Political Officers in Conflict Zones: Public Diplomacy and Counterinsurgency – Part III

The past few posts have focused on the potential role of diplomacy in addressing the complex challenges of counterinsurgency.

Can non-violent approaches to conflict resolution make a difference?

Yes, but it is unlikely that contribution cannot be fully realized under present circumstances.

It is not just that the diplomatic business model has not responded adequately to the challenges of globalization – it hasn’t – or that foreign ministries are underfunded, hierarchic and risk-averse – they are. These features compound the problem, but it is the particular difficulties in the field that define it.

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Political Officers in Conflict Zones: Public Diplomacy and Counterinsurgency – Part II

Development is a strategic and moral imperative…  our intention is to elevate development so that it stands alongside defense and diplomacy and an equal. Defense, development and diplomacy need to reinforce each other, but each also brings a unique perspective and set of capabilities to the table. Together, they make us stronger, smarter and more effective.

President Barack Obama, describing the new US national security strategy.

In earlier posts and elsewhere I have made the case that in the age of globalization, development  has in large part become the new security. That is why I advocate the substitution of diplomacy – and especially an extreme form of  public diplomacy, with the emphasis on cross-cultural dialogue and meaningful exchange – for defence at the centre of international policy.

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