Diplomatic Engagement Research Articles

Sino-US Competition for Political Influence in Africa: Can Bilateral Aid Buy UN Votes?

ABSTRACT As the bilateral tension and geopolitical turbulence intensify, both the US and Chinese governments are escalating their efforts to garner political support from members of the international community. A strategic avenue for this endeavour is the provision of financial aid. This paper examines the effects of Sino-US financial aid to Africa on the voting behaviour of African nations in the UN General Assembly. The findings reveal that financial aid from both China and the US can influence UN General Assembly votes. Specifically, US aid not only directly diminishes Africa’s political support for China but also indirectly undermines the political returns of Chinese aid through its economic and diplomatic engagements with Africa. However, these direct and indirect effects are not reciprocated by Chinese aid vis-à-vis the US.

India's response to the Myanmar crisis: A reluctant neighbor

AbstractThis article examines India's response to the crisis in Myanmar, which political turmoil, human rights violations, and refugee influxes have characterized. The crisis has posed significant challenges for neighboring countries, particularly India, due to its geographical proximity and historical ties. The primary objective is to examine India's response to the Myanmar crisis, focusing on the complexities and nuances that have shaped its approach. The study analyzes India's policies, diplomatic engagements, and domestic considerations, highlighting the factors contributing to its reluctance to adopt a strong stand on the crisis. By evaluating India's response, the article aims to provide insights into the regional dynamics and the implications for India and Myanmar.

India and the Great Powers: Balancing and Diplomatic Engagement Revisited—Introducing the Special Issue

India and the Great Powers: Balancing and Diplomatic Engagement Revisited—Introducing the Special Issue

Allies in the Making: India’s Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific Strategy

This research explores and analyzes India’s evolving strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the context of increasing Chinese assertiveness and global geopolitical shifts. The current geopolitical landscape, marked by Chinese activities along the Indian border, in the Taiwan Strait, and throughout the Indo-Pacific, underscores the urgent need for cooperation among like-minded nations on regional and global issues. Central to this study is examining the significant transformations in India’s foreign policy since the 1990s. This includes an analysis of the Look East Policy as India’s strategic response to the post-Cold War era, its evolution into the Act East Policy, and India’s emerging role on the international stage through active participation in the Indo-Pacific Strategy. These components collectively underscore India’s strategic realignment and its broader implications on regional dynamics and global diplomacy. Subsequently, the research delves into the burgeoning strategic collaboration between India and Taiwan, focusing on initiating strategic dialogues and progressing from democratic partners to crucial collaborators in constructing the Indo-Pacific supply chain. Furthermore, the research will analyze India’s strategic responses amid increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, exploring how it navigates the complex diplomatic and security challenges presented by its One China stance. This includes examining India’s maneuvers within the broader geopolitical framework of the region, highlighting its efforts to balance national security interests with diplomatic engagements.

India’s Diplomatic Engagement in Global Climate Change Negotiations: A Feminist Analysis

India’s Diplomatic Engagement in Global Climate Change Negotiations: A Feminist Analysis

From China to Malaysia: Understanding The Cultural and Economic Dynamics of Imported Chinese Films

The connection between China’s diplomatic engagements abroad and its trans-border film trade holds considerable importance. Inherent in this dynamic is cross-cultural interaction and inter-cultural communication. Malaysia’s support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative has fostering a growing cultural exchange, particularly through the trade of Chinese films, some of which have aschieved significant box office earning success in Malaysia. Despite occasional media attention, there is a notable lack of scholarly literature addressing the impact of these films on Malaysian audiences. This study examines the cinematic consumption of the films imported from China by Malaysian distributors for exhibition to its cinemagoers, using Song Hwee Lim’s framework of conceptualization of transnational cinema. It seeks to better understand the phenomenon of the imported Chinese films for audience appeal, cultural influence and impact on box-office earnings. By collecting and analyzing relevant data from distributors through in-depth interviews with their representatives, this study identifies the approaches of film promotion and marketing activities that are reshaping the cultural experience of filmic storytelling in the Malaysian context. The implications of this study extend beyond film distribution, offering insights into how transnational cinema can shape cultural narratives and influence the cultural landscape in a globalized context. By examining the interplay between Chinese films and Malaysian audiences, the research highlights the role of transnational cinema in fostering cultural exchange and understanding, as well as its potential to impact the future direction of filmic storytelling within a multicultural society. Keywords: Transnational cinema, Chinese film, Malaysian cinema, film distribution, cultural trade.

