Jonah Patel
When diplomacy ends, war begins is a quote attributed to Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany's Nazi Party and one of the most powerful and notorious dictators of the 20th century. This quote raises questions about the role of diplomacy in preventing wars and the potential for destructive wars to be averted through words alone. While some may argue that diplomacy ends when war begins, others, including journalists who have covered wars, terrorism, and diplomacy, assert that diplomacy does not end but rather continues, often more actively, even during wars. Diplomacy is a complex and challenging topic to cover in the news, and it may not always be portrayed accurately or in-depth. However, it is an essential aspect of international relations, and its absence or failure can lead to war.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phrase Originator | Adolf Hitler |
| Phrase Meaning | Diplomacy can prevent war, but if it fails, war is inevitable |
| Validity | Disputed |
| Supporting Arguments | Diplomacy can prevent conflict, and it continues even during wars |
| Counterarguments | War is more newsworthy than diplomacy |
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What You'll Learn
Diplomacy can prevent war
While the phrase "when diplomacy ends, war begins" is attributed to Adolf Hitler, many people, including UN officials, believe that diplomacy can prevent war.
Former President of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio, is a strong advocate for diplomacy. He asserts that the only way to avoid wars is to give diplomacy, compromise, and tolerance a chance. Sampaio's beliefs are reflected in his work, as he played a crucial role in promoting dialogue between military leaders and civilian groups, which led to Portugal's transition to democracy in the 1970s.
Similarly, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in conflict prevention. She urges all sides, especially countries with disagreements, to prioritize diplomacy and collective action to bridge growing global divides. DiCarlo highlights successful regional cooperation models, such as the Helsinki Process in Europe and integration efforts in Africa, as examples of effective diplomacy in action.
Sérgio França Danese, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, echoes these sentiments, stating that conflict prevention is essential for sustaining international peace and security. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that involves close cooperation between the Commission and the Security Council.
Diplomacy requires patience, mediators, and instruments to navigate the complex day-to-day negotiations. It is a continuous process that demands open-mindedness, education, and interconnections between citizens and politicians. By fostering tolerance, cooperation, and multilateralism, diplomacy can prevent wars and promote sustainable peace.
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War begins where diplomacy fails
The notion that "war begins where diplomacy fails" is often attributed to Adolf Hitler, one of the most powerful and notorious dictators of the 20th century. This quote reflects a perspective on the relationship between diplomacy and conflict. While diplomacy can be a powerful tool to prevent wars and resolve conflicts, its absence or failure can indeed pave the way for war.
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability among nations. It involves negotiations, dialogue, and other peaceful means to address disputes and differences. Diplomacy works as a stabilizer, requiring regular efforts to foster and maintain positive relationships between nations. When diplomacy is conducted effectively, it can prevent the escalation of tensions and the outbreak of wars.
However, when diplomatic efforts break down or fail to produce the desired results, the risk of war increases. This can occur due to various factors, such as a breakdown in communication, a lack of trust between parties, or the presence of irreconcilable differences. In such cases, the failure of diplomacy can lead to a breakdown of relations, and war may be perceived as the only remaining option to achieve a nation's objectives or defend its interests.
It is important to recognize that even when wars break out, diplomacy does not necessarily come to an end. In fact, diplomacy often continues and can play a critical role in resolving conflicts, even during active warfare. This includes negotiations between combatant states through third parties, hostage negotiations, and other forms of diplomatic engagement.
While the quote "war begins where diplomacy fails" highlights the important role of diplomacy in averting wars, it is a simplistic view of a complex relationship. In reality, the interplay between diplomacy and war is intricate and multifaceted. Diplomacy can continue alongside wars, and successful diplomatic efforts can lead to the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of peace. Therefore, while diplomacy is essential for preventing wars, it is also a vital tool for resolving conflicts and rebuilding relationships even after wars have begun.
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Diplomacy continues during war
Diplomacy and war are often intertwined, with diplomatic efforts continuing during times of war. This can involve negotiations between warring parties, as well as the involvement of third-party nations attempting to broker peace or support their allies.
An example of diplomacy during war can be seen in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine. Since then, the US has provided increasing support to Ukraine, including weapons transfers, military training, and people-to-people ties. American diplomatic efforts were on display when President Biden visited Kyiv a year after Russia's large-scale offensive, sending a powerful message of support and commitment to international law.
Another instance of ongoing diplomacy during war is the United States' "ping pong diplomacy" with China in the 1970s. In 1971, nine players from the US Table Tennis team visited China, helping to establish official diplomatic relations between the two countries. This occurred despite the ongoing Cold War tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, China's close ally at the time.
