

5. Barston, op (2014). AAPG Data pages/Archives [online]. Available from:

<http://archives.datapages.com/data/pac_sepm/042/042001/pdfs/65.htm>. [Accessed

13.02.2014

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

6. Kidane Mengisteab (2004).Africa's Intrastate: The Relevance and Limitations of

Diplomacy. Africa Issues, vol.31, pg. 27

7. Wikipedia (2012). 2003 invasion of Iraq [online]. Available from:

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_invasion_of_Iraq>. [Accessed 05.02.2014].

8. ''Transformational Diplomacy' 'Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice's remarks at

Georgetown school of foreign service,18,12.02.2014,available at http://consul-at-

arms.blogspot.com/2006/01/sec-rice-transformational-diplomacy

9. Solomon W.Polachek and Carlos Seiglie, Trade, peace and democracy: An analysis of

dispute' 'institute for the study of labour discussions papperno.2170, (June

2006)http//papper.ssn.com/soc/papper.cfm?abtract-id=9155360

10. Rebecca Katz, Sarah Kornblet, (2004). Defining health diplomacy: changing. The Milbank

quarterly. Vol, 2, pp.1, 4, 6, 7.

11. Vienna Convention On Diplomatic Missions [online]. (1961). Available from:

<http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/17843.pdf>. [Accessed 13.02.2014]

12. Conflict Research Consortium [online]. (1998). Available from:

<http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/prevent.htm>. [Accessed 13.02.2014].

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank

Bright Owusu Gyasi – President/Founder Mama’s Foundation Policy think Tank