Diplomatic webs: the influential figures shaping U.S. policy in Israel, Qatar, and Iraq

Abstract Purpose This study examines the Twitter/X networks of U.S. ambassadors in Israel, Iraq, and Qatar from 2017 to 2024, aiming to assess how digital diplomacy is conducted through these platforms. Utilizing Sprinklr, we gathered 586,736 mentions involving the ambassadors’ Twitter handles, with a focus on evaluating the influence and communication strategies within these networks. Design/methodology/approach We analyzed a random sample of 30,000 tweets from the collected data using network analysis techniques. This approach enabled the examination of centrality metrics within the ambassadors’ digital networks, providing insights into the influence patterns and communicative interactions via Gephi. Findings The analysis revealed a significant influence of state actors and established political elites who predominantly engage in unidirectional communication, despite the platforms’ capabilities for interactive and reciprocal dialogues. We identified elected officials and specific non-governmental organizations as key actors shaping the diplomatic narratives, highlighting the diverse yet controlled actor interplay in digital diplomacy. Practical implications This research underscores the need for strategic adjustments in digital diplomacy practices to enhance interaction and inclusivity. Our work provides policymakers with insights into leveraging digital platforms for more effective and dynamic diplomatic exchanges. Social implications The study illuminates the role of digital platforms as critical venues for shaping diplomatic narratives by both state and non-state actors. Notably, our findings highlight the use of hashtags in advancing human rights movements and in discussions surrounding the Israel–Palestine conflict, demonstrating hashtags’ impact on global and regional advocacy efforts. Originality/value This research offers a unique perspective on the integration of traditional diplomatic roles with contemporary digital strategies, particularly highlighting the constraints and potentials within Middle Eastern contexts. We suggest ways to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of diplomatic engagements through improved social media utilization, thereby contributing to the evolving field of international relations and public diplomacy.

Strategic management of diplomatic engagements, security policies, economic initiatives, and cultural influence: Analyzing Pakistan’s leadership role in South Asia's geopolitical stability

This study investigates the numerous crucial factors affecting Pakistan's strategic importance in South Asia, including economic pursuits, cultural influence, security measures, and diplomatic relations. The research uses a mixed methods approach to identify significant relationships between these traits and the perceived effectiveness of Pakistan's regional initiatives. The findings indicate that security protocols negatively impact Pakistan's strategic importance; however, they are positively influenced by economic initiatives and cultural presence in South Asia. Demographic parameters such as age and educational level strongly affect perceptions of Pakistan's regional influence. The study highlights cultural, political, and economic factors that bolster or undermine Pakistan's global stature. Policymakers seeking to enhance Pakistan's regional influence should regard these implications with gravity. The study offers valuable policy recommendations for addressing current challenges and enhances our understanding of South Asian geopolitics.

Strategies For Addressing The Spillover Effect Of Mosaic Warfare In The South China Sea Conflict To Achieve National Security Stability

The South China Sea is a strategic area rich in natural resources and a crucial international shipping and trade route, making it a focal point of territorial disputes between China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. This conflict escalates tensions and the potential spillover effects of mosaic warfare that can impact Indonesia's national security and stability. This journal analyzes the strategic implications of the South China Sea conflict for Indonesia, exploring defensive and proactive strategies to mitigate risks and enhance national resilience. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach based on historical analysis and content analysis, successfully identifying key areas of concern such as increased maritime security risks, the need for enhanced military capabilities, and the importance of regional and international cooperation. Proposed strategies include increased diplomatic engagement, strengthening defense capabilities, intelligence and security technology cooperation, and diversifying economic and trade routes. Indonesia must adopt a multifaceted and proactive strategy to protect its interests amidst regional instability, strengthen diplomatic relations within ASEAN and globally, enhance military and surveillance capabilities, and ensure economic resilience against potential disruptions in maritime trade routes. Public education and adherence to international law are also crucial for maintaining regional peace and security.

