Interacting in a globalised world: Gerald McGhie reflects on the importance for New Zealand of the art of diplomacy in a complex international environment.

• Author: McGhie, Gerald
• Position: Essay

In the age of globalisation foreign ministries are no longer the only people interested in foreign relations. The inter-connected world assumes the internet and social media as a means of mass communication, but no matter how streamlined the technology or how far economic theory encroaches on foreign policy formation, traditional interests and diplomatic requirements remain. In a democratic, multi-cultural and pluralistic society, foreign policy to be effective will continue to require the active involvement and broad acceptance of the wider community underpinned by traditional values and interests. Ministers will remain responsible: implementation will continue to require knowledge, experience and most of all wisdom.

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Diplomacy in the age of globalisation has become something very much more than the traditional contact between states. The legal formalities of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations acknowledge only the diplomacy of states. It is well recognised, however, that foreign ministries are no longer the only people interested in foreign relations. In today's inter-connected world, private and public sector interests are coming closer together. Nevertheless, if all these interests are to contribute to the whole and not be seen as silos working separately and in pursuit of their own agendas, a key role must be given to the co-ordination and prioritisation of the issues involved and the values and concerns of the community itself.

Trans-national corporations and global economic intergovernmental organisations, for example the World Trade Organisation, have greatly expanded their own diplomatic networks within and without the traditional diplomatic system. The same is true of the diplomacy of civil society where the saga of failed and failing states, civil conflict and international terrorism has created an entirely new global world of urgent communications between states and non-governmental organisations and amongst these organisations themselves.

A common factor in this rush of activity is the increasing complexity and inter-connectedness of global issues as well as the rapidity with which information volleys around in a world now much more sensitive to sudden financial and strategic shocks, however localised they may at first appear.

It may be that people are more widely networked and better informed in relation to their experiences. But does the solution to the deep-seated problems of poverty, endemic corruption and the misuse of government power--to say nothing of the toxic mix of issues surrounding the Afghanistan and Pakistan imbroglios--lie solely in the smart use of new communications media. Equally can deep-seated problems of governance and long-term rivalries between nations be solved by the use of consultants or academics contracted in from time to time? Can they be solved on the basis of consultants' reports. (1) It is important to draw on the skills of particular individuals in the early stages of the policy-making process and to engage in consultations from time to time as negotiations continue; but the consultant's brief, almost by definition, has a limited perspective. Academic discussion tends to be compartmentalised as concepts and theories are 'tested'. As well confirmed by precedent and experience, the broad direction of policy formulation must remain in the hands of government ministers working in close association with officials.

While we are aware of the new, there remains the continuing presence of the old. Clearly the apparatus of traditional diplomacy remains alive and functioning--ranging from traditional state-to-state and multilateral negotiations and extensive consular networks to involvement in the processes of the global economic system itself.

Integral...