Simone Lawson
Anthropology and diplomacy are two fields that intersect in interesting ways. Anthropology can play a significant role in diplomacy by providing insights into cultural understanding, which is essential for effective policy-making and international relations. Anthropologists have long been involved in diplomacy, either as advisers to politicians or diplomats themselves, bringing their knowledge to bear on issues of gender, cultural diversity, and international negotiations. They also contribute to our understanding of everyday diplomacy and how it differs from state-to-state diplomacy, challenging assumptions about who can conduct diplomacy. With their unique skill set, anthropologists can offer valuable perspectives on global issues, such as health, development, and conflict, and their impact on communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pluralising politics and thinking beyond the state | Mutual understanding between peoples |
| Contributing to the understanding of the exercise of diplomacy | Better global governance |
| Opening up the political imaginary | Informing gendered politics and diplomacy |
| Understanding the role of immigrants and migrant workers as a mechanism of international cultural transmission | Informing policy-making at organisations like the World Health Organization |
| Understanding the role of non-elite actors and institutions in diplomacy | Understanding how small states behave in organisations like the UN Security Council |
| Understanding the role of communities in diplomatic processes | Understanding the impact of new technologies on diplomacy |
| Understanding the role of anthropologists as diplomats, politicians, or advisers to politicians | |
| Understanding the role of anthropological knowledge in informing ideas, methods, and policies of political parties | |
| Understanding the shift from 'corporate social responsibility' to 'corporate diplomacy' in the extractive industries |
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What You'll Learn
Anthropology's role in international negotiations on culture
Anthropology has been increasingly playing a role in international negotiations on culture. For instance, anthropologists have been invited to participate in international programs on cultural diversity, multiculturalism, and development. They have also contributed to the understanding and practice of diplomacy, including the role of culture in diplomatic practice.
Anthropological knowledge has informed the ideas and methods of political parties, such as the Icelandic Women's Party, and influenced their policies in parliament. Anthropology has also been used to examine the role of gender in politics and diplomacy. For example, the paper by Sigridur Duna Kristmundsdottir from the University of Iceland explores how anthropological knowledge influenced the Icelandic Women's Party and how these ideas later played a part in Icelandic foreign policy and the establishment of a Women Ambassadors' group in Oslo.
Anthropology can also provide insights into the inner workings of diplomatic institutions and how they function. For example, anthropological fieldwork can reveal the tensions between representing national interests and being 'team players' in relation to permanent members, as well as the importance of informal processes in highly formalized diplomatic settings.
Additionally, anthropology can contribute to the understanding of everyday diplomacy and the role of individuals and communities in international affairs and geopolitics. For instance, anthropological studies have examined the role of migrants and asylum seekers as mechanisms of international cultural transmission and their potential diplomatic roles. Anthropology has also been applied to the study of corporate diplomacy, such as the shift from 'corporate social responsibility' to 'corporate diplomacy' in the extractive industries.
Overall, anthropology can provide valuable insights and perspectives on international negotiations on culture, contributing to mutual understanding and world peace.
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Anthropology's role in gendered politics and diplomacy
Anthropology has played a significant role in diplomacy and international relations, with anthropologists serving as diplomats, politicians, and advisers to politicians. However, the field of anthropology has been criticised for its lack of sustained interaction with diplomatic studies and its entanglement with the Westphalian framework of international relations, which assumes that only nation-state representatives are authorised to conduct diplomacy.
Anthropology can inform gendered politics and diplomacy by studying how gender norms and practices shape political leadership, participation, and decision-making. Anthropologists can provide insights into how people navigate gendered expectations and structures in their daily lives, including in patriarchal cultures. For example, a paper by Sigridur Duna Kristmundsdottir from the University of Iceland analysed how anthropological knowledge influenced the ideas and methods of the Icelandic Women's Party, which was established in 1982. The party successfully changed the gender dimension of Icelandic politics, and this later influenced Icelandic foreign policy and the establishment of a Women Ambassadors' group in Oslo. This example demonstrates how anthropology can contribute to gendered politics and diplomacy by informing the ideas and policies of women's groups and parties.
Additionally, anthropological fieldwork can provide insights into the complex dynamics of diplomacy, such as the tensions between representing national interests and being "team players" in international organisations like the UN Security Council. Anthropology can also contribute to the understanding of everyday diplomacy, such as the role of immigrants and migrant workers as mechanisms of international cultural transmission. By studying the interpersonal level of communication and the experiences of people crossing international boundaries, anthropologists can highlight the potential diplomatic roles played by migrant communities.
Furthermore, anthropology can challenge traditional gender demarcations in diplomacy. Gender and feminist scholars aim to broaden and transform the understanding of diplomacy by questioning the assumption that diplomacy is reserved for an exclusive group of male diplomats. For example, the negotiations preceding the adoption of resolution 1325 highlighted the constructive interaction between different tracks of diplomacy, with individual women and civil society organisations playing a crucial role. Despite this, women are still underrepresented in senior negotiation positions globally, and there is a need for more gender analyses in formal diplomacy.
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Anthropology's role in everyday diplomacy
Anthropology plays a crucial role in everyday diplomacy, offering valuable insights into cultural understanding, political imagination, and international relations. By studying human behaviour and interactions, anthropologists can inform diplomatic practices and contribute to global governance.
One key aspect of anthropology's role in diplomacy is its ability to challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. For example, anthropological studies have questioned the notion that diplomacy is solely the domain of nation-states and their representatives, recognising the important roles played by non-elite actors and local communities in international relations. This shift in perspective encourages a more inclusive and nuanced approach to diplomacy, acknowledging the impact of everyday modes of diplomacy, such as cultural transmission by migrant communities, on global affairs.