Campaigning Against Women’s Rights? Britain’s Global Colonial Legacy in the Early UN Women’s Rights Agenda 1950–1962

This article assesses the impact of British colonialism in relation to UN women’s rights conventions in the 1950s and early 1960s. Building on the body of scholarship on the role of colonialism on the development of human rights frameworks at the UN, it focuses on Britain’s diplomatic engagements on women’s rights at the global level and finds that Britain’s global colonial legacy on the UN women’s rights agenda in this period was as a conservative and obstructive state actor. Britain’s lack of interest in conventions to support women’s rights, and insistence on the need for ‘Territorial Application Clauses’, outweighed any acknowledgement of the importance of establishing universal rights for women, or the importance of these rights for indigenous women within British colonies. Further still, Britain’s conservativism impacted the very contours and political weight of the conventions themselves. As well as exposing the geopolitics of British colonialism on these specific conventions, this article highlights the critical need to challenge myths surrounding British colonial benevolence and to interrogate the notion that that ‘Western’ governments such as Britain have consistently sought to export women’s rights at the UN.

The Tournament at Saint-Inglevert (1390): Chivalry, Diplomacy and Pas d’armes

ABSTRACT In March and April 1390, three French knights jousted against over one hundred knights and squires who had travelled from across Europe to challenge them, but above all from England. This great tournament was held at Saint-Inglevert near to Calais, the English outpost on the northern coastline of France. Modern scholars have viewed the event through the lens of the on-going Hundred Years War. But rather than seeing this chivalric competition as an extension of the war between the two sides, it should rather be understood as part of the diplomatic engagement between Charles VI and Richard II during the 1390s, an informal opportunity for the elites to meet and form bonds that shaped the rapprochement between the two sides. Saint-Inglevert also marked an important stage on the path towards the great theatrical tournaments of the fifteenth century, helping to explain the rise in popularity of the famous pas d’armes.

The Role of Diplomacy in the Transition from Look East to Act East Policy: A Comparative Study

Abstract: The pivotal role of diplomacy in the transition from India’s Look East Policy to the Act East Policy offers a comparative study of the two strategic frameworks. The Look East Policy, initiated in the early 1990s, marked India’s proactive engagement with Southeast Asia to enhance economic and strategic ties. In 2014, the policy evolved into the Act East Policy, reflecting a more dynamic and assertive approach to the region. This study delves into the historical background of both policies, highlighting the factors that necessitated this strategic shift. Through an in-depth analysis of diplomatic strategies, this paper compares the approaches used during the Look East and Act East periods. Specific case studies of diplomatic engagements with key Southeast Asian nations and regional organizations, such as ASEAN, illustrate the changes and continuities in India’s foreign policy. The study also examines India’s role in regional and multilateral forums, assessing how its participation and influence have evolved. Economic diplomacy is a crucial aspect of this analysis, focusing on trade agreements, investment flows, and economic partnerships that have shaped India’s relations with Southeast Asia. Additionally, the paper investigates the role of security and strategic diplomacy in addressing India’s interests in the region. Cultural diplomacy, encompassing people-to-people exchanges, educational collaborations, and cultural events, is explored to understand its impact on strengthening India’s ties with Southeast Asia. The overall impact of diplomatic efforts under both policies is evaluated, providing insights into India’s foreign relations, regional influence, and strategic goals. This paper suggests potential future directions for India’s diplomatic strategies within the context of the Act East Policy, considering current geopolitical and economic trends. This comprehensive study aims to contribute to the understanding of India’s evolving diplomatic landscape and its implications for regional and global politics. Keywords: Look East Policy, Act East Policy, Indian foreign policy, Multilateral Diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy, Economic Diplomacy, Security and Strategic Diplomacy.

Crafting a Brand from Tradition: An Innovative Public Diplomacy Strategy for the Organization of Turkic States

This paper explores the potential of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in leveraging Public Diplomacy to bolster its international stature, proposing the development of a unique brand, “Yurt Yeli.” Drawing parallels with South Korea’s successful Hallyu (Korean Wave) initiative, the paper suggests that the OTS can similarly utilize Yurt Yeli to harness the power of Public Diplomacy. The analysis begins with an in-depth look at Hallyu, providing a framework for understanding its effectiveness in public diplomacy. It then delves into the conceptualization and potential implementation of Yurt Yeli, tailored to resonate with the Turkic World’s unique cultural heritage and values. Given the OTS’s role as a representative of the Turkic World on the global stage, the paper underscores its vast potential in employing Public Diplomacy strategies to enhance its international visibility and influence. The comparison between Hallyu and the proposed Yurt Yeli offers insights into how cultural elements can be transformed into powerful tools for diplomatic engagement and global presence enhancement.

