DIPLOMACY

Can diplomacy resolves difference between countries?

Can diplomacy resolves difference between countries?

Introduction

Diplomacy and deterrence are two methods used by countries to prevent or resolve contlicts and maintain their independence. Singapore adopts a two-pronged apporach of diplomacy and deterrence for its defence. Through its bilateral ties with other countries and membership in international organisations such as ASEAN and UN, Singapore seeks to co-operate with members of the international community. Co-operation among countries is possible only when there is trust. Countries must also be willing to discuss and settle issues, based on international law.

A form of international relations which allows for peaceful negotiations and discussion among countries Diplomats:

perform consular, economic and political functions

report to their own government on the development in the country they are based in.

update country they are based in on the rationale for decisions made by their own government.

Resolves conflict between countries

- countries could be involved in heated argument on issues

- they might not even be able to agree to one another's views

- with diplomacy, these countries could discuss matter and understand one another's stand better

- with diplomacy, they could also get a neutral party to negotiate for them or ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to aid in making a decision for them e.g. Singapore and Malaysia allowed ICJ to resolve their claim over Pedra Branca

- this would avoid conflict, leading to peace and prosperity for both countries.( Bailey, 2006,2)

Aids in development of the countries

With the inter-dependence nature of the world, countries rely on one another.

A country could fully reach its potential with increased collaboration with other countries.

With diplomacy, countries get to know one another better

this would increase political, social and economic cooperation between the countries, leading to greater collaboration between them

e.g. developed countries like USA help others due to good diplomacy

e.g. USA helped the western European countries after the Second World War because of good diplomatic relations among them.

The countries would also be able to tap on one another's strengths. E.g. Singapore taps on the foreign talents from China, India and other countries due to good diplomatic ties with these countries.

Allows for greater cooperation against an aggressor

Not all countries are equally strong

A stronger country might invade a small country or threatened it

The small country thus would be threatened of its sovereignty

With diplomacy, it could seek the assistance of other countries in defeating the aggressor

E.g. 1991: Kuwait was attacked by Iraq. A combined force from UN counter-attacked Iraq, leading to Kuwait regaining its sovereignty.

Countries could also impose economic sanctions or boycott trading with the aggressor

This would force the aggressor to rethink the invasion, leading to peace.

Discussion

Later Indonesia, the world's most populous Islamic country, will host U.S. President Obama, a visit that could establish important scientific ties between the United States and Indonesia and implement a potentially powerful piece of vaccine diplomacy. The oral polio vaccine is a substantive example of how vaccination diplomacy has driven cooperation in times of crisis, allowing groups and states to put aside ideological differences to eradicate ...