Anthropology also provides a deeper understanding of cultural contexts, which is essential for effective diplomacy. By drawing on ethnographic research and cultural knowledge, anthropologists can inform policy-making and international negotiations. For instance, anthropological insights have influenced the ideas and methods of political parties, such as the Icelandic Women's Party, and contributed to the establishment of a Women Ambassadors' group in Oslo.
Furthermore, anthropology can help diplomats navigate complex social and political dynamics. For example, anthropological fieldwork can reveal the informal processes that underlie formal diplomatic settings, such as the dynamics between representing national interests and collaborating with other members in the United Nations Security Council. This understanding can enable diplomats to make more informed decisions and navigate the tensions between different interests.
Additionally, anthropology's focus on ritual and symbolic communication can enhance diplomatic interactions. By understanding the formalities, gestures, and choreographed movements that characterise diplomatic encounters, anthropologists can advise diplomats on effective communication strategies, fostering mutual understanding and respect between nations.
In conclusion, anthropology plays a vital role in everyday diplomacy by challenging assumptions, providing cultural insights, and informing policy-making. By drawing on anthropological knowledge, diplomats can navigate complex social and political landscapes, fostering better global governance and international relations.
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Anthropology's role in the diplomacy of migrant communities
Anthropology has long been concerned with the politics of recognition and alterity, mediated through differential discourses of rights. Anthropologists have studied the categorisation of people as refugees, asylum seekers, displaced persons, economic and political migrants, and sexual refugees, and how these categorisations are informed by historical, sociocultural, political, and economic contexts. This work has led to a contextualisation and contestation of the concept of the refugee, challenging the imaginations of sovereign states, borders, and fixities.
Anthropological studies of migrant communities can also inform policy creation towards these groups. For instance, Cull's study of asylum seekers and migrants argues that they are often seen as a welfare problem to be managed rather than as a diplomatic resource. Cull suggests that the role of immigrants and migrant workers as mechanisms of international cultural transmission should be considered in policy creation towards these groups. Additionally, anthropological studies of migrant communities can help to understand the processes of connectivity and exclusion, agency and victimisation, and naturalisation and transnationalism that occur within the contexts of immigration and refugeeism.
Furthermore, anthropology can contribute to the understanding of diplomacy by pluralising politics and thinking beyond the state. For example, anthropologists like Margaret Mead, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and Alfred Métraux were key figures in UNESCO's post-war efforts to create an ideal of world peace based on mutual understanding between peoples enabled by anthropological knowledge. By studying the relational configurations within migrant communities, anthropologists can inform diplomatic practices that promote peaceful relations and mutual understanding.
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Anthropology's role in the diplomacy of corporate social responsibility
Anthropology has a significant role to play in the diplomacy of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Anthropological knowledge has been used by diplomats, politicians, and advisers to politicians, influencing policy-making and international negotiations. For instance, anthropological insights have contributed to the understanding and practice of diplomacy, challenging assumptions about the exclusivity of diplomatic roles and highlighting the impact of everyday modes of diplomacy.
In the context of corporate social responsibility, anthropologists have studied the mining sector, critiquing CSR regimes as exercises in indebtedness engineering that negatively impact affected communities. This critique has prompted CSR professionals to re-evaluate their relationships with these communities, emphasizing the role of the "corporate diplomat." Anthropology's role here involves examining the shift from CSR to "corporate diplomacy," where mining companies are held accountable by an ever-watchful social media landscape.
Additionally, anthropology has played a crucial role in informing gendered politics and diplomacy. For example, the Icelandic Women's Party, established in 1982, drew on anthropological knowledge to shape their policies and influence the gender dimension of Icelandic politics. This, in turn, had a later impact on Icelandic foreign policy and the formation of a Women Ambassadors' group in Oslo.
Anthropology also contributes to our understanding of international relations and cultural diversity. Anthropologists have been increasingly invited to participate in international programs exploring cultural diversity, multiculturalism, and development. Their fieldwork and ethnographic research provide valuable insights into how foreign policy is made and how state-to-state diplomacy is conducted, challenging the notion that diplomacy is solely the domain of sovereign territorial units.
Furthermore, anthropology can inform diplomacy by studying the interpersonal level of communication and the role of individuals and communities in international affairs. For example, the study of asylum seekers and migrants by Cull (2008) highlights the strategic diplomatic roles that migrant communities can play as mechanisms of international cultural transmission. Anthropology, in this case, helps to shape policies that recognize the diplomatic potential of these communities while also navigating the ethical considerations that arise.
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Frequently asked questions
Anthropology plays a significant role in diplomacy by providing cultural understanding and context, which can influence policy-making and international relations. Anthropologists can act as advisers to politicians and diplomats, offering insights and expertise to inform decision-making.
Anthropology's focus on cultural understanding and everyday modes of diplomacy can inform cultural diplomacy practices. Anthropological knowledge can shape how countries and communities interact and behave, fostering mutual understanding and potentially contributing to world peace.
Methodological nationalism assumes that only nation-state representatives are authorised to conduct diplomacy. Anthropology challenges this notion by recognising the role of local communities and non-elite actors in diplomatic processes. Anthropological research can help understand how communities relate to and are affected by geopolitical processes, challenging the assumption that diplomacy occurs solely behind closed doors.
Anthropology has influenced gendered politics and diplomacy, as seen with the Icelandic Women's Party. Anthropological knowledge can shape policies and contribute to gender equality in politics and international relations, leading to the establishment of initiatives like the Women Ambassadors' group.
