What Diplomacy Can Do for You

Abstract

This paper based on Ambassador W. Robert Pearson’s inaugural lecture of the DUCIGS/Rethinking Diplomacy Program at Duke University focuses on how the combination of the disciplines of diplomacy and science plays an important role in facilitating the solution of complex issues. The author introduces a “collaboration model” for modern problem solving of complex problems, including those where good science is a key factor, with many stakeholders. In this model, diplomacy can act as the “facilitator” or the “mediator” to manage that process. In order to succeed with a “collaboration model,” five elements are required: (1) involvement of all the essential stakeholders (those that could make or break an agreement), (2) consensus definition of the problem, (3) sufficient common interests to generate a productive dialogue, (4) a shared commitment by the stakeholders to finding a solution, and (5) successful post-agreement implementation that stands the test of time. Examples of successful stories include the international Ozone Agreement and the agreement on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The author concludes that in today’s world all science is also politics. Knowing what is needed to solve a problem is not enough. Knowing how to persuade the broader public, businesses and governments to do what is needed requires knowing the best way to make that happen. The best way to help make that happen is to use the best tools of diplomacy. Science and diplomacy thus become indispensable partners for human progress.