Omar Bennett
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2021, President Joe Biden announced a new era of relentless diplomacy, marking a shift from two decades of the War on Terror. The term relentless diplomacy refers to a foreign policy approach that prioritises diplomacy and engagement with international institutions over military intervention. This strategy aims to strengthen bilateral partnerships, promote regional stability, and pursue national interests on the global stage through peaceful means. It involves using diplomatic tools such as dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence to influence the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A shift from interventionism and war | Emphasis on diplomacy and foreign aid |
| Using development aid to invest in new ways of uplifting people | US to give $11bn a year to developing nations |
| A more diplomatic posture | Renewed commitment to the UN and alliances |
| Changing the tone in a more positive direction | |
| Strengthening bilateral partnerships | |
| Promoting regional stability | |
| Fortifying relationships with foreign nations | |
| Fostering cooperation |
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What You'll Learn
Biden's foreign policy
Diplomacy is the principal substitute for the use of force or underhanded means in statecraft. It is how comprehensive national power is applied to the peaceful adjustment of differences between states. It is often carried out through international dialogue and negotiation, primarily conducted by accredited envoys and other political leaders.
In a speech at the United Nations on September 21, 2021, President Joe Biden promised an end to "relentless war" and the start of "relentless diplomacy". He announced that the United States would give $11 billion a year to developing nations to respond to the climate emergency. Biden also pledged a renewed commitment to the UN and to his nation's alliances, stating that the US would focus on "using the power of our development aid to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world".
In terms of specific foreign policy issues, Biden has recognized how intertwined US foreign policy is with domestic growth. While he has disavowed Trump's "America First" approach, Biden's promise to rebuild at home still ultimately guides his multilateral engagements. Biden has also continued the China policies of his predecessor, and his administration has continued a somewhat dangerous policy concerning Taiwan. In addition, Biden followed through on Trump's deal to withdraw from Afghanistan, which some have argued demonstrates a tendency to ignore recent history.
On the issue of Ukraine, Biden has expressed NATO's unity and the US commitment to defend its allies. However, multiple foreign policy analysts have questioned whether Biden wishes to see Ukraine victorious, noting his repeated limitations on aid sent to Ukraine's military and his ambiguous aims in the conflict.
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Diplomacy vs foreign policy
Diplomacy and foreign policy are two distinct concepts in international relations, with different meanings, histories, types, and roles. They are often confused with each other, but they are not interchangeable.
Diplomacy is the principal substitute for the use of force or underhanded means in statecraft. It is the process and practice of communication and negotiation between actors in the international system, with the aim of achieving their foreign policy goals and resolving their conflicts and disputes. Diplomacy involves the use of various methods and tools, such as dialogue, persuasion, compromise, and coercion, to influence and shape the behaviour and outcomes of other actors. It is often conducted in confidence, with only the fact that it is in progress and its results being made public. Diplomacy can be done through various agents and channels, such as diplomats, ambassadors, envoys, and mediators, and through various forms and forums, such as bilateral, multilateral, and summit diplomacy.
Foreign policy, on the other hand, is the set of goals, strategies, and actions that a state or a non-state actor pursues in its relations with other actors in the international system. It reflects the interests, values, and preferences of the actor and guides its decisions and behaviours in the global arena. Foreign policy can be influenced by various factors, such as domestic politics, culture, and economy, as well as the structure and dynamics of the international system. It may employ secret agents, subversion, war, or other forms of violence, as well as diplomacy, to achieve its objectives.
To put it simply, foreign policy is the 'what', and diplomacy is the 'how' of international relations. Foreign policy establishes the goals, and diplomacy is the means of achieving those goals. Diplomacy is the tool to execute the foreign policy of a state, helping states to interact and communicate to resolve their issues through discussions, debates, and negotiations to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
An example of diplomacy is when US President Joe Biden, in his first address to the UN General Assembly as president, promised an end to "relentless war" and the start of "relentless diplomacy", pledging a renewed commitment to the UN and to his nation's alliances. He also pledged that the US would give $11 billion a year to developing nations to respond to the climate emergency. This shift in tone and emphasis on diplomacy and foreign aid was welcomed by many, in contrast to the previous administration's more erratic foreign policy.
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The role of the DoD
In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President Biden announced a new era of "relentless diplomacy", marking a shift from two decades of the War on Terror. This new era of diplomacy and engagement with international institutions takes precedence over a reliance on "relentless wars".
