Omar Bennett
In his book 'What's Wrong with Diplomacy?', former diplomat Kerry Brown explores the changing nature of diplomacy in the 21st century. Brown argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming outdated and calls for a shift towards greater inclusivity and transparency. Using the complex relationship between the UK and China as a case study, Brown highlights the failures of diplomacy to adapt to a changing world. The book received attention when Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, was seen holding a copy during a Security Council meeting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Book title | What's Wrong with Diplomacy? |
| Author | Kerry Brown |
| Genre | Memoir, advocacy, essay |
| Topic | The future of diplomacy |
| Focus countries | China and the UK |
| Main argument | Diplomacy has failed to adapt to a changing world |
| Solution | Change diplomatic practices, embrace inclusivity and transparency |
| Example discussed | The handover of Hong Kong |
| Publication date | 2015 |
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What You'll Learn
The failure of diplomacy to adapt to a changing world
Diplomacy has failed to adapt to the changing world, and this failure is evident in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. Kerry Brown's book, "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?", explores the need for diplomacy to evolve and adapt to the 21st century. The traditional methods of diplomacy, characterised by secrecy, pomp, and elitism, are no longer effective in an era of digitisation and increasing calls for inclusivity and transparency.
In the book, Brown delves into the complex relationship between the UK and China, highlighting how traditional diplomatic strategies fall short in addressing modern challenges. The world has changed significantly since the Cold War, and diplomacy must catch up. With the democratisation of information, anyone can be a diplomat, and the old ways of conducting diplomacy behind closed doors are no longer feasible.
The book serves as a call to arms, advocating for a transformation in diplomatic practices, particularly in the UK. It proposes that embassies and diplomatic posts should function more like think tanks, with civil servants at the helm, fostering an environment conducive to critical thinking and strategy formulation. This shift is necessary to address the evolving dynamics of international relations and the diverse range of issues that diplomacy must now navigate, from high-profile political scandals to sustainability challenges.
"What's Wrong with Diplomacy?" offers a critical perspective on the shortcomings of diplomacy and its failure to adapt. By highlighting the need for change, the book contributes to the ongoing discussion about how diplomacy can be improved to better serve the interests of nations and their citizens in an ever-changing global landscape. It is a timely reminder that diplomacy must evolve to remain relevant and effective in addressing the complex issues facing the world today.
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The future of diplomacy
In his book, "What's Wrong With Diplomacy?: The Future of Diplomacy and the Case of China and the UK", Kerry Brown explores the dynamic relationship between the UK and China, offering insights into how traditional diplomacy has failed to adapt to a changing world. The book serves as a call to arms, advocating for a transformation in diplomatic practices, particularly in the UK.
The Changing Landscape of Diplomacy
The world has entered a new era of diplomacy, where the traditional methods of the Cold War era, characterised by secrecy, pomp, and elitism, are becoming outdated. In the 21st century, marked by digitisation and increasing global connectivity, the values of inclusivity and transparency are taking centre stage. Access to information is no longer restricted to a select few, and every individual now has the potential to become a diplomat. This shift underscores the need for diplomatic practices to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape.
The Case of China and the UK
Kerry Brown, a former diplomat, draws on his experience to analyse the complex relationship between China and the UK. He examines pivotal moments in their shared history, such as the handover of Hong Kong, and sheds light on the political scandals that have shaped their dynamic. By delving into the intricacies of this relationship, Brown highlights the shortcomings of traditional diplomacy and the importance of embracing new approaches.
Embracing Innovation
Diplomacy, as a field, needs to embrace innovation and adapt to the modern world. Brown proposes that embassies and diplomatic posts should function more like think tanks, such as the Lowy Institute or Chatham House, fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and strategic analysis. This shift would enable diplomats to address complex global challenges more effectively and proactively.
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The case of China and the UK
In his book "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?: The Future of Diplomacy and the Case of China and the UK", Kerry Brown explores the complex dynamics between the United Kingdom and China, offering fresh insights into their ever-evolving relationship. With a background in diplomacy and expertise in Asian affairs, Brown provides a compelling critique of traditional diplomacy and its failure to keep up with the modern world.
The book, published by Penguin in 2015, serves as both a memoir and an advocacy piece. Brown draws from his own experiences as a former diplomat, having served in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and held positions related to China and Asia. He argues that the management of Sino-British relations in the 1980s and 1990s was mishandled due to a "Cold War" approach that became increasingly irrelevant and distorted. Brown calls for a transformation in diplomacy, advocating for democratisation and a shift from 'engagement' to 'commitment' in bilateral relations.
