Simone Lawson
Quiet diplomacy has been a preferred strategy for many diplomats, including UN leaders, who have to balance their role as mediators with the need to uphold UN values. While quiet diplomacy may be effective in some cases, it has also been criticised for being ineffective and counter-productive. For instance, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was criticised for his silence on human rights violations in countries like Zimbabwe, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka during his first term. However, in his second term, Ban Ki-moon took a more outspoken approach, frequently condemning foreign governments for their abusive behaviour. Similarly, Guterres, the current UN Secretary-General, has been criticised for his silence on human rights issues, particularly in the face of mounting civilian casualties in armed conflicts. In contrast to their predecessors, some diplomats have argued for a more outspoken approach to human rights abuses, especially when powerful governments are involved.
One example of quiet diplomacy in action is the EU's human rights dialogue with China, which has been analysed in detail by Katrin Kinzelbach in her book, The EU's Human Rights Dialogue with China: Quiet Diplomacy and its Limits. Kinzelbach's research reveals that these dialogues have not improved China's human rights record and may even be counter-productive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gradual engagement | Ban Ki-moon's approach to the 2008 humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) |
| Neutral framework | Ban Ki-moon's approach to Kosovo's independence |
| Quiet diplomacy | Ban Ki-moon's approach to human rights violations in Zimbabwe, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka |
| Quiet diplomacy | Guterres' approach to human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Russia |
| Quiet diplomacy | The EU's approach to human rights violations in China |
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What You'll Learn
Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Kosovo
Ban Ki-moon, a South Korean politician and diplomat, served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2007 to 2016. Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Kosovo is a notable aspect of his tenure.
In the context of Kosovo, Ban Ki-moon demonstrated his preference for gradual engagement and quiet diplomacy. He created a neutral framework that allowed countries to decide over time whether to recognize Kosovo's independence. This approach was in line with his typical style of diplomacy, which often focused on mediation and preventive diplomacy. Ban Ki-moon's actions in Kosovo aimed to facilitate a peaceful resolution by providing a flexible environment for negotiations and dialogue.
Ban Ki-moon's approach to the situation in Kosovo can be contrasted with his more outspoken stance during the 2011 Côte d'Ivoire crisis. In that instance, he took a strong position against the defeated incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, demanding that he cede power. This contrast highlights the nuanced approach Ban Ki-moon employed, adapting his strategies to the specific circumstances of each situation.
While Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Kosovo was a notable aspect of his tenure, it is important to acknowledge that his overall approach to human rights violations received criticism. Some observers noted his silence or muted response to human rights violations in countries like Zimbabwe and Myanmar, as well as grim civilian casualty figures in Sri Lanka and the fighting in Gaza. Critics argued that his reluctance to speak out more forcefully undermined the prospects for peace and gave a perception of indifference to atrocities.
However, it is worth mentioning that Ban Ki-moon's supporters defended his style as quietly Confucian, suggesting that he embodied the wise man or sage in Oriental philosophy. They argued that his understated presence should not be equated with a lack of skills for quiet diplomacy. Ban Ki-moon's approach to Kosovo's independence reflected his overall preference for mediation and preventive diplomacy, seeking to balance his role as a quiet mediator with the need to represent the core values of the United Nations.
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Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Ban Ki-moon, a South Korean diplomat and politician, served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) from 2007 to 2016. During his tenure, he faced a range of global challenges, including nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran, turmoil in the Middle East, and humanitarian crises such as the one in the Darfur region of Sudan.
In his approach to these issues, Ban Ki-moon favoured quiet diplomacy and preventive diplomacy. In the 2008 humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), he employed this strategy by sending a special envoy, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, to mediate. Obasanjo successfully secured a rapprochement between the DRC and Rwanda, demonstrating the effectiveness of diplomatic engagement over costly peacekeeping options. This instance of quiet diplomacy in the DRC was part of Ban Ki-moon's broader preference for gradual engagement and mediation, as seen in other international crises during his tenure.
Ban Ki-moon's style of quiet diplomacy was a notable shift from his predecessor, and it received mixed reviews. Some critics, including Western media outlets, described him as "ducking too easily" and lacking assertiveness in standing up to powerful nations. On the other hand, supporters characterised his approach as "quietly Confucian," reflecting the philosophy of the wise man or sage. Despite the criticism, Ban Ki-moon persisted with his preferred style, believing in the importance of diplomacy and conflict prevention.
Ban Ki-moon's second term as Secretary-General, from 2011 to 2016, was marked by a series of crises, particularly in the Middle East, such as the Syrian Civil War and the fallout from the Arab Spring. The responses led by the UN during this period were often criticised as being too slow or ineffective, and his second term was generally perceived as less successful than his first.
While quiet diplomacy can be a delicate balance, avoiding public condemnation or intervention, it is employed with the aim of fostering dialogue, engagement, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts. In the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ban Ki-moon's approach contributed to a de-escalation of tensions and the pursuit of international peace and security, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of quiet diplomacy in addressing human rights violations and humanitarian crises.
