Do we Need Diplomats?
Introduction
The future of diplomats in international relations (IR) is guaranteed. Diplomats have been vital players in IR by giving leaders relevant advice in political and economic matters (Bolewski 2007, 6). However, the opponents of diplomats note that their role is irrelevant due to technological advances, the conduct of the diplomats, and the rise of other players. Henceforth, this essay explores the roles of diplomats, arguments against their existence, and a re-emphasis of the importance of diplomats. Diplomats’ roles are notable in the past and present issues, such as promoting economic ties, and help combat international current problems like global warming and terrorism despite anti-diplomatic claims, such as abuse of privileges.
Traditional Roles of Diplomats
Diplomats help countries create and sustain a political relationship. Malone (2012, p. 227) states that political relationships warrant regular reciprocal visits between nations, an activity that is facilitated by diplomats. The diplomats communicate with the foreign ministry of the other government and learn how to relate with the other country, for the benefit of their homeland. The political goodwill is expected to open economic, political, and social times for the two countries. It is also the duty of diplomats to represent their country’s interests in international affairs (Bolewski 2007, p. 27). Of note is, without diplomats, powerful countries could overshadow their developing counterparts, leaving the latter disadvantaged. At the same time, the diplomats promote trust between the countries, furthering transparency by all participants. Consequently, no nation shortchanges the other their dealings. Through diplomats, countries can collectively address issues of interests.
Again, diplomats further economic ties among countries. Diplomats’ role in promoting trade remains very relevant today. Multilateral and bilateral trade is increasingly more relevant to nations’ survival. Countries now depend on exports and imports to earn revenue and improve their economy. Forthwith, diplomats ascertain that their country’s economic interests are protected by negotiating for fair trade terms (Malone 2012, p. 229). Fair trade is an issue, especially for developing countries, who complain of being shortchanged by powerful states. The diplomats also open trade doors in the private sector in protectionist countries. To protect their identity and industries, countries have become protectionists by limiting imports. Henceforth, diplomats strive to convince the leaders of these nations that international engagement would make their local industries thrive. Diplomats have a key role in furthering economic ties in the present circumstances.
Diplomats ensure countries adhere to international laws. Bolewski (2007, p. 28) acknowledges diplomats’ input in safeguarding policies at national and international levels. As the world becomes interconnected, diplomats prompt their countries to follow the rules. Diplomats are critical players in promoting other nation to protect minorities, observe human rights, and enhance power balance (Antwi 2019). Following international rules is important because it dictates how countries relate to one another, and failure to obey laws leads to sanctions and other retaliations. With interdependency among countries, diplomas find it imperative for their states to be law-abiding to prevent adverse outcomes.
Crisis and conflict management is an area in which diplomats specialize. Conflicts are inevitable in IR. Accordingly, diplomats make sure that conflict does not impact the relationship of the affected nations. Diplomats act as negotiators for the states involved. These individuals express the needs of their countries and come up with an appropriate solution as fast as possible to minimize the impact of the conflict on trade and political ties (Antwi 2019). The diplomats also ensure that a government takes responsibility for its role in the conflict. Taking accountability is crucial in this era where misconduct attracts retaliation and backlash from the community, which has more access to information. Again, diplomats also examine the necessary services needed during a crisis. For example, if a terrorist attack happens in country A, the diplomats sent to A from country B will relay the emergency message to B’s leaders, and aid will be sent to A. Diplomats help countries out of conflicts and crises, which hamper progress for the affected nations.
Reasons why Diplomats are not Needed
Diplomats are not as effective as expert leaders in IR. Governments have turned to expert rulers to manage the international political, and economic affairs as the needs of citizens become complex (Colomer 2014, p. 124). Politicians find that expert leaders can help them make, implement, and evaluate policies on issues as they are knowledgeable in various fields, unlike a diplomat who may not be knowledgeable in resolving all national needs. In addition, the politicians reason that they can relegate blame and responsibility to nonelected experts should policies not work out as expected (Colomer 2014, p. 124). Moreover, having nonelected experts as representatives reduces party competition, which is not the case in selecting diplomats. Of note is, diplomatic appointments are highly politicized issues that can cause rifts among leaders, a situation that can be avoided when nonelected experts are involved. Experts are a better alternative compared to the diplomats as they have more knowledge and no obligation to political parties.
