Through the Eyes of a Strategist and Diplomat


Book Description

The authors describe these exceptionally eventful one hundred years in a clear and straightforward way, subjecting them to critical analysis. The book is written in a flowing style, easy to understand for non-experts as well. Prof. Jerzy Eisler The United States played an instrumental role in Poland's going down a difficult road - first to independence in 1918 and then to freedom and gull sovereignty in 1989. (...). This book is exceptional: it covers a wide time span, it was written by distinguished experts and practitioners, and it encourages raising diverse questions. Dr. Krzysztof Szczepanik ISBN 978–83-65390-80-6 ISBN 978–83-66213-34-0







Diplomatic Strategies of Nations in the Global South


Book Description

At a time of change in the international system, this book examines how non-traditional leading nations from the Global South have fared to date and what the chances are of their rise to continue. In the second decade of the twenty-first century, the enthusiasm of observers of the international scene about the “rise of the rest” is waning as many countries that were expected to lead the evolving multipolar order are experiencing economic contraction and governance problems. In order to predict further developments, the contributors to this volume focus on the types and sources of the diplomatic strategies that must be executed by rising states if they are to preserve domestic advances as well as gain influence regionally and internationally. Through a comprehensive examination of case studies from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, they show that while there are commonalities among these rising states, unique domestic conditions, values, and traditions impact and predict diplomatic strategizing and the ability for sustained projection on the international scene.




Elusive Peace


Book Description

This in-depth analysis goes behind the headlines to understand why crucial negotiations fail. The author argues that diplomats often enter negotiations with flawed assumptions about human behavior, sovereignty, and power. Essentially, the international community is using a model of European diplomacy dating back to the 18th century to solve the complex problems of the 21st century. Through numerous examples, the author shows that the key failure in current diplomatic efforts is the entrenched belief that nations, through their representatives, will act rationally to further their individual political, economic, and strategic interests. However, the contemporary scientific understanding of how people act and see their world does not support this assumption. On the contrary, research from decision-making theory, behavioral economics, social neuropsychology, and current best practices in mediation indicate that emotional and irrational factors often have as much, if not more, to do with the success or failure of a mediated solution. Reviewing a wide range of conflicts and negotiations, Noll demonstrates that the best efforts of negotiators often failed because they did not take into account the deep-seated values and emotions of the disputing parties. In conclusion, Noll draws on his own long experience as a professional mediator to describe the process of building trust and creating a climate of empathy that is the key to successful negotiation and can go a long way toward resolving even seemingly intractable conflicts.




Soft Power and Diplomatic Strategies in Asia and the Middle East


Book Description

In a world witnessing the transformative rise of China, the intricate dynamics of its soft power diplomacy have become a focal point of global attention. As geopolitical landscapes shift, the need to understand how China crafts its foreign policy, especially through the strategic use of soft power, becomes imperative. Soft Power and Diplomatic Strategies in Asia and the Middle East is a crucial resource to unraveling these complexities. The book addresses the post-COVID-19 changes in China's soft power application, providing an in-depth, comparative analysis of its diplomatic endeavors in the Middle East and East Asia. By exploring cultural exchanges, economic collaborations, and religious engagements, the book offers nuanced insights into China's strategies, making it an indispensable tool for academics, policymakers, diplomats, and those intrigued by contemporary geopolitics. This book aims to dissect the multifaceted approaches China employs to achieve its diplomatic objectives. From cultural initiatives to economic partnerships and religious engagements, the book unravels the adaptability and complexity of China's foreign policy mechanisms. Its primary objective is to provide a comparative framework for studying China's soft power diplomacy, filling a notable gap in existing scholarship. The interdisciplinary approach ensures rich, diverse analyses, fostering dialogues across international relations, Asian studies, and political science. By offering new theories, methodologies, and empirical data, the book not only challenges existing notions but also sparks further academic inquiry into the strategic use of soft power in foreign policy.