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Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Côte d'Ivoire
In 2011, Côte d'Ivoire faced a political crisis when the defeated incumbent President, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to cede power, sparking violence in the country. Ban Ki-moon took a strong stance against Gbagbo, demanding that he step down. This marked a turning point in Moon's political career, as he had previously been criticised for his low-profile diplomacy and management style.
Moon's quiet diplomacy in Côte d'Ivoire can be contrasted with his approach to other situations. For example, in Kosovo, he created a neutral framework for countries to decide over time whether to recognise Kosovo's independence. Similarly, during the 2008 humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he sent a special envoy to mediate, successfully fostering rapprochement between the DRC and Rwanda.
While Moon generally preferred quiet diplomacy, he also recognised the need for more assertive action in certain situations. In a November 2011 informal session on mediation at the United Nations Headquarters, he stressed the importance of enhancing the organisation's capacity for mediation support to prevent conflicts worldwide. This reflected a growing interest in conflict prevention within the United Nations system and among member states.
Overall, Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Côte d'Ivoire demonstrated his preference for discreet and gradual engagement in challenging political situations. While this approach received criticism at times, it also contributed to his successful reappointment and unanimous support from the Security Council and General Assembly for his second term as Secretary-General.
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Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Myanmar, Sudan, and Sri Lanka
Ban Ki-moon, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is known for his preference for quiet diplomacy and gradual engagement. This approach was particularly evident in his handling of situations in Myanmar, Sudan, and Sri Lanka.
In Myanmar, Ban Ki-moon remained largely silent on the issue of human rights violations, choosing not to make any significant public statements. Similarly, in Sudan, he advised against new sanctions and instead lobbied China, a key ally of Khartoum, to facilitate the deployment of a peace operation. This strategy was successful, as it led to the establishment of an African Union/United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur. However, the mission faced challenges due to a lack of military assets and managerial issues.
Ban Ki-moon's quiet diplomacy in Sri Lanka also drew some attention. While there were reports of grim civilian casualty figures during the internal conflict, Ban Ki-moon did not publicly address these concerns directly. Instead, he focused on early warning, prevention, and addressing the structural causes of mass atrocities, staying away from more interventionist approaches.
Ban Ki-moon's approach to these situations reflected his preference for working quietly behind the scenes to facilitate peace and address human rights concerns. His style was a departure from his predecessor and was often characterized as low-profile diplomacy. While it received criticism from some quarters, particularly during his first term, his reappointment for a second term indicated a recognition of his efforts in pursuing international peace and security.
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The EU's quiet diplomacy with China
The EU's human rights dialogue with China has been the subject of much analysis and scrutiny, with some evaluating its effectiveness and impact. The book "The EU's Human Rights Dialogue with China: Quiet Diplomacy and its Limits" by Katrin Kinzelbach offers a detailed reconstruction and assessment of the EU's responses to human rights violations in China from 1995 onwards.
Kinzelbach's work provides valuable insights into the quiet diplomacy between the EU and China. She had access to classified documents and conducted interviews with diplomats, officials, and human rights experts. Her conclusions suggest that the EU's approach has been ineffective and counter-productive, yielding no significant results. This assessment is shared by Professor Manfred Nowak of Vienna University, who specializes in International Law and Human Rights.
The book traces the evolution of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, including the shift from public condemnation to quiet diplomacy. It covers a range of topics, such as tactical concessions, repression, and the growing confidence of China. The dialogues are criticized for not fulfilling their purpose of improving China's human rights record, and alternative approaches are suggested.
The EU's human rights dialogue with China has been a sensitive and contentious issue, marked by deep differences and the absence of a common framework. The EU's responses to human rights violations in China have evolved over time, adapting to the changing economic and political landscape of the bilateral relationship. The standard diplomatic tools of the 1990s included linking trade to human rights progress and pressuring China through resolutions at the United Nations. However, as China's power and influence grew, the threat of economic and diplomatic reprisals became more significant.
In conclusion, the EU's quiet diplomacy with China has been a subject of debate, with evaluations suggesting a lack of effectiveness. The dialogues have not led to meaningful improvements in China's human rights record, and alternative strategies are proposed. The complex dynamics between the EU and China continue to shape their human rights engagement, presenting ongoing challenges and opportunities for progress.
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Frequently asked questions
Quiet diplomacy is a form of international relations in which states engage in discreet, confidential, and non-confrontational dialogue to resolve disputes and promote cooperation.
Quiet diplomacy has been used in various instances, including by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in response to human rights violations in Zimbabwe, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The European Union has also employed quiet diplomacy in its human rights dialogues with China since 1995.
Quiet diplomacy can be effective in maintaining open lines of communication and avoiding public confrontations that may escalate tensions. It allows for discreet engagement and gradual progress, as seen in the case of Kosovo's independence, where a neutral framework facilitated a peaceful resolution.
Quiet diplomacy has been criticised for its lack of tangible outcomes and the potential to be counter-productive. In some cases, it may be perceived as indifference or inaction, especially when civilian victims are involved. There is also a risk of sending the wrong message to abusive governments.
Quiet diplomacy contrasts with more strident and interventionist approaches that involve public condemnation and sanctions. It seeks to address issues through private discussions and incremental changes rather than direct confrontation.