Further, technology evolution has made diplomats irrelevant. The era of social media has improved communication among states, who can share messages and communicate directly with other leaders. For example, leaders can hold teleconferences and video conferences or discussions. Worse still, existing diplomats are not active on social media platforms, according to a 2016 research cited by Tavares (2018). The research concluded that 79 members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) were not social-media savvy (Tavares 2018). Although social media use might have increased since the research, social media is not a preserve of the diplomats as leaders, experts, and other non-government players can influence international activities. Further, countries are leveraging technology to cut costs associated with diplomatic activities. Nations striving for cost efficiency use E-diplomacy, which is not only cheap but provides public accountability, and agility in communication. Traditional diplomats are viewed as an unnecessary expense, given that the taxpayers bankroll their exclusive lifestyles abroad. Technology has made traditional diplomats obsolete.
Again, diplomats have been accused of abusing their privileges, making them less trustworthy. Diplomats have been accused of taking advantage of their immunity in foreign countries and engaging in illegal activities like slavery, child abuse, assault, and bribery. Subramanian (2017) argues that diplomats break national laws and claim immunity to avoid prosecution. Unfortunately, the states worsen this situation by interpreting rules in favor of the diplomats. Subramanian (2017) illustrates using the story of Devyani Khobragade, the Deputy Consul-General of India in New York. Devyani used fraudulent means to acquire a domestic worker, whom she was accused of abusing. When the US Marshals were involved, Devyani complained of being treated like a common thief and being subjected to searches and inquiries that made her sick. Needless to say, the case was eventually resolved in Devyani’s favor. Diplomats are hardly held to account for their behavior abroad, even though such actions jeopardize the image of a country, and could strain international relations. Consequently, it is better not to have diplomats if they are not law-abiding and fail to do their duties.
Conclusion
Diplomats’ roles are notable in the past and present issues, such as promoting economic ties, and help combat present international problems like global warming and terrorism despite anti-diplomatic claims, such as abuse of privileges. Diplomats serve political, economic, and legal duties on behalf of their countries. Through diplomats, countries establish sound political ties that further trade activities. Furthermore, the diplomats safeguard the economic rights of their nations and open trade opportunities. Nonetheless, their roles in IR is diminishing because of technological advancement that increase efficiency and reduces costs. That diplomats have been accused of abusing their immunity and privileges boosts the idea of doing away with these individuals. Diplomats’ role in IR is not guaranteed.
Reference List
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Bolewski, W. 2007. Diplomacy and international law in globalized relations. Heidelberg: Springer.
Colomer, J. 2014. “Expert rulers replace politicians and diplomats.” In Colomer, S. (Ed) How Global Institutions Rule the World. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 123-136. [Online] Available at: < https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9781137475084_11>. [Accessed 17 Apr 2020].
Malone, D. 2012. “The evolving nature and role of the diplomatic mission.” Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, 18 (2), pp. 225-241.
Subramanian, R. 2017. “Abuse of Diplomatic Privileges and the Balance between Immunities and the Duty to Respect the Local Laws and Regulations under the Vienna Conventions: The Recent Indian Experience.” The Chinese Journal of Global Governance, 3 (2) pp 182-233. [Online] Available at: <https://brill.com/view/journals/cjgg/3/2/article-p182_182.xml?language=en>. [Accessed 17 Apr 2020].
Tavares, R. 2018. International diplomacy needs an overhaul to stay relevant. Here’s why. World Economic Forum. [Online]Available at: <https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/05/international-diplomacy-needs-an-overhaul-to-stay-relevant-here-s-why/>. [Accessed 17 Apr 2020].