Diplomacy by Networking’s Post

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of global politics, I've been reflecting on the evolving nature of diplomacy in international relations. I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting geopolitical dynamics. As an International Relations graduate, my journey in this field has been truly enlightening. From delving into the intricate web of global politics to understanding the nuances of diplomacy, each experience has shaped my perspective on world affairs. Engaging in discussions on international conflicts, collaborating on projects with a diverse group of individuals, and analyzing the impact of policies on a global scale have been pivotal in expanding my knowledge and honing my skills. The opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and viewpoints has not only broadened my understanding but also fueled my passion for fostering cooperation and understanding among nations. Through my experiences, I have come to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of the world we live in, driving my commitment to contributing positively to the field of International Relations.

The Public Symposium on South Africa’s Foreign Policy was held this morning, organized by the South African Institute of International Relations in partnership with the University of Cape Town and DIRCO. The event featured a keynote presentation by DIRCO Deputy Minister, ALVIN BOTES, and an expert panel of speakers, including Prof Zwelethu Jolobe, Sanusha Naidu, and Gustavo de Carvalho, who engaged in meaningful and substantive dialogue around various themes. One of the key emerging points from the discussions was that while South Africa has had notable foreign relations achievements in the past 30 years, there are questions about consistency and coherence in our approach. The need for a strategic approach to foreign relations and regional and global diplomacy that is also domesticated and centred on South Africa’s own development aspirations was emphasized. The symposium also highlighted the need to define “non-alignment” further and its relationship with national sovereignty or self-sufficiency. The discussions revealed that it's difficult to distinguish between or separate these concepts. The global environment is currently characterized by VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity). The experts observed increased unipolarity and nationalism in many parts of the world. The symposium stressed the central role that DIRCO must play, in partnership with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, centered on a defined National Interest framework. However, given the deep uncertainties, gaining agreement and cooperating on policy, whether regional or global, will be challenging and increasingly complex. Discussants also called for frank introspection about South Africa’s foreign relations capacity and reach, and a better understanding of the levers that the country has to shape its relations globally. Overall, it was a stellar dialogue, and it's hoped that the partners will continue to create similar platforms to foster and sustain national debate. #SAForeignPolicy #Multilateral #InternationalAffairs #PolicyDiscussions #InternationalAffairs

𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 New paper by Janina Stürner-Siovitz and Lasse Juhl Morthorst from the Equal Partnerships Project published with the Global Networks journal! Read the paper: https://lnkd.in/eg5ec7xx While researchers have paid growing attention to transnational city engagement in both the policy fields of migration and climate change, there is a dearth of studies exploring how cities claim agency and start acting in emerging global climate mobility debates. Moreover, city diplomacy research tends to focus predominantly on city actors from the global North. We aim to address this research bias and advance academic debates by exploring African city diplomacy in global climate mobility debates. Specifically, we examine the question: how do African cities claim recognition as relevant actors in global dialogues on climate mobility, and what kind of action do they take? We find that African cities are frontline actors of climate mobility and therefore uniquely positioned to link local knowledge and action with emerging global policies, funding and partnerships. In doing so, they encounter many barriers but also receive support from UCLG Africa, Mayors Migration Council, GFMD Mayors Mechanism, Global Centre for Climate Mobility, @robertboschstiftung In terms of city diplomacy action, African cities focus on 1) pushing climate mobility higher on international agendas, 2) opening local access to international funding & 3) claiming agency in emerging international processes on climate mobility In terms of city diplomacy action, African cities focus on 1) pushing climate mobility higher on international agendas, 2) opening local access to international funding & 3) claiming agency in emerging international processes on climate mobility

💡Interested in knowing more about the role of science diplomacy in international Research Infrastructure collaboration?💡 Our new article explores the role of science diplomacy in European-Latin American and Caribbean (EU-LAC) Research Infrastructure collaboration: 🤝 We formulate scenarios for sustainable collaboration, discussing policy implications and highlighting the role of science diplomacy in facilitating policy design, resource pooling, and governance for effective collaboration. 🔬 We discuss how intensified patterns of bi-regional collaboration can balance asymmetries between Research Infrastructures, fostering a shared scientific community and aligning with cross-border cooperation goals. 🧩 We call for the valorisation of the local capacities, especially from an agenda-setting role!   With EU-LAC ResInfra Plus, Minna Kulju, Giovanna Sanchez Nieminen, Maria Lima Toivanen, André Moraes dos Santos VTT #VTTBeyondTheObvious #ResearchInfrastructures #Collaboration #GlobalChallenges #EU #LAC #ScienceDiplomacy #InnovationPolicy #HorizonEurope #ResearchPartnerships #ResearchImpact

Check out my new blog post about participating in the International Studies Association Convention that took place in San Francisco. https://lnkd.in/e3SJHnMy #PublicDiplomacy #TechDiplomacy

