Seeing it as a results-driven strategy, Diplomacy becomes an essential tool for a turbulent world. Going further than just “getting to agreements”, more than a continuous status of keeping “good international relations” but an agent of change and tangible results.

Paris agreement is the most recent example that Diplomacy – particularly global- is not only the way to face crises but to be sustainable in the long term. Indeed, joint action towards a common goal of resilience is the path to get to results. In current political international stage of chaos and uncertainty, paradoxically we are seeing that the most powerful countries in the world (U.S.A., UK) tend to isolate themselves from a global or/and European context. Current model of globalization is not delivering results and tend to transform Diplomacy into an old-fashioned model of doing politics.

It seems that the weight of power that Diplomacy supposed after 2d World War is giving way to a new shape in which bilateralism, anti-global goals and reducing Diplomacy to specific agreements seems to be the strategy. Under these circumstances Paris agreement represents an impressive and unexpected move with challenging results. The lack of capacity from USA of using Diplomacy as a skill at the service of sustainability, gets exposure with the cancellation of the agreement.

The Paris agreement means Diplomacy in action on a challenging historical momentum of diplomatic crisis on leadership and procedures. Indeed, a joint action at global level when political, financial and economic facts are pushing to bilateralism is a real challenge and a remarkable work from global leaders. Is in this context that Diplomacy is a matter of individual initiative from leaders within a framework of strong political will, institutional joint action and citizenship engagement.

When we see the devastating reality of Middle East (Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, etc.) in terms of armed conflicts, in which health crisis, massive killing of civilians, reduced action from the humanitarian sector and a flagrant violation of IHL; we definitely conclude that is the political sector the one in crisis. The indifference from main leaders of the conflict to negotiate as well as their incapacity for Diplomacy shows that a reshape of the system is urgently needed. Including a stronger role from the humanitarian sector that helps on this Diplomatic stage from a more committed action and involvement. The people cannot rely on the humanitarian sector anymore as the solution for armed conflicts. This overwhelmed situation leaves the sector disempowered and unable to fulfill expectations. The solution relies on a complete reshape of the global political leadership and institutions not on a law framework or humanitarian solutions.*

For achieving this revolutionary swift of the system we need –at first- to change leaders ,and the driver is the own citizenship. Their empowerment is directly connected to transparent and accountable political systems. Leaders must been elected according to their performance and being replaced immediate if they don t achieve effective results; on a constant and steady supervision. For armed conflicts this solution assures the constant search for solutions, avoiding courrent stagnation on Diplomacy that is driving to global crises –as migration-.

Strong leadership and solid institutions that counterbalanced efforts by exercising Diplomacy would definitely works as prevention measures.

The “water” of Diplomacy for a thirsty world that need a splash of renewed political class and global institutions.

Is not impossible…

*https://thesustainabilityreader.com/2017/08/09/humanitarian-sector-a-super-institution-that-is-loosing-global-effectiveness/

*Picture. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, N.Y.