On 12 December, the Egmont Institute in Brussels will be the venue of a seminar on Multinational Corporations in a Geopolitically Dynamic World: How to Shape Business Diplomacy Competencies in Practice. The seminar is co-organized by the Clingendael Institute, Ghent University, and Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, and co-sponsored by Aramco Overseas Company.* It builds on the findings of a special issue on Business Diplomacy of The Hague Journal of Diplomacy (2014:4).
This seminar will bring together businessmen, other practitioners and experts to deepen the understanding of how MNCs can shape Business Diplomacy competencies. Geopolitical change demands a move away from a shareholders perspective to a stakeholders approach. Firms are no governments, but they need executives with skill sets similar to those of effective diplomats. By adopting a more ‘diplomatic mind set’, companies will be able to manage ever-expanding international geopolitical risks, safeguard profit-making and secure their existence in the long haul.
Participation is free of charge, but places are limited. Registration is required. Please write to: Jennifer.Kesteleyn@ugent.be.
Doing business in an Europen context
Interview with Mr. Nico Leerdam, Co-Chairman of the EIC
By Songul Arslan
The Hague is the diplomatic heart of the Netherlands. In addition, the city harbours countless NGOs and organizations that are related to international relations, cooperation and business development. An example of such an organization is the European Investment Council (EIC). The EIC is a non-profit organisation which has the mission to facilitate trade and investment opportunities for its members. They are specialized in lobbying, international relations and delegations.
Moreover, their focus is international trade relations worldwide, at the same time covering all related parties such as governments, organizations in the private sector and non-governmental organizations. With the focus on all institutions , the EIC is unique in connecting and arranging contacts, among others, through matchmaking. More specifically, the EIC helps companies throughout their investment process, from the moment of finding potential partners to promoting their businesses, from organizing seminars, meetings with senior government officials and their participation in investment missions and trade fairs. EIC’s support extends to assisting official economic and commercial delegations by providing the most suitable governmental and business environment. They do this through creating a setting that will help bridge the differences in culture, language, and standard practices.
The EIC is headed by a Board of Governors which is responsible for the realisation of the mission statement and the sound execution of the goals within acceptable financial limits. Diplomat Magazine interviewed Co-Chairman of the Board Mr. Nico Leerdam.
Mr. Nico Leerdam, can you explain in short what the EIC does? Our mission is to facilitate trade and investment opportunities for its members. This can apply to all industries that interested parties want to do business in. For instance, on the field of renewable energy we arrange deals with some countries on new energies and sustainable projects. We have organized clean technology seminars and “Doing business in greening economies” seminars. We assist Embassies and business partners in finding their way in the Netherlands and the regulations affecting them. For example EIC organised seminars in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice on the Modern Migration Policy regarding business expatriates. This combination is not the first thing that comes to mind but because of our connections and experience, we can connect different fields and realise our mission.
What made you decide to join the EIC? In 2009 I was cooperating with a trade delegation, in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Affairs as project manager. The EIC has a unique selling point with helping out parties, in programming visits of delegations. I found it very fascinating. From then on, I got involved with more international projects and I decided to join the EIC.
What do you think is the greatest advantage of the EIC? Our colleagues engaged with the EIC, know how to share their experience and knowledge. Furthermore, they come from all imaginable areas and industries, not only the business sector or government sector which gives the EIC an edge.
What are its challenges?
The challenge is always to find relevant topics that will appeal to everybody without being too specific. There is a fine balance between a general appeal of a specific topic and each time we organise a seminar, we have to deal with it. The key is to find the right context.
In the context of international relations and diplomacy, where would you categorize the EIC? EIC is a connecting hub. We are connecting companies, governments, Embassies, NGOs, business institutions and individuals. We are the linking pin on various topics.
Can you tell us something about the EIC that most people don’t know? The network and the experts around the EIC are unique. For instance, some of our colleagues might be retired but their network and their knowledge is not, in fact, they are invaluable. Our team has a determination and passion which translates into the projects. Combining these, it results in high quality activities. Through this unique setting, we can get good results, even at the last minute. Are you comfortable with risk?
The Instituto de Empresa (IE), internationally recognized Business School, and The Asocación Española de Profesionales en Holanda (Spanish business club in the Netherlands) organize few days ago a joint event: “Entrepreneurship: an evolving mindset – from employee to entrepreneur”, in the prestigious Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam. Mr. Paris L’Etraz, renowned businessman internationally and a successful entrepreneur, led the conference. This one-time event attracted over 100 attendants.
