Before one can even begin to study the art of diplomacy, one must understood why diplomats 
are still relevant in a shrinking and borderless world. The Diplomatic Academy of London not only offers courses taught by former diplomats but trains its students practical skills required to work in an international society. “Diplomacy,” Sir Harold Nicholson insists, “is not the art of amicable conversation but the technique of exchanging documents in ratifiable form…an agreement which is committed to writing is likely to prove more dependable in future than any agreement which rests upon the variable interpretation of spoken assent.”
Breaking down its definition, a diplomat represents the state while harmonising relations with other nations through effective, clear and persuasive communication. However the ability to communicate effectively must be married with diplomats acute sense of analysis and observation, which can make a difference between success and failure or even life and death in hostile environments. Diplomacy is a process therefore those who negotiate cannot expect to control every element of the process. Flexibility is crucial and when Plan A fails, the diplomat must have already prepared Plan B, C and D in the nature of failure within a given framework. A diplomat is successful when plans are moving forward, thus will need to be able to make decisions in between mediations.
Negotiation processes can be timely and without strategic analysis of the party you are dealing with, there is small likelihood that change can happen. Before starting the negotiating process, mutual recognition of each party is a necessity, accepting that your rival or enemy exists and is an equal interlocutor. After acceptance, all prejudices must be demolished, putting aside differences that can hinder ones opinion. Finally both parties must agree what the issue is and define terms for effective communication. While all this may seem basic, very often negotiations break down in communication by ignoring one of these aspects. Leaders are unable to put aside their differences and stick by their religious, social, cultural etc reference points, which in itself may lead to war.
Qualities of an ideal diplomat include the ability to tell the truth while representing the nation’s best interest, presenting accurate information, accept others and devoid prejudices, be flexible in terms of its strategy, remain calm, be patient in any given circumstance, and finally be courageous.
The challenge will be to gain and develop these skills before the end of term, while exercising these qualities under pressure in a coherent manner without offending groups or individuals. The best diplomats are able to achieve this like second nature and it is my intention to grow into an effective diplomat.
are still relevant in a shrinking and borderless world. The Diplomatic Academy of London not only offers courses taught by former diplomats but trains its students practical skills required to work in an international society. “Diplomacy,” Sir Harold Nicholson insists, “is not the art of amicable conversation but the technique of exchanging documents in ratifiable form…an agreement which is committed to writing is likely to prove more dependable in future than any agreement which rests upon the variable interpretation of spoken assent.”Breaking down its definition, a diplomat represents the state while harmonising relations with other nations through effective, clear and persuasive communication. However the ability to communicate effectively must be married with diplomats acute sense of analysis and observation, which can make a difference between success and failure or even life and death in hostile environments. Diplomacy is a process therefore those who negotiate cannot expect to control every element of the process. Flexibility is crucial and when Plan A fails, the diplomat must have already prepared Plan B, C and D in the nature of failure within a given framework. A diplomat is successful when plans are moving forward, thus will need to be able to make decisions in between mediations.
Negotiation processes can be timely and without strategic analysis of the party you are dealing with, there is small likelihood that change can happen. Before starting the negotiating process, mutual recognition of each party is a necessity, accepting that your rival or enemy exists and is an equal interlocutor. After acceptance, all prejudices must be demolished, putting aside differences that can hinder ones opinion. Finally both parties must agree what the issue is and define terms for effective communication. While all this may seem basic, very often negotiations break down in communication by ignoring one of these aspects. Leaders are unable to put aside their differences and stick by their religious, social, cultural etc reference points, which in itself may lead to war.
Qualities of an ideal diplomat include the ability to tell the truth while representing the nation’s best interest, presenting accurate information, accept others and devoid prejudices, be flexible in terms of its strategy, remain calm, be patient in any given circumstance, and finally be courageous.
The challenge will be to gain and develop these skills before the end of term, while exercising these qualities under pressure in a coherent manner without offending groups or individuals. The best diplomats are able to achieve this like second nature and it is my intention to grow into an effective diplomat.
1 comment:
Truly interesting... I can see myself doing that.
Keep up the good work Tal.
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