The Strategist


Book Description

For more than thirty years, Brent Scowcroft has played a central role in American foreign policy. Scowcroft helped manage the American departure from Vietnam, helped plan the historic breakthrough to China, urged the first President Bush to repel the invasion of Kuwait, and worked to shape the West's skillful response to the collapse of the Soviet empire. And when US foreign policy has gone awry, Scowcroft has quietly stepped in to repair the damage. His was one of the few respected voices in Washington to publicly warn the second President Bush against rushing to war in Iraq. The Strategist offers the first comprehensive examination of Brent Scowcroft's career. Author Bartholomew Sparrow details Scowcroft's fraught relationships with such powerful figures as Henry Kissinger (the controversial mentor Scowcroft ultimately outgrew), Alexander Haig (his one-time rival for Oval Office influence), and Condoleezza Rice (whose career Scowcroft helped launch -- and with whom he publicly broke over Iraq). Through compelling narrative, in-depth research, and shrewd analysis, The Strategist brings color and focus to the complex and often secretive nature of US foreign policy -- an intellectual battlefield on which personalities, ideas, and worldviews clash, dramatically shaping the world in which we live.




EU Strategies on Governance Reform


Book Description

This book discusses the European Union’s approach to governance reform in its development assistance relationships with various groups of developing countries. A group of expert authors outline the general features of the position on governance taken by the EU, which is currently the major multilateral donor of development assistance, and discuss the implementation of EU policies in a set of cases: the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, the Euro-Mediterranean, Latin America and fragile states. The contributions to the book argue that the EU’s position on governance reform, particularly since the adoption of the European Consensus on Development in 2005, has had distinctly neoliberal overtones. The EU’s governance-related strategies have been instrumental to deepening market-based reform in aid-receiving countries. Policies on state-building adopted by the EU reflect mainly the interests of and ideas embraced by the EU and its member states. To an important extent, the rhetoric accompanying EU policies does not match with the political and social dynamics inherent in governance structures on the ground in many of its aid-recipient partner countries. This book was published as a special issue of Third World Quarterly.




The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Thought and Practice in the Digital Age


Book Description

This handbook integrates a range of conceptual and empirical approaches to diplomacy in the context of ongoing technological and societal change. Technological and societal disruptions affect modern diplomacy, altering its character and reforming its way. In light of such changes, this book offers both historical foundations and contemporary perspectives in the field. By doing so, it demonstrates how contemporary change impacts the work of diplomats representing sovereign states. Global diplomatic services will forever be affected by the digitalization of engagement between states during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this rapidly changing culture, with burgeoning geopolitical and geostrategic realignment among global powers, the tools of diplomacy have changed. The state’s foreign policy astuteness and responses to these changes could have long-term impacts. All this culminates in opportunities for improving the management of diplomatic services and efficiency of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of various states. This book provides useful insights into how modern diplomacy works, especially the integration of informalities into formal diplomatic practices in complex peace and security environments, within such a framework of change.




Diplomatic Channels


Book Description

Peek into the Hidden World of Diplomacy Diplomatic Channels: Behind the Curtains of International Relations offers an unparalleled glimpse into the gripping realities of global diplomacy. This eye-opening book pulls back the veil on international relations, exposing the intricate workings of the world's diplomatic machinery. Discover the vital roles of embassies and how they have evolved from historical sanctuaries to contemporary hubs of international engagement. Learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of diplomats and the stringent protocols they follow to maintain decorum and foster international partnerships. Immerse yourself in the throes of crisis management, as diplomats skillfully navigate political instability and orchestrate emergency evacuations. Delve into the domain of economic diplomacy, where trade agreements and investment opportunities are diligently crafted to spur global prosperity. Unearth the subtle power of cultural diplomacy, where organizing cultural events fosters international goodwill and soft power strategies. Understand the critical role that strategic communication and conflict resolution play in high-stakes negotiations. Equipped with captivating case studies and real-world examples, this book demystifies the dual-edged sword of intelligence gathering, illustrating the skillful balancing act of collecting and analyzing crucial information. Traverse the complexities of multilateral diplomacy within international organizations, and see how modern diplomats negotiate on the global stage. In our digital age, the book's examination of digital diplomacy reveals how social media is reshaping international interactions and presents the cybersecurity concerns that diplomats must constantly guard against. Reflect on diplomatic challenges such as espionage and diplomatic incidents, and appreciate the extensive training that hones a diplomat's acumen through robust educational programs. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for those eager to understand the meticulous art and science that enable nations to coexist, collaborate, and when necessary, confront. Embark on a journey through the delicate and demanding world of diplomacy, where every gesture, word, and decision shapes the global landscape.