During the conference Paris L’Etraz shared with the room the beginnings of his career. How he learned to embrace uncertainty, and how each very different job taught him something about himself, and developed his many passions.
L’Etraz followed his first dream into the finance world; he became the Managing Director M&A of UBS Investments Bank and the ABN-AMRO Bank. But after almost 20 years working in finance he discovered that he was no longer enthralled by it and he took the risky decision of becoming an entrepreneur.
His life as an entrepreneur saw him build several startups, some successful others not so much. Again after several years of living in the startup world he decided to make another change and became a Professor at the IE Business School.
The conference concluded with the presentation of the research L’Etraz is undertaking at the IE and Berkley University. L’Etraz is studying the relationship between risk/uncertainty in our professional lives and our personal lives. They found that more successful entrepreneurs are very comfortable with uncertainty and risk in their work lives, but prefer a more stable and predictable personal life.
The talk was followed by complementary cocktails and nibbles. The attendants had the chance to mingle amongst each other, make new connections and discuss L’Etraz’s inspiring talk. What more could you ask for?
The Constitution of Uzbekistan, a solid foundation
By H.E. Mr. Vladimir NOROV, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and to the Kingdom of Netherlands.
The Constitution of Uzbekistan – a solid foundation of our progress on the path of democratic development and formation of civil society.
Since the first years of Uzbekistan’s independence the main purpose of large-scale reforms has been to build a democratic state with a socially oriented market economy and a strong civil society. The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, adopted 22 years ago – on 8 December 1992, in which a human being, his/her life, freedom, honour, dignity and other inalienable rights were declared as the highest value, became a solid legal foundation to achieve these goals. For the years of independence and the results of the reforms demonstrated the rightness of our principles: “Do not destroy the old house if you have not built a new one”, “Reform is not for sake of a reform but for the sake of people” which do not lose their topicality and relevance even today. Continuing importance and historical role of our Constitution we see primarily that it has made the political and legal framework for the creation of absolutely new national statehood, forming a political and economic system based on democratic principles. All the achievements for the years of independent development of Uzbekistan in reforming our economic and political system are undoubtedly the result of adherence to the Constitution and consistent implementation of laws adopted on its basis. Second, having incorporated the fundamental provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other fundamental international instruments, the Constitution enshrines the priority of human rights, interests and freedoms over state interests and defined by its main essence to create decent living conditions for the people and proclaimed the social justice principles. Thus one of the main advantages of the Basic Law of Uzbekistan is an organic combination of centuries-old traditions of the Uzbek people, historically developed legal culture of the East and the universal values of democracy and freedom, equality and humanism. Additionally, it has absorbed the best practices of constitutional development of many developed democracies, including European countries.
Radical reforms were implemented to liberalize the legal system. The independence of the judiciary and specialization of courts were ensured, turning it into a truly independent institution reliably protecting human rights and freedoms. 16 codes and more than 600 laws have been adopted, and over 80 international human rights documents were ratified. Formation of state government and its regulations are carried on with the principles of the distribution of authority. Legislative, executive, and judiciary powers are the principles of the division of state government. Significant work is being carried to further improve the judicial law and forming independent judicial power:
Courts are specialized in criminal, civil, and economic cases. The mechanism of selecting qualified court personnel is created;
About 75 percent of the crimes in the category of serious and extremely serious were moved to the category of crimes with less harm to society and less serious. Every year on the eve of the Day of the Constitution is carried out amnesty on the basis of the decision of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and only in 2013 amnesty touched about 70 thousand people. In this regard, today Uzbekistan has one of the lowest in the world in the number of persons in custody – 144 for 100 thousand people of the population.
Alternative types of punishment not related to the deprivation of freedom were created. 26 punishments connected with the deprivation of freedom have been removed;
The institution of mediation has been established on the contents of 53 crimes based on our national traditions;
The terms of initial investigation and imprisonment considerably reduced, and the terms of the hearings of the cases in courts have been determined clearly;
When the damage of property as a result of financial crime is compensated, the punishments which are not connected with life imprisonment are applied; “The Miranda Rule” is applied to the legislation. One is granted for legal aid after he has been caught. The freedom of advocacy and its protection are provided.
The humanitarian ideas in criminal legislation and law enforcement practice had positive impact on the stability of social-political and criminogenic situations in our country.