One of Brown's key concerns is Britain's relative decline in power and prestige compared to China. He highlights the significant role played by Chinese investors, students, and property buyers in the UK, suggesting that bilateral relations have already diversified. Brown proposes that embassies should embrace new sources of information and contacts, moving away from their closed and exclusive nature towards a think-tank model that fosters innovation and experimentation. He believes that this would enhance coherence in bilateral relations and improve the UK's diplomatic practices.
However, Brown's argument is not without its limitations. He fails to address how coherence can be maintained in a decentralised and popularised diplomatic system, especially in countries like China with unique political systems. Additionally, Brown's proposal for a transformed diplomacy raises questions about the practicality of acquiring new skills for embassy officials, who already face the challenge of navigating complex political landscapes.
Overall, "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?" provides a thought-provoking perspective on the future of diplomacy, urging adaptation to the changing global landscape. By examining the case of China and the UK, Brown highlights the need for inclusivity, transparency, and commitment in diplomatic relations, offering a compelling vision for the modernisation of diplomatic practices.
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The role of inclusivity and transparency in the digital age
In the book "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?", Kerry Brown argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming antiquated. In the digital age, the values of inclusivity and transparency are increasingly important. Access to information is being democratized, and anyone can be a diplomat.
Inclusivity in the digital age refers to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to technology and information. This includes people with disabilities, who may face barriers when using technology that does not accommodate their unique needs. Organizations that prioritize inclusivity and comply with modern ADA standards can avoid costly lawsuits and damage to their reputations, while also benefiting from increased trust, loyalty, and a wider audience reach. UX designers play a crucial role in creating inclusive digital experiences, and accessibility advocates promote and support fair and equal access in various settings.
Transparency in the digital age is related to the visibility of information. With technology, the behaviors, communications, decisions, and opinions of individuals and organizations can be made visible to interested parties, holding them accountable for their actions. However, the relationship between visibility and transparency is complex, and high levels of visibility can sometimes decrease transparency, leading to opacity. This is known as the "transparency paradox."
In the context of diplomacy, the digital age has transformed how information is shared and accessed. Secrecy, which was a hallmark of Cold War-era diplomacy, is less feasible in a digitized world where information can be quickly disseminated and accessed by a global audience. As a result, diplomacy must adapt to this changing landscape by embracing inclusivity and transparency, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are included in diplomatic processes.
In conclusion, the digital age has brought about a shift towards inclusivity and transparency, challenging traditional diplomatic practices. By embracing these values, diplomats can create a more open, accessible, and inclusive environment, fostering greater trust and participation from citizens around the world.
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The impact of democratised access to information
In the book "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?: The Future of Diplomacy and the Case of China and the UK", author and former diplomat Kerry Brown explores the impact of democratised access to information on diplomacy. Brown argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming outdated in the digital age. In the 21st century, values such as inclusivity and transparency are increasingly important, and access to information is no longer restricted to a select few.
The book highlights that in a digitised world, everyone is a potential diplomat. With the proliferation of the internet and social media, information can be shared and accessed by a global audience instantaneously. This democratisation of information has had a significant impact on diplomacy, as it has led to increased scrutiny and expectations of transparency from the public. Traditional diplomatic strategies characterised by secrecy and elitism are no longer feasible in an era where information can be easily disseminated and accessed by a wide range of people.
Brown's argument is particularly relevant in the context of the chequered relationship between the UK and China, which the book explores in detail. The author provides insights into the complex dynamics between the two countries, including the handover of Hong Kong and recent political scandals. In an era of democratised access to information, the actions and decisions of diplomatic actors are subject to greater public scrutiny, which can shape international relations and public opinion.
Furthermore, the book suggests that the changing information landscape has resulted in a need for diplomacy to adapt to remain effective. Brown proposes that embassies and diplomatic posts should become more like think tanks, fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation. This shift would allow diplomatic practices to align with the evolving information landscape and better address the challenges of a globalised world.
Overall, the impact of democratised access to information, as highlighted in "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?", underscores the need for diplomacy to embrace transparency, inclusivity, and adaptability. By recognising the changing information landscape, diplomatic practices can be reformed to better serve the interests of a global citizenry and promote effective international relations in the digital age.
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Frequently asked questions
The book is about the need to change diplomacy rather than get rid of it. It is an indictment of diplomacy's failure to adapt to a changing world.
The book argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming antiquated and that secrecy, pomp, and elitism are no longer effective in a digitised world that values inclusivity and transparency.
The book was written by former diplomat Kerry Brown.
Kerry Brown explores the chequered relationship between the UK and China, including the handover of Hong Kong and recent high-profile political scandals, to offer insights into the dynamic between the two countries.