The Department of Defense (DoD) plays a crucial role in supporting this strategy. While the Biden administration prioritises diplomacy, the DoD can contribute through "military diplomacy". This involves integrating military diplomacy into advisor units and other means, allowing the United States to strengthen bilateral partnerships, foster cooperation, and pursue its national interests globally.
To effectively serve this new strategy, the DoD should focus on two key areas. Firstly, increasing support and training for military advisor units is essential. Well-trained advisors are adept at strengthening bilateral partnerships and promoting regional stability, all while advancing American interests. Secondly, effective internal financial reform within the DoD is necessary. This includes streamlining and adequately funding the acquisition process to match the advancements of the private sector. By embracing cutting-edge technology, the DoD can ensure the military remains at the forefront of innovation.
The DoD's role in relentless diplomacy is not limited to foreign affairs; it also extends to domestic matters. For instance, the DoD can contribute to addressing pressing domestic issues, such as missing funds, by undertaking comprehensive reforms. This demonstrates how relentless diplomacy is not just about international relations but also about using diplomatic tools to address challenges within one's own nation.
In conclusion, the DoD plays a pivotal role in supporting President Biden's vision of relentless diplomacy. Through military diplomacy, advisor units, and effective internal financial reforms, the DoD can promote cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and ultimately, serve America's security and global interests.
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Bilateral partnerships
In his first address to the UN General Assembly as President, Joe Biden announced a new era of "relentless diplomacy", marking a shift from two decades of the War on Terror. This new era of diplomacy prioritises engagement with international institutions and foreign nations, fostering cooperation and pursuing national interests on the global stage.
The adviser-based military diplomacy model is an effective tool for strengthening bilateral partnerships. By deploying military advisors and other means, the United States can improve its relationships with allies and promote regional stability. This approach allows the US to address issues such as the fragile situation in Northern Syria, where NATO allies have differing views. Through relentless diplomacy, the US can partner with countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Tunisia to help build their security forces and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Additionally, relentless diplomacy extends beyond military alliances. For instance, President Biden recommitted to the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement involving multiple countries working together to address climate change. Furthermore, the US pledged $11 billion per year to developing nations to respond to the climate emergency, demonstrating their commitment to using development aid to lift people up around the world.
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International dialogue and negotiation
Diplomacy is the principal substitute for the use of force or underhanded means in statecraft. It is how comprehensive national power is applied to the peaceful adjustment of differences between states. International dialogue and negotiation are the primary tools of diplomacy, conducted by accredited envoys and other political leaders.
Diplomacy is often confused with foreign policy, but the terms are not synonymous. Diplomacy is the chief, but not the only, instrument of foreign policy. Foreign policy establishes goals, prescribes strategies, and sets the broad tactics to be used in their accomplishment. It may employ secret agents, subversion, war, or other forms of violence as well as diplomacy to achieve its objectives.
In the context of "relentless diplomacy", as mentioned by President Joe Biden in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, it indicates a shift from two decades of the War on Terror and interventionism to a more diplomatic posture. This new era of diplomacy aims to use development aid to invest in new ways of uplifting people worldwide, renewing and defending democracy, and fostering cooperation with other nations.
One example of an organisation that employs relentless diplomacy is NATO, which stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO is a political and military alliance of 29 countries, soon to be 30, that works to protect its members and preserve peace through a combination of diplomatic efforts and military strength. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised the importance of relentless diplomacy in his speech upon receiving the "Diplomat of the Year" award by Foreign Policy magazine in 2019. He highlighted the need for frank and open discussions among allies, even when they have differing views, to build common positions and stronger decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Relentless diplomacy is a strategy that prioritises diplomacy and engagement with international institutions over a reliance on "relentless wars". It involves using diplomatic power to influence the decisions and behaviours of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence.
The key characteristics of relentless diplomacy include a focus on international dialogue and negotiation, the use of diplomatic advisors, and an emphasis on comprehensive national power. It also involves adapting to the decisions and behaviours of foreign governments and peoples.
Relentless diplomacy differs from traditional diplomacy in its emphasis on engagement and the use of diplomatic power to influence foreign decisions and behaviours. While traditional diplomacy may involve coercive measures or the threat of force, relentless diplomacy prioritises non-violent means and the peaceful adjustment of differences between states.