Malacca and Ming Dynasty in 15th-16th Centuries: A Diplomatic Relations and Regional Stability

<em>This study investigates the intricate relationship in diplomacy of Malacca with the Ming Dynasty of China during the 15th century in the Malacca Strait, with a focus on its impact on Diplomatic Relations. Employing a comprehensive historical methodology, including heuristic exploration, critical examination of sources, data interpretation, and historiographical analysis, the research reveals the significant consequences of mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements and trade interactions the bond from two region China and Malacca. When faced with threats came from Majapahit and Siam, Malacca found assistance from China (Ming Dynasty), resulting in the formation of a robust alliance. This diplomatic collaboration commenced with the arrival of Chinese delegated Yin C'ing in 1403 AD and was further reinforced by the influential visit of Cheng Ho in 1409 AD, solidifying the relationship between them. This mutually beneficial relationship not only safeguarded Malacca and elevated its trading stature but also facilitated China's access to valuable spices, while providing military protection from the Ming Dynasty. The deep relations Malacca had with China during the 15th century shows how their strengthened political association, connections and security also helps their cultural interactions.</em>

America's Iran Policy Pendulum from Obama and Trump to Biden (2009-2022): Between Diplomatic Engagement and Maximum Pressure

Objectives: This study examines US policy towards Iran from 2009 to 2022, focusing on the challenges and tools utilized by successive US administrations. Methods: The study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on official US documents, presidential statements, relevant articles, reports, and research. Results: US-Iranian relations faced significant obstacles due to Iran's regional behavior and interference in other countries' affairs, leading to political instability. Different administrations employed varying strategies, with Obama pursuing a mix of diplomacy and economic sanctions, while the Trump administration opted for a strict approach, including withdrawing from the nuclear agreement and re-imposing economic sanctions. The Biden administration has continued the pressure by reinstating sanctions and expressing a desire to negotiate a new comprehensive agreement. Conclusion: Despite inconsistencies, the overarching goal of US policy remains influencing Iran to alter its regional policies. However, these efforts have not produced a notable change in Iranian behavior, impeding the improvement of US-Iranian relations.

The Tightrope of Individual Liberties amid Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Agenda

This doctrinal research article explores the nuances, pitfalls, and opportunities within this intricate landscape. This doctrinal research delves into the intricate balance between individual liberties and Pakistan's counter-terrorism agenda, navigating the complex terrain where security imperatives intersect with fundamental rights. As Pakistan grapples with persistent security threats from terrorism, its response has often entailed the implementation of stringent measures aimed at thwarting terrorist activities and ensuring public safety. However, these measures have raised concerns about their impact on civil liberties, including freedoms of expression, association, and privacy. Drawing upon legal frameworks, policy documents, and judicial precedents, this research critically examines the evolving landscape of counter-terrorism laws and practices in Pakistan and their implications for individual liberties. It scrutinizes the compatibility of counter-terrorism measures with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, assessing the extent to which security imperatives have encroached upon fundamental rights and freedoms. Furthermore, this research explores the role of judicial oversight, executive discretion, and legislative reforms in reconciling the tension between security concerns and individual liberties within Pakistan's legal framework. It analyses landmark court decisions, legislative enactments, and government policies to elucidate the legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at safeguarding individual liberties while countering terrorism effectively. Moreover, this research situates Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts within the broader context of regional security dynamics, highlighting the interconnectedness of domestic security challenges with regional conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and transnational terrorist networks. It underscores the importance of regional cooperation, information sharing, and diplomatic engagement in addressing common security threats while respecting individual liberties across borders. By critically examining the tightrope walk between individual liberties and Pakistan's counter-terrorism agenda, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and trade-offs inherent in balancing security imperatives with respect for fundamental rights.