From 1 January 2008 the death penalty was abolished. The courts were empowered to issue arrest warrants (institute of “Habeas Corpus”). Death penalty has been abolished on the basis tolerance and humanity, instead of it the life imprisonment has been established. Life imprisonment as the final measure of punishment is carried in two cases: terrorism, and murder. This punishment is not applied for women, persons who at the time of committing crime didn’t reach 18, and men above 60.
Third. The Constitution enshrines principle of the rule of law, its equableness for all citizens, and the principle of separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches, creates a legal framework to strengthen their independence, the develops an effective mechanisms of checks and balances, which is a fundamental requirement of any democratic state.
Implemented in Uzbekistan large scale democratic reforms have systematic, consistent and interrelated nature. “The Concept of Further Deepening Democratic Reforms and Establishing the Civil Society in the Country” developed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in November 2010 opens a new stage of development of the state and society.
In accordance with the main provisions of the Concept, a new law wad adopted which has established a mechanism for the appointment of the Prime Minister, who should enhance the role of political parties in the government, and institution of no confidence motion to the Prime Minister. The Chambers of Parliament have presented the right to hear and discuss reports from the Prime Minister on topical issues of socio- economic development. New powers of Senate include approving presidential decrees on the appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of Chamber of Auditors and a number of other senior officials.
Implementation of reforms on democratization and modernization of the country that are laid down in the Concept is not a task for one or two years, and perhaps decades. But this is the only correct time-tested action program for the continuation reforms started from the very first years of our independence to achieve the high goals that the leadership of Uzbekistan has set – to join the modern developed democratic countries, provide their people a decent living standard and a worthy place in the world community.
In April 2014, the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted the Law “On additions and amendments to the certain articles of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Articles 32, 78, 93, 98, 103 and 117).”
Constitutional reform is aimed at expanding the powers of the Oliy Majlis and gradual implementation of the principle “From the strong state to a strong civil society.” Basic constitutional novels include the following points.
The first novel is an extension of parliamentary powers.
The Constitution included the norm that a candidate for the post of a Prime Minister at consideration and approval by the parliament presents a program of actions of the Government in the short and long-term perspectives.
In addition, the Prime Minister has the authority to form and abolish ministries and agencies. Previously, departments and agencies were formed and abolished under the presidential decrees.
Тo increase the responsibility of the executive authorities on the ground in front of the representative authority, Article 103 of the Constitution is ‘supplemented with the norm, according to which currently the responsibilities of regional, district and municipal hokims (mayors) include presenting to the local councils of people’s deputies of appropriate level the reports concerning important and topical issues of socio-economic development.
The second novel is a legal tremor to enhance public activity.
Article 32 of the Constitution provides that citizens of Uzbekistan have the right to participate in managing the affairs of society and state through self-governance, referendums and democratic formation of government bodies. This article was added with a norm establishing that now this right is also realized through the development and improvement of social control over the activities of public authorities.
The third novel is the constitutional foundations of strengthening the system of checks and balances.
Introduced changes are an important factor not only in implementation of the constitutional principle of power separation, but also the further development of the system of checks and balances between them.
Expansion of the powers of parliament will strengthen its role. At the same time, in demand is a system of success indicators in the implementation of government programs, development of which is a logical extension of amendments to the Constitution.
The fourth novel is conferring the constitutional status to the Central Election System of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Chapter XXIII dedicated to the electoral system introduced the rules determining the order of forming and basic principles of the CEC.
Fourth. The Constitution established the legal framework for the formation and development of diverse institutions of civil society, free of political parties, the formation and development of a multiparty system, approved the basic principles and mechanisms of the electoral system, strengthened the guarantee of freedom of choice and will of the people, the right of everyone to vote and to be elected to representative bodies, participation of citizens in affairs of state and society.
One of the main priorities of the state policy at the current stage of development of Uzbekistan is the implementation of comprehensive measures to promote the principle of “from strong state to strong civil society”.
Today, there are four political parties. In various areas of public life operate over 6,200 non-profit organizations (NGOs). They have a greater state support in the form of subsidies, grants and social orders. In addition, Uzbekistan has about 10,000 citizens’ assemblies and self-governing bodies – mahallas.
Fifth. Embodying the ideology of national independence and the best human values, the Constitution provided the revival of national traditions, language, ancestral values and culture of our people, created the conditions for moral perfection and harmonious development of mankind.
