Non-state actors.. Their/Our role in diplomacy

As we discussed during the previous weeks, many changes occurred within diplomacy. Diplomacy suffered a radical change particularly in the 20^th century from multilateral negotiations, open discussions, increasing presence of non-state actors until the enhanced importance of public diplomacy. Although it has occurred many changes in diplomacy, I believe non-state actors are the most important achievement of modern diplomacy. The social, historical and technological developments of the past century allowed the formation and improved importance of non-state actors. Moreover, during the lecture related to these actors it was distinguished six non-state actors: religious actors, sub-state units and international organizations, terrorist/rebel groups, multinational corporations, non-governmental organisations and individuals. Despite of the presence of many non-state actors in diplomacy I consider the last three more relevant in its radical change. Therefore, the last three will be developed throughout the blog entry. Furthermore, these actors are crucial to raise awareness regarding critical issues involving society. For that reason they gain credibility and support from the public which confers them power against governments.

Multinational corporations’ importance within politics has been increasing due to their expansion across the world. Consequently, nowadays some of these corporations have more resources than some states. Nevertheless, these corporations lobby governments influencing them on their policies. This influence can be used for their own self-interest (which frequently it is) but also for good causes. Also, business can have an important role to avoid international conflict, since usually countries that trade with each other do not resort to war. In a speech given by a representative of the German business community in a UN Security Council meeting he stated business in partnership with public partners has a critical role in battling violence, anarchy and terrorism all in favour of civilization, freedom and prosperity. (2007:53). This is a positive change of mindset in multinationals. Recently, there has been a rising cooperation between NGO’s and MNC’s to standardise corporations’ policies, their intention is to avoid lawsuits or other consequences that could harm the companies’ reputation. A few years ago in a lecture the Attorney Owen Pell gave an example regarding the new alliance between NGO’s and MNC’s:

“In the case of the Cocoa Harvesting Accord, NGOs united companies representing 99 percent of cocoa buyers to form a cartel to negotiate child labor practices. The MNCs agreed to buy cocoa only from areas with minimal use of child labor, as determined by a survey of local labor markets funded by the MNCs. Ultimately, around 20 African states agreed to participate in the program.”

For the previous, reasons I believe it is important to mention MNC’s role in diplomacy not only for their negative actions (as usually they are) but also for their recent positive contributions in world affairs.

Furthermore, non-governmental organisations are one of the most important non-state actors in world politics. They are usually specialized in different issues such as human rights, environmental issues, and so on. Usually these organisations have some advantage over states since they have credibility, expertise in specific issues, resources and representation in many places. Their importance has been rising in the last century, especially because globalization allows them to reach people faster. Therefore they can easily persuade public opinion and important issues related to civil society. Due to the increased importance of these organisations they are now accepted by states to provide information about specific issues of their expertise. Some even argue they are absolutely crucial to help states in particular issues such as environmental problems (2007:55).

Nevertheless, individuals are also very important non-state actors. There are two types of individuals involved in diplomacy: the common citizen or celebrities. Celebrities are a new trend within diplomacy. They use their influence to support causes and influence governments. Usually politicians like to be photographed with them to improve their image and also for public diplomacy. For example, George Clooney had the honour to address the UN Security Council regarding the genocide occurring in Darfur. It is rarely given access for common citizen to approach the supreme body of UN but an actor has a status and connections which allows him to do it. Nonetheless, organizations use these people to be “the face” of their causes raising people awareness of different issues. Therefore, celebrities often represent organizations and raise supporters for their causes. Furthermore, celebrities are important in shaping diplomacy but nevertheless non-famous citizens have the power to change diplomacy. Although sometimes people’s demonstrations have no influence in changing policies made by the government (the demonstrations against the Iraq War around the world are a good example), there are some crucial individuals that were successful in fighting for their causes. These people made themselves heard around the world due to their persistency and some examples are Ghandi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. These people were common John Does who became known for their actions and values. Therefore, despite of the importance of celebrities as non-state actors, common citizens can also fight for their causes and principles.

In conclusion, there were many changes within diplomacy. However, I believe the emergence of some non-state actors was the most important change since it raised awareness of issues that we would not be aware otherwise. This encourages us to practise an active role as citizens within world affairs.

With effort from these non-state actors the world is gradually changing...

I found this video online and decided to share with you. Great example.

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The Earth Summit - 1992 - Brazil

This link provides a webpage where you can listen to George Clooney’s speech addressed to the UN Security Council.

Reference

Bolewski, W. (2007) Diplomacy and International Law in Globalized Relations

New York : Springer

Others: some parts where referenced with links to its webpages.