As diplomats, ambassadors, and envoys seek to resolve conflict and build trust in an increasingly complex world, it is essential that they understand the dynamics of power relationships and the philosophical underpinnings of diplomatic processes. This new approach allows them to recognize how diplomacy is influenced by psychology – the challenges of building and maintaining trust, the human tendency towards both cooperation and competition, perception biases and other cognitive constraints. It also helps them address why diplomacy does not work all the time – the need to overcome structural, systemic factors that prevent effective negotiations and compromise.
At their best, great diplomats immerse themselves in the languages, cultures and traditions of their counterparts. They take the time to truly listen to each other and avoid making statements without understanding the full context of a situation. They know when to impose their own view of the issue and when to accept that their counterparts may have a different perspective. They treat all interactions as useful diplomatic engagements – from the most serious talks to informal meetings, cocktail parties, sports and sightseeing.
They strive for an outcome that is based on mutual respect, candor and trust – the kind of bond that can help them build a coalition for change or sway an adversary to their side. In an era of growing global threats, diplomacy is more needed than ever, but its effectiveness will depend on whether it can overcome the negative influences of the old world order and its attendant paradigms of ideology, power politics and military confrontation.