Omar Bennett
In his book 'What's Wrong with Diplomacy?', former diplomat Kerry Brown explores the complex relationship between the UK and China, offering fresh insights into their dynamic and calling for a change in diplomatic practices. Brown argues that traditional diplomacy is becoming outdated in the digital age, where inclusivity and transparency are paramount. He criticises the failure of diplomacy to adapt to the changing world, proposing that embassies should become more like think tanks. Brown's work is part memoir, part advocacy, and provides a unique perspective on the future of diplomacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | What's Wrong with Diplomacy? |
| Subtitle | The Future of Diplomacy and the Case of China and the UK |
| Author | Kerry Brown |
| Date | 2015 |
| Genre | Non-fiction, essay |
| Word count | 20,000 |
| Tone | Critical, autobiographical |
| Main argument | Traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming antiquated; diplomacy needs to be democratised |
| Specific focus | Sino-British relations in the 1980s and 1990s |
| Proposal | Transform embassies into think tanks |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The failure of diplomacy to adapt to a changing world
In his book, "What's Wrong with Diplomacy", Kerry Brown, a former diplomat and an Associate Fellow on the Asia Programme at Chatham House, London, explores the shortcomings of traditional diplomacy and its failure to adapt to the changing dynamics of the 21st century. The book, published in 2015, delves into the chequered relationship between the UK and China, offering insights into the mismanagement of Sino-British relations in the 1980s and 1990s.
Brown argues that the diplomatic strategies of the Cold War era, characterised by secrecy, pomp, and elitism, are becoming increasingly outdated in a digitised world. With the democratisation of information, diplomacy can no longer be confined to a select few. In the 21st century, inclusivity and transparency have emerged as pivotal values, reshaping the diplomatic landscape.
The book serves as a critique of the UK's diplomatic approach towards China. Brown contends that British diplomats often employed a ''Kremlinological' or 'Cold War' lens to understand China, which led to a distorted and constricted perspective. This approach became increasingly irrelevant as China's global influence grew, and a new understanding of its political and economic landscape was needed.
Brown advocates for a transformation of diplomacy, proposing that embassies should function more like think tanks that embrace diverse ideas and experimentation. He suggests that diplomacy needs to be democratised, opening up opportunities for global citizenry to engage in diplomatic endeavours. However, Brown also acknowledges the challenges of deriving coherence from a decentralised and popularised diplomacy, especially in countries with unique political systems like China.
Overall, "What's Wrong with Diplomacy" is a thought-provoking essay that highlights the urgent need for diplomatic practices to evolve and adapt to the complexities of an ever-changing world. It invites readers to reconsider traditional diplomatic strategies and embrace new approaches that align with the values and realities of the 21st century.
Diplomacy with France: A Strategic US Move
You may want to see also
The need for democratised diplomacy
In his book, *What's Wrong with Diplomacy?*, Kerry Brown explores the chequered relationship between the UK and China, offering fresh insights into the two countries' ever-changing dynamics. Brown argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming antiquated, with secrecy, pomp, and elitism dictating diplomatic strategies of the Cold War era. He suggests that in the digitised 21st century, inclusivity and transparency are of increasing importance.
The call for democratised diplomacy stems from the recognition that access to information is becoming democratised for a global citizenry. In the digital age, everyone is a potential diplomat as information is more accessible than ever. This shift towards democratisation challenges the traditional model of diplomacy, which has been characterised by exclusivity and a lack of transparency.
The proposal to transform diplomacy is not entirely new. Advocates for popularising or de-professionalising diplomacy have long existed, arguing for embassies and diplomatic posts to become more like think tanks that embrace original ideas and experimentation. Brown's contribution to this discussion is his focus on the UK-China relationship and his personal experiences as a former diplomat. He finds that senior British diplomats often adhered to a 'Kremlinological' or 'Cold War' approach when dealing with China, which became increasingly irrelevant and constricting.
However, Brown also acknowledges the limitations of a de-centred and popularised diplomacy, especially in countries with political systems like China's. The question of how coherence can be maintained in bilateral relations when power is distributed away from traditional diplomatic institutions remains an interesting puzzle. Nonetheless, the need for democratised diplomacy is underscored by the recognition that the world is changing, and diplomacy must adapt to remain effective.
In conclusion, Kerry Brown's *What's Wrong with Diplomacy?* highlights the need for a transformation in diplomatic practices to catch up with the digital age. Democratised diplomacy, characterised by inclusivity and transparency, is proposed as a solution to the failures of traditional diplomacy, which has struggled to adapt to a changing world. While there are challenges to be addressed, the democratisation of information in the digital era demands a re-evaluation of traditional diplomatic strategies to effectively navigate complex international relations, as exemplified by the dynamic relationship between the UK and China.
Donating to Harris: A Step-by-Step Guide for Contributors
You may want to see also
The chequered relationship between the UK and China
In his book, "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?", former diplomat Kerry Brown explores the chequered relationship between the UK and China, offering fresh insights into the complex and ever-changing dynamics between the two countries. Brown argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming outdated and calls for a transformation of diplomatic practices to adapt to the changing world.