Competing Claims of Caliphal Legitimacy: Al-Tamaghrouti’s Rihla and the Moroccan-Ottoman Early Modern Diplomatic Landscape

This article explores al-Tamaghrouti’s Rihla, Al-Nafhah al-Miskia fi al-Sifarah al-Turkiyah [The Fragrant Breeze in the Turkish Embassy], to illuminate his engagement with the spiritual and temporal legitimacy of caliphal claims in the early modern Islamicate Mediterranean. It argues that Moroccan embassies to the Sublime Porte were arenas where claims to temporal and spiritual superiority played themselves out in the form of competing caliphal symbolism. When situated within Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur’s caliphal vision, Al-Tamaghrouti’s account reveals a discursive landscape marked by contrasting claims to the superiority of the Moroccan normative order. His Rihla vividly captures the double-bind challenges faced by al-Mansur’s Morocco in the sixteenth century: Iberian imperialism and Ottoman expansionism. I resituate the insight that dynamic interactions among various Muslim-Christian universalistic principles maintained a paradoxical longevity of peaceful relations (Windler 2018) within the rubric of Muslim-Muslim relations to explore how different universalistic ideologies interact within inter-imperial/religious Muslim relations, particularly in the context of diplomatic engagements and political interactions. Al-Tamaghrouti drew on various spiritual and temporal motifs to construe a space of hermeneutic ambiguity whereby Sultan al-Mansur’s claims to universal caliphal leadership not only fulfills Mahdist qualities but transcends them, construing a discursive field in which al-Mansur emerges as a leader who transcends prophetic norms. By analyzing the interplay of power, religion, and diplomacy in al-Tamaghrouti’s travelogue, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of statecraft and the ongoing pursuit of legitimacy in the Islamic world.

Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Economic and Political Development under the Third Term of Xi Leadership: A Viewpoint of India

China’s economic and political development under the third term of Xi Jinping’s leadership presents both opportunities and challenges, viewed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While there are potential rooms for cooperation and diplomatic engagement between India and China, there are also significant disagreements related to border disputes, trade imbalances, and geopolitical tensions. Navigating these dynamics requires careful diplomacy, strategic arrangements, and a balance of interests among the leaders in both countries. However, the conflict between India and China is potentially and geopolitically inevitable because of several key factors inherent in the international system. Since both are rising powers, seeking to assert their influence and interests either regionally or globally; moreover, both states have strong nationalist sentiments that can be mobilized by ambitious leaders to justify assertive policies and provocative tongues, making it difficult to compromise on unresolved problems and easier to ignite a destructive blaze.

Unlocking New Opportunities: BRICS Partnership and Its Implications for Economic Development in African Countries

The BRICS partnership comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa presents significant opportunities for economic development in African countries. This article investigates the evolving dynamics of BRICS and its pivotal role in shaping economic opportunities for African nations. Through thematic analysis of existing literature, it examines strategies for leveraging economic cooperation within BRICS to foster sustainable economic growth, address infrastructure development challenges, and navigate geopolitical implications. The study underscores the transformative potential of the BRICS partnership, particularly through initiatives like the New Development Bank and technology transfer collaborations. Challenges such as economic disparities and geopolitical tensions are addressed, offering insights into opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Case studies of specific joint ventures highlight lessons learned and best practices for future collaborations. The article concludes with policy recommendations aimed at maximizing the benefits of the BRICS-Africa partnership, emphasizing inclusive development, technology transfer, diplomatic engagement, and sustainable economic policies. Overall, the research contributes to understanding the multifaceted impacts of BRICS-Africa cooperation on economic development and geopolitical influence, while providing practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.

Economic diplomacy: Analyzing theories and models for informed policy

This paper examines the intricate relationship between economic theories, trade policies, and diplomatic engagements in the context of international relations. Utilizing theoretical frameworks such as the theory of comparative advantage and the Heckscher-Ohlin model, we analyze the foundational principles guiding global trade and policy-making. We explore the role of probabilistic models, including Bayesian statistics and regression analysis, in forecasting economic trends and their implications for international relations. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of trade policies, including tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and global trade agreements, on economic dynamics and diplomatic interactions. Through case studies of economic sanctions, we assess the effectiveness of sanctions as a diplomatic tool and propose policy recommendations for their optimal implementation. Our analysis highlights the complexity of economic diplomacy and underscores the importance of quantitative analysis in informing policy decisions and fostering international cooperation.