Ambiguity
From our blog
Diplomacy as poetry
17 July 2022
Ambiguity, Diplomatic theory and practice, Language (and) diplomacy
Can poetry help diplomacy? A joke, surely! Poetry and diplomacy are worlds apart and have nothing in common other than using language as a medium. Diplomacy is devoid of poetry unless, that is, we count the alliterati...
[WebDebate #10 summary]Diplomats as Writers – Marrying the Arts and Diplomacy
14 March 2017
Ambiguity, Diplomatic reporting, Diplomatic theory and practice, Language (and) diplomacy
In our March WebDebate, we explored the contribution of diplomats to literature and cultural heritage and also looked at how art and diplomacy can be usefully combined. We asked: What can we learn from diplomats who a...
Is ambiguity an effective diplomatic tool?
29 June 2002
Arguments can be found both against and for the use of ambiguity in diplomacy. Opponents point out that an ambiguous formulation in a treaty or agreement does not actually resolve a problem but simply puts it off unti...
Ambiguity: Clause on aborition (1994 Cairo Conference on Population)
29 June 2002
Louise Lassonde (Coping with Population Challenges, London: Earthscan Publications Limited, 1996, 7) provides the following example: "In the Cairo Programme, various formulations which were contradictory a priori were...
Resources
2004
To Begin the World Anew: The Genius and Ambiguities of the American Founders
When I feel dispirited about the current crop of political leaders in Switzerland or around the world, I like to take refuge in one of the most uplifting political stories of mankind – the American Revolution.... Read more...
2004
Misunderstood: The IT manager’s lament
Communication between information technologists and their clients – including diplomats - does not work as well as it should. We know that information technology has become ubiquitous. We also know that diplomats rely extensively on web services, electronic mail and ... Read more...
2001
Ambiguity versus precision: The changing role of terminology in conference diplomacy
Part of Language and Diplomacy (2001): Of central concern in the field of negotiation is the use of ambiguity to find formulations acceptable to all parties. Professor Norman Scott looks at the contrasting roles of ambiguity and precision in conference diplomacy. He ex... Read more...
