Progressive Diplomacy: A New Era Of Foreign Policy?

what is progressive diplomacy

Progressive diplomacy is a foreign policy centred on diplomacy, solidarity, and cooperation. It involves a shift from a military-first approach to a diplomacy-first approach, with the aim of advancing prosperity for all and addressing global challenges. This includes investing in diplomatic capacity, restricting the use of military force, and promoting international cooperation to address issues such as pandemic preparedness and vaccine distribution. Progressive diplomacy also entails facilitating transnational relationships based on solidarity and learning from international partners. It requires a forward-deployed presence in the world, recognising the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policy issues, such as climate change and the protection of democracy.

Characteristics Values
Prioritise diplomacy over military force Conflict prevention
Invest in diplomatic capacity Solidarity
Recognise the link between domestic crises and global challenges Cooperation
Facilitate transnational relationships Learning from others
Expand subnational diplomacy programs Dismantling white supremacy
Prioritise equitable vaccine distribution Global pandemic preparedness
Scale back defense commitments Counter-terrorism
Reduce military spending Soft power
Reauthorize programs encouraging international exposure Education
Culture
Global consensus on climate change

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Progressive diplomacy is an internationalist foreign policy

A key aspect of progressive diplomacy is the belief that the United States can learn from the rest of the world. By fostering transnational relationships based on solidarity, the US can benefit from the experiences of other countries. This includes learning from successful strategies in areas such as transportation, trade, environmental protection, public health infrastructure, and combating white supremacy. Progressive diplomacy advocates for expanding subnational diplomacy programs to facilitate the exchange of ideas and strategies with foreign counterparts.

In the context of the Middle East, progressive diplomacy calls for a reduction in the US military footprint and a shift towards nimbler hard security tools and soft power. This involves divesting from permanent military bases and transitioning to an over-the-horizon posture outside the region. Progressive diplomacy also emphasises the importance of investing in diplomacy and civilian means to pursue shared interests and de-escalate conflicts. This includes promoting the rule of law and creating incentives for partners and allies to follow suit.

Additionally, progressive diplomacy recognises the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policy. For example, addressing climate change requires a massive global footprint and building an international consensus to meet emissions reduction goals. Similarly, progressive diplomacy highlights the importance of contesting autocratic nations to protect American democracy from foreign attacks and prevent the development and deployment of tools to control and manipulate populations.

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The US should prioritise diplomacy over military force

Progressive diplomacy is a foreign policy centred on diplomacy and solidarity, rather than a military-first approach. It involves a shift in focus to de-escalate conflicts and pursue shared interests, with an emphasis on cooperation and learning from the rest of the world.

A diplomacy-first approach should recognise that domestic crises are integrally linked to global challenges. American foreign policy inevitably has domestic repercussions. The choice to opt for domination on the international stage has led to human rights abuses, police violence, and the rise of white supremacist extremism. By prioritising diplomacy, the US can commit to a new vision for foreign policy, centred on diplomacy, solidarity, and cooperation.

Furthermore, the US has chronically underfunded its international affairs agencies, such as the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This neglect of diplomatic tools has made conflict prevention more difficult and has resulted in the militarisation of traditionally diplomatic functions, such as rule-of-law programs and public diplomacy initiatives. By investing in diplomatic capacity and restricting the use of military force, the US can improve its credibility and effectively address global challenges.

In the context of globalisation, the US should also prioritise medical diplomacy and equitable vaccine distribution worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global cooperation in pandemic preparedness and response. By cooperating with international organisations and partners, the US can help prevent future outbreaks and promote global health security. This includes waiving patent enforcement obligations on COVID-19 technologies to facilitate technology sharing and improving access to vaccines in the Global South.

In conclusion, prioritising diplomacy over military force is essential for the US to pursue a progressive foreign policy agenda. By investing in diplomatic tools, cooperating with international partners, and addressing global challenges, the US can promote its interests and values while contributing to a more stable and secure world.

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Progressive diplomacy requires investment in soft power

Progressive diplomacy is a diplomacy-first foreign policy that prioritises solidarity, cooperation, and the pursuit of shared interests over military force and coercion. It recognises the integral link between domestic crises and global challenges. To be effective, progressive diplomacy requires investment in soft power.

Soft power is a form of power that focuses on attracting and persuading others to adopt certain behaviours, rather than coercing or forcing them. It involves the use of cultural, ideological, and institutional means to influence and shape the behaviours of others. Soft power can be a powerful tool for progressive diplomacy, as it allows countries to pursue their interests and de-escalate conflicts without resorting to military force.

Investing in soft power means prioritising diplomatic tools and capacity-building over military spending. This includes funding for international development agencies, such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and investing in public diplomacy initiatives. By investing in soft power, countries can build stronger relationships with foreign counterparts, exchange strategies, and learn from the experiences of others.

For example, in the context of the Middle East, a progressive U.S. foreign policy should invest in force projection through civilian means and soft power, relying on the rule of law rather than coercion. This could include funding soft-power exchange programs that encourage international exposure to American education, culture, and ideas, such as the Fulbright Program and the U.S. Agency for Global Media. It also involves cooperating with international organisations and partners to address global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, and working towards shared goals, such as pandemic preparedness and equitable vaccine distribution.

In conclusion, progressive diplomacy requires investment in soft power to effectively pursue shared interests, de-escalate conflicts, and address global challenges. By prioritising diplomatic tools and capacity-building, countries can strengthen their international relationships and pursue a progressive foreign policy agenda that centres diplomacy, solidarity, and cooperation.