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of international diplomacy and cooperation has never been clearer. In recent years, we've witnessed major shifts in global power dynamics, with key players across the world shaping the future of international relations. From strategic partnerships to economic agreements, diplomacy continues to be the linchpin in fostering peace, stability, and development. In light of the ongoing global challenges—climate change, technological advancements, and economic recovery post-pandemic—it’s fascinating to see how regional organizations, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are playing pivotal roles in driving collaboration and sustainable growth. The UAE, for instance, has emerged as a hub for global dialogue, actively engaging in diplomacy, sustainability initiatives, and innovation-driven projects that set a blueprint for international cooperation. As a political science graduate, I’m excited to engage with professionals in this space and explore opportunities to contribute to the discourse. I’m particularly passionate about topics related to international relations, conflict resolution, and sustainable development, and I believe that through knowledge-sharing and collaboration, we can navigate these global challenges effectively. Let’s connect and exchange insights on how diplomacy continues to evolve in these transformative times. #InternationalRelations #Diplomacy #Sustainability #GCC #GlobalCooperation #PoliticalScience #UAE #Networking #Opportunities

Looking for a weekend read….. Trust in international relations, public diplomacy and soft power Why does trust matter? Trust can be considered as a glue of society. It allows people, organisations, states to live and interact with one another. Without it, it can lead to tensions, misunderstandings, and even conflict. But what is trust? How does it affect international relations? Can trust be changed, and if so, what effect does this have? The concept and importance of trust how the concept, in its various forms, is approached within international relations scholarship the impact of trust and distrust on foreign policy, economics, global collective action issues, and online relationships attempts to affect trust, either positively through diplomacy and public diplomacy, or negatively through the weaponization of distrust. Trust relies on mutuality and reciprocity. From an international relations perspective there is not a consensus on the role of trust – with the relevance, sources, and types of trust varying depending on theoretical perspective. Trust matters in international relations- governments recognise that and act accordingly. As trust is inextricably linked to soft power, governments attempt to generate trust internationally and cultural institutions do so through public diplomacy. #trust #softpower #culturalrelations https://lnkd.in/eEjU65qz

The penultimate module of my course in International Relations and Diplomacy was on the topic of Peace-building, one of the areas of study that engaged my interest in the degree to begin with. It was an incredibly thorough and well taught module that did not flinch away from the more serious or critical issues within the discipline. I was engaged to write a blog post on behalf of the Institute, covering a sequence of visitors we had during the module under the 'Inside the Profession' series. The visitors were incredibly enlightening, providing invaluable context from a practitioner's perspective on topics and issues that were previously theoretical. I have tried to do them, and the module justice with this brief blog post on the nexus between theory and practice. Please give it a read!

Faculty Dialogues Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Amb. Juan José Gómez-Camacho Cousin Zartman Obiora Okafor: What a privilege to convene and moderate a Faculty Dialogue between professors Ambassador Juan José Gómez-Camacho, and Dr. William Zartman, to exchange about the challenges of the practice of diplomacy in today’s international environment. While headlines and analyses often describe situations of armed conflict or rising tensions as "crises," "failures," or "breakdowns" of diplomacy, is this a fair assessment? Both professors addressed the crucial role of diplomacy in today's environment, characterized by tensions, power competition, and conflicts. They explored the role of diplomacy when tensions, great power competition, and conflicts prevail and how the current international environment affect the effectiveness of diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict management. Their discussion highlighted the critical interplay of power, politics, norms, and institutions. Although systems for international affairs are under strain, they are essential and continue to function, despite the perception of dysfunction fueled by rising tensions and conflicts; systems and norms play a crucial role in managing power and conflict. Lessons from history. Individual leaders' decisions can fundamentally steer the course of events towards peace or towards conflict. The current challenge is for leaders to learn from history, for example, the handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis; while in the past systemic changes have been triggered by cataclysmic events, today they should show the statecraft needed to adapt and reform the system proactively avoiding a cataclysmic event. Diplomacy's enduring relevance but strengthened skills for the evolving landscape Despite the constant interplay of politics and power, negotiation and conflict resolution remain central to international affairs and diplomacy and its instruments continue to play a crucial role during times of change and tension. But professionals in international affairs need to cultivate two key skillsets to navigate this increasingly complex landscape: Comprehensive understanding of conflict, its dynamics, phases, the elements of conflict management and resolution, in order to develop the statecraft needed to create optimal conditions to prevent escalation and to successfully resolve and transform conflicts. Sophisticated analytical mind: The complexities of the contemporary world demand diplomats with the ability to delve into the intricacies of issues and conflicts. Being avid readers of history, culture, and art is vital for fostering such a nuanced understanding and offering valuable solutions.

My publication “Constructivism's Impact on International Relations: Shaping a New World Order” (The above is a topic of yet another publication in an international Journal that I co-authored. Below are the snippets and in the comment section is a link to the article ) Constructivism, as a theoretical framework, emphasizes the significance of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping global politics. This perspective challenges traditional realist and liberal paradigms, highlighting how perceptions and beliefs influence state behavior, international cooperation, and the formation of international institutions. In recent years, constructivism has gained prominence as it underscores the importance of non-material factors, such as culture, ideology, and collective narratives, in redefining global power dynamics and fostering new modes of diplomacy. This review explores the ways in which constructivism has contributed to a nuanced understanding of international relations, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of a new world order that transcends mere power politics. It can only get better 🌟 Nweke Daniel