The ‘Tragedy of the Commons’ Revisited
DeepDip 2In the text, Garrett argues that in scenarios of overexploitation of finite resources by numerous agents, mutual coercion mutually agreed upon is needed to prevent further depletion. He challenges the notion that individual self-interest, guided by ‘the invisible hand’, can resolve the issue, attributing the problem to 'situational ethics'. Using examples from nature and human behavior, he emphasizes the complexity of human actions and the importance of adaptive behaviors and local initiatives as effective solutions in addressing challenges like climate change.
Diplomacy Is Where There Are No Rules
DeepDip 2Diplomacy is essentially a creative and innovative process where rules are established where there were none. It involves finding common ground through negotiation, with diplomats needing to be opportunistic and able to see opportunities where others see barriers. Diplomatic work is not routine, but a taming of the strange that requires creativity and skill in communication. The outcome of diplomacy is agreements that may be contingent and must adapt to changing circumstances. Diplomats must navigate complexities and uncertainties, constantly evolving and adapting to create meaningful connections and agreements between nations.
Can we really teach diplomacy?
DeepDip 2The message questions the effectiveness of teaching diplomacy, highlighting the complexities involved in diplomatic skills education, especially in contexts such as Climate Change Diplomacy. It discusses the need to go beyond technical fixes, address core issues, understand ethical dilemmas, and prioritize effectively in diplomatic training. The text underscores the challenges in negotiating multilateral processes, strategies, and the broader ethical dimensions of diplomacy.
Does the Subprime Crisis Hold Lessons for a MFA?
DeepDip 2The blog post suggests that Ministries of Foreign Affairs can learn from the structural reforms needed to avoid financial crises, emphasizing clearer roles and outcome-focused strategies.
Plagiarism: Can 85% of Students be Wrong?
DeepDip 2The text addresses the high incidence of plagiarism among students, questioning whether the issue stems from the educational system itself and the pressures it places on students.
The nullification of international agreements and policies or The mongrelisation of diplomacy
DeepDip 2Voluntary standards, emerging in various areas, challenge traditional governmental rule-making by relying on consensus and voluntary compliance rather than legal enforcement. These standards, while flexible and adaptive, lack democratic legitimacy and may lead to excessive compliance costs. Diplomatic negotiations face a shift in power dynamics as civil society initiatives gain equal footing, affecting the ability of diplomats to control negotiations effectively. Diplomats must adapt to this evolving landscape, abandoning hierarchical structures for more flexible approaches. Adjusting to this new reality demands a balance between principle and opportunism.