In my opinion, the most important aspect of the new diplomacy is the emergence of new actors, non-state actors such as NGOs, in world affairs.
The world system used to be a “nation-state” one, however nowadays different actors are involved in world politics (Leguey Feilleux, 2009:101), such as international organizations, nongovernmental organizations and multinational corporations. The new diplomacy is a multilateral diplomacy, where more than just two states are involved in negotiations.
I will focus on NGOs, which are components of civil society. They are active in open society, and what is important is that they cover a broad spectrum of human activity. Some of them do not even have anything to do with the political process. However, they are involved in negotiations, and moreover, they can create pressure in decision-making (Leguey Feilleux, 2009: 104).These actors play different roles and take care of different parts of our lives. Greenpeace, for example, is a non-governmental environmental organization, whose goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity. This is very important for the human being, especially nowadays, with issues like global warming, deforestation, and dangerous natural disasters. As well, they are involved in peace movements and anti-nuclear protests (http://www.greenpeace.org/international) [accessed: 12.04.2010].
Additionally, the roles of the media and public opinion, as well as public diplomacy, are very important aspects in new diplomacy. These actors are allowed to put pressure in the decision-making process as well.
As I have written in my blog before, public diplomacy is very important in today’s world politics, and has an impact on decision-making. For example, we can see how foreign views of the United States changed after the US decided to go to war with Iraq in 2003. The influence of public opinion changed the U.S’ decision-making later on.
As I wrote above, in my opinion the most important aspects of the new diplomacy are the interference of the new non-state actors as well as the power of media and public opinion, through which the diplomacy agenda has become much richer.
I agree with you Natalia, that the New diplomacy represents a more richer practice of diplomacy where several aspects, mainly the public sphere, which previously were marginalized are during our contemporary time incorporated within the conducts of diplomacy. However, I would argue that these are changes which due to the many forces we describe as globalization, were and are necessary. Hence, new diplomacy could be seen as progress from its traditional form, in order to adapt to our current time and age.
ReplyDeleteNGOs play an important role in current international relations, it is hard not to agree with that. However, I think we should not exaggerate its position, as it is still states that rule the world. A great example here would be Copenhagen Climate Conference 2009. Although organized by the UN, the main participants were states. As we all know, the conference ended in failure. Organizations, such as Greenpeace mentioned by you, could not beat states' interests.
ReplyDeleteI do not want to be missunderstood, I completely agree with your point about NGOs' significance, I just think that sometimes their role is overstated.