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Transnational relationships should be based on solidarity, not hierarchy

Progressive diplomacy is a foreign policy centred on diplomacy, solidarity, and cooperation. It involves a shift from a military-first approach to a diplomacy-first approach, recognising that domestic crises are linked to global challenges. This shift requires rethinking aspects of the United States' international outlook, including its relationship with other nations.

Transnational relationships based on solidarity, not hierarchy, are key to progressive diplomacy. This means facilitating connections grounded in mutual respect and shared goals, rather than power imbalances. American exceptionalism has often prevented the United States from considering policy solutions from other countries. By embracing a spirit of solidarity, the United States can learn from the experiences of other nations and work collaboratively to address global issues.

For example, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States should prioritise equitable vaccine distribution worldwide. This includes waiving patent enforcement obligations on COVID-19 technologies to enable the development of generic vaccines. By cooperating with international organisations and partners, the United States can contribute to improving global pandemic preparedness and preventing future outbreaks.

Progressive diplomacy also extends to the United States' military presence and commitments abroad. Progressives advocate for scaling back the country's defence commitments and military footprint in various regions, including the Middle East. Instead, they propose investing in diplomatic capacity and soft power tools, such as cultural exchanges and development initiatives, to pursue shared interests and de-escalate conflicts.

Additionally, progressive diplomacy recognises the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policy issues. For instance, addressing climate change requires building an international consensus to meet global targets, and protecting American democracy entails countering foreign actors who seek to manipulate populations. By adopting a transnational perspective, progressives can develop comprehensive solutions that address both domestic and international dimensions of complex problems.

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Progressive diplomacy can help prevent global pandemics

Progressive diplomacy is a foreign policy approach that prioritizes diplomacy, solidarity, and cooperation over military force. It involves investing in diplomatic capacity and soft power, fostering transnational relationships, and promoting justice, human rights, and equality. Progressive diplomacy is particularly relevant in addressing global challenges that transcend national borders, such as pandemics.

Progressive diplomacy can play a crucial role in preventing global pandemics by fostering international collaboration and equitable responses. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the necessity of collective action. Progressive diplomacy emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in addressing shared vulnerabilities and ensuring pandemic preparedness. It involves sharing technologies, expertise, and resources across borders to strengthen global health systems and disease surveillance.

For example, progressive diplomacy advocates for equitable vaccine distribution worldwide. It recognizes that pandemics can only be effectively mitigated when all countries have equal access to vaccines and healthcare solutions. Progressive diplomacy challenges international patent enforcement laws that hinder the development and accessibility of life-saving treatments, promoting technology sharing and collaborative research. This approach not only saves lives but also prevents the emergence of new variants and reduces the long-term economic and social impacts of pandemics.

Additionally, progressive diplomacy encourages the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and strategies between nations. By learning from each other's experiences and successes, countries can collectively enhance their pandemic preparedness and response capabilities. Progressive diplomacy fosters a culture of solidarity and mutual support, recognizing that the strength of one nation's health system contributes to the resilience of the global community. This approach prioritizes the well-being of all people, regardless of nationality, and seeks to address the root causes of health inequities.

Furthermore, progressive diplomacy can help address the social and economic determinants of health, which are often overlooked in traditional pandemic responses. By investing in public health infrastructure, promoting environmental protection, and addressing systemic injustices, progressive diplomacy strengthens the foundations of global health security. It recognizes that a holistic approach to pandemic prevention involves tackling issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, which create the conditions for diseases to emerge and spread.

In conclusion, progressive diplomacy offers a transformative framework for preventing global pandemics. By prioritizing diplomacy, solidarity, and equitable solutions, nations can collectively address shared vulnerabilities and build a more resilient and just world. Progressive diplomacy ensures that pandemic responses are not limited to reactive measures but encompass proactive strategies that strengthen health systems, promote cooperation, and address the root causes of health crises. Through its emphasis on international collaboration and shared humanity, progressive diplomacy can help create a safer and healthier future for all.

Frequently asked questions

Progressive diplomacy is a foreign policy approach that prioritises diplomacy and solidarity over military force and hierarchy. It involves a shift from a military-first paradigm to a diplomacy-first strategy, recognising the integral link between domestic and global challenges.

Progressive diplomacy emphasises the following principles:

- Investing in diplomatic capacity and soft power.

- Promoting international cooperation, justice, and shared interests.

- Scaling back defence commitments and military presence.

- Addressing global challenges, such as climate change and pandemic preparedness.

- Learning from international partners and seeking assistance.

Progressive diplomacy challenges traditional diplomacy's focus on domination and coercion. It seeks to reduce military interventions and instead utilise civilian tools, such as rule-of-law programs and public diplomacy initiatives, to pursue shared interests and de-escalate conflicts.

Progressive diplomacy offers several advantages:

- It prioritises peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation, reducing the human and financial costs of warfare.

- By investing in diplomacy and soft power, it enhances the country's international reputation and credibility.

- It allows for learning from international partners, fostering innovation and improvement in various domestic areas, such as transportation, trade, and public health.

- Progressive diplomacy addresses global challenges, like climate change, by building international consensus and pursuing shared goals.

Some challenges to progressive diplomacy include:

- Overcoming the traditional "national security gap" between Democratic and Republican candidates, which has often favoured a strong military posture.

- Navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, such as the relationship between the United States and China, to achieve shared goals.

- Balancing domestic and foreign priorities, addressing concerns of "imperialistic American hubris" while recognising the global nature of many domestic issues.

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