The book, published in 2015, focuses on the management or mismanagement of Sino-British relations in the 1980s and 1990s. With his experience in British diplomacy in Beijing, Brown critiques the ''Cold War' approach adopted by senior British diplomats towards China, which he believes became increasingly irrelevant and distorted the understanding of the country. He highlights the need for a coherent and comprehensive Sino-British relationship, expressing concern about Britain's relative decline in power and prestige compared to China.
One of Brown's key proposals is the democratisation of diplomacy. He advocates for embassies to become more like think tanks, embracing original ideas, experimentation, and engagement with diverse sources of information and contacts. This reflects the shift from the secrecy, pomp, and elitism of Cold War diplomacy to the modern values of inclusivity and transparency, enabled by the digital revolution.
Brown's work also addresses high-profile political scandals and significant events such as the handover of Hong Kong, demonstrating the practical implications of the evolving relationship between the UK and China. While critiquing past approaches, Brown acknowledges the challenges of deriving coherence from decentralised and popularised diplomacy, especially in the context of China's political system.
Overall, Kerry Brown's "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?" provides a provocative and insightful examination of the UK-China relationship, highlighting the failures of traditional diplomacy to adapt to the 21st century. His call for change in diplomatic practices invites further discussion and reflection on how diplomacy can effectively navigate the complexities of modern international relations.
Green Card Holders: Political Campaign Volunteers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The failure of traditional diplomacy methods
In his book, "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?", Kerry Brown argues that traditional diplomacy methods are fast becoming antiquated. The strategies of the Cold War era were dictated by secrecy, pomp, and elitism. However, in the 21st century, with its advancements in digital technology, inclusivity and transparency have become increasingly important values. Diplomacy has failed to adapt to this changing world, where access to information is being democratized, and any person with an internet connection can become a potential diplomat.
Brown's argument is centred around the UK's diplomatic relationship with China, which has been fraught and ever-changing. He draws on his own experiences as a former diplomat in Beijing to illustrate his points. The senior British diplomats responsible for managing Sino-British relations in the 1980s and 1990s were wedded to a 'Kremlinological' or 'Cold War' approach that became increasingly irrelevant and distorted their understanding of China. This inability to adapt to the changing times is a key failure of traditional diplomacy.
Another example of traditional diplomacy's failure is its lack of inclusivity. In the past, embassies were exclusive domains, closed off to the public. Brown proposes that embassies should become more like think tanks, embracing original ideas, experimentation, and diverse sources of information and contact. He advocates for a popularised diplomacy, where civil servants run these institutions in foreign countries, encouraging engagement and commitment to coherent bilateral relations.
However, Brown does not fully explore the potential limitations of his proposed solutions. While he calls for a transformation of diplomacy, he does not address how coherence could be maintained in a decentralised and popularised diplomatic system, especially in countries with political systems like China's. Despite this, his work is a compelling indictment of traditional diplomacy's failures and a call for change in diplomatic practices to catch up with the modern world.
Logging Off During Lunar Diplomacy: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
The role of a diplomat in the 21st century
In his book "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?", former diplomat Kerry Brown argues that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming antiquated. In the 21st century, diplomacy must adapt to a digitised world where information is readily available to global citizens. In this new landscape, the role of the diplomat is evolving, and inclusivity and transparency are taking precedence over secrecy, pomp, and elitism.
Brown's argument centres on the idea that diplomacy needs to be democratised. He proposes that embassies should function more like think tanks, embracing diverse ideas and experimentation. This shift would empower citizens, who now have access to vast amounts of information, to become potential diplomats themselves.
To adapt to the changing world, diplomats must be open to new sources of information and contacts. They need to recognise the limitations of their host countries' relative power and prestige and strive for coherent and comprehensive bilateral relations. This may involve rethinking the traditional embassy model and embracing a more decentralised and popularised approach to diplomacy.
In summary, the role of a diplomat in the 21st century demands a departure from traditional, antiquated practices. Diplomats must embrace transparency, inclusivity, and a willingness to engage with global citizens and diverse ideas. By doing so, they can foster more effective international relations and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the digitised world.
Transactional Diplomacy: Understanding the Art of Quid Pro Quo
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kerry Brown's book "What's Wrong with Diplomacy?" explores the UK and China's chequered relationship, offering fresh insights into the ever-changing dynamic between the two countries.
The main argument of the book is that traditional methods of diplomacy are becoming antiquated and that diplomacy has failed to adapt to a changing world.
Brown proposes a transformation of diplomacy, suggesting that it needs to be democratised. He argues that embassies should become more like think tanks that embrace original ideas and experimentation.
Kerry Brown is an Associate Fellow on the Asia Programme at Chatham House, London. He has a Ph.D. from Leeds University and worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, serving in Beijing from 2000 to 2003.
Brown finds that senior British diplomats responsible for Sino-British relations were wedded to a 'Kremlinological' or 'Cold War' approach to understanding China that was distorting and increasingly irrelevant. He also laments the inability of embassies to open themselves to new sources of information and contact.