During World War I, conference diplomacy was revived and continued afterward, especially during the 1920s. The Paris Peace Conference, following the armistice, was a notable example, where US President Woodrow Wilson promoted his peace program with phrasemaking that entangled process and result. While the negotiations were largely closed to the public, Wilson's goal of open covenants of peace was partially achieved through the publication of treaties, like the Covenant of the League of Nations.
Even as open conflict occurs, diplomacy plays a crucial role in attempting to resolve disputes, maintain international relations, and support allies.
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War is more newsworthy than diplomacy
The statement, "When diplomacy ends, war begins," has been attributed to Adolf Hitler. This statement encapsulates the intricate and multifaceted relationship between war and diplomacy. While war and diplomacy may seem like contradictory concepts, they have been intertwined throughout history, with diplomatic efforts often continuing alongside active conflicts.
The notion that "war is more newsworthy than diplomacy" can be examined through this lens. It is true that war often captures greater public attention and media coverage than diplomacy. Conflict and violence inherently create more sensational and attention-grabbing headlines, appealing to basic human instincts of fear, shock, and curiosity. War involves dramatic displays of power, advanced weaponry, and high stakes that can capture the public imagination.
In contrast, diplomacy often involves nuanced discussions, negotiations, and incremental progress, which may seem less exciting on the surface. The complex strategies, compromises, and agreements that arise from diplomatic efforts can be more challenging to convey in a concise and captivating manner to a general audience. Additionally, the successes of diplomacy are often preventative rather than definitive, making them less tangible and immediate in their impact.
However, it is essential to recognize that the termination of diplomacy does not necessarily signify a permanent end. Diplomacy can resume and play a crucial role during and after armed conflicts. Channels of communication and negotiations are often maintained even in the midst of war, as nations seek to negotiate ceasefires and establish peace agreements. While war may initially garner more attention, the subsequent diplomatic efforts to rebuild, reconcile, and prevent future conflicts are of utmost importance and can have long-lasting impacts.
In conclusion, while war may initially appear more newsworthy due to its dramatic and immediate nature, diplomacy is the essential foundation for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the prevention of future wars. The interplay between war and diplomacy is complex, and both elements are integral to the tapestry of international relations. Ultimately, the pursuit of diplomacy and the prevention of war remain paramount goals for the global community.
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Hitler used diplomacy to gain power
Adolf Hitler's political career began with the Nazi Party, which he founded in the 1920s after returning from the trenches of World War I. He and other patriotic Germans were outraged by the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which compelled the new German government to pay $33 billion in reparations and surrender overseas colonies and valued parcels of territory to France and Poland. The German army was also significantly reduced, and the nation was forbidden from having an air force or submarines.
Hitler, a charismatic orator, used his talent for public speaking to attract more and more members to the Nazi Party, which was characterised by extreme nationalism and antisemitism. In 1923, Hitler led a failed coup attempt and was imprisoned, but this did not stop his political aspirations. While in prison, he wrote *Mein Kampf*, setting out his plans for Germany. Upon his release, he continued to garner sympathy from the public by criticising the Treaty of Versailles and promoting anti-communism, anti-Semitism, and pan-Germanism.
The Nazi Party benefited from the economic crisis that began in the late 1920s, using it to condemn the government and the Versailles Peace Treaty. In the 1928 elections, the Nazi Party gained 0.8 million votes, and by 1930, this number had increased to 6.4 million. This wave of support culminated in a series of electoral victories in 1933, which led to Hitler being appointed chancellor of Germany. Although he was not directly elected by the German people, he came to power through legal means.
Once in power, Hitler quickly transformed Germany into a dictatorship, eroding democratic institutions and preparing for war. He aimed to conquer Lebensraum in Poland and the Soviet Union, enslaving or driving out the "inferior" Slavic population and eliminating Jews from German-dominated territory. To achieve these goals, German foreign policy sought to undo the military restrictions and territorial losses imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, acquire new territories with ethnic German populations, and build alliances to advance its war plans.
Hitler's diplomatic manoeuvres, including the Munich Pact with Germany, Italy, Britain, and France, allowed him to annex parts of Czechoslovakia and avert war. However, he later violated this pact by destroying the Czech state in 1939. With the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, Hitler triggered the European phase of World War II, marking the point where his diplomacy ended, and war began.
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Frequently asked questions
Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany’s Nazi Party and one of the most powerful and notorious dictators of the 20th century, said, "When diplomacy ends, war begins."
Diplomacy is a process that can prevent wars from happening. It involves reaching out to resolve conflicts and establish peaceful relations.
No, diplomacy does not end when war begins. It continues, often more actively, even between combatant states through third parties.
Coverage of diplomacy takes time and a deep understanding of the subject matter. It is challenging and complex, and some may find it less dramatic than war stories.
It is possible that destructive wars can be prevented with words alone. Diplomacy is an important tool to avoid war and conflict, but it requires regular and effective efforts.