A comprehensive work on improving the legal culture and justice, political activity and civil responsibility is carried out in the country.
One of the major achievements of Uzbekistan during the years of independence has been the preservation and strengthening of the country’s peace and stability, interethnic and interreligious harmony. This is a direct result of firm compliance to the constitutional principle that Uzbekistan ensures respect for the languages, customs and traditions of the representatives of all races and nationalities living on its territory and creates conditions for their development. Currently, more than 130 nationalities as well as followers of 18 religious denominations live in peace and harmony in Uzbekistan.
Sixth. The Constitution has cemented the principles of the national, multi-structured economy, set the priority of private property by establishing conditions for a decisive transition from unjustified, bankrupt, centralized, command-and-distribution system to a free market economy.
As a result of this policy, most importantly, small business and private entrepreneurship have turned into crucial sector of country’s gross domestic product structure, covering the majority of the socially active population. If in 1991 the share of small and medium-sized businesses was only 1 percent of GDP, today it is more than 55,8 percent. It is vividly proved by the fact that at the moment 75 percent of all of our employed persons work in this very sphere.
According to the polls, nowadays, about 50 percent of our population identify themselves as a middle class, while in 2000 this figure was only about 24 percent.
Today, this social layer – the middle class is interested in the first place, protection of their property, and ultimately in maintaining peace and stability in the country as a whole. Today the middle class is becoming more solid basis for economic and social progress and acts as a decisive force in achieving our long-term objectives for the further development of democracy and liberalization of our political system. All this gives confidence in the future of our country and its progressive dynamic development.
Today Uzbekistan is a self-sufficient country in economic terms. The most important source of sustainably high rates of economic growth is increasing volume of investment in equity capital. During the years of independence, 120 billion USD worth investments were attracted and $50 billion out of which – foreign ones. Currently, the gross domestic product of Uzbekistan, compared with 2000 has increased by 3.1 times, per capita – 2.6 times, the volume of exports by 4.4 times (with 70 percent of its exported goods are value-added products), nominal wages in comparable prices – by 22 times, the average pension – 12.7 times, while real income per capita – 8.4 times.
Uzbekistan is among the few countries worldwide which managed to ensure for the last 5 years the GDP growth on average of 8.3 percent, and in this year it will be around 8.1 percent.
The maternal and child mortality reduction of more than 3 times, as well as an increase in average life expectancy from 66 years to 73 and a half is clear evidence of improvements in the quality of life of our citizens.
Seventh. The Basic Law has defined the legal framework for the formation, effective functioning of national security and defense, the status of our country as a full-fledged subject of international relations with its own domestic and foreign policy based on the interests of the state, the people and its well-being and safety.
The main priority of foreign policy of Uzbekistan in the Concept Foreign Policy Activities is defined region of Central Asia , which is associated with its vital interests. Main directions of Uzbekistan’s Central Asia policy is to ensure peace and stability, including assistance in addressing the situation in Afghanistan, the issues of rational use of transboundary watercourses, environmental sustainability, the adoption of effective measures to combat cross-border threats, establishing close mutually beneficial and constructive cooperation with all neighboring countries.
Priority in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan retains the development of comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with European countries on the basis of common interests. A constructive dialogue and partnership with the European Union and NATO have been gradually developing.
According to the foreign policy concept of Uzbekistan, the key domains of cooperation with European countries and organizations is the development of trade, investment and financial cooperation, high-tech transfer, cooperation in science, technology, education, environment, health and culture, as well as strengthening regional security.
Uzbekistan from the very beginning has supported and is actively involved in the practical implementation of programs and projects carried out since 2007 within “The EU and Central Asia: Strategy for a New Partnership”.
We believe that one of the key elements of the Strategy, in the context of our mutually beneficial cooperation, should become an assistance in the implementation of adopted by Uzbekistan “Concept of further deepening the democratic reforms and establishing the civil society in Uzbekistan” for fostering the achievement of the main targets in the public, nation-building and socio-economic development – joining of Uzbekistan to the developed democracies of the world.
The EU Member States experience in strengthening the constitutional framework for the rule of law is important for the Republic of Uzbekistan, and we remain open to the constructive dialogue. In this regard, we appreciate the established mutually respectful dialogue with the European Parliament within the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. Sports Law ‘Lunch & Learn’ lecture series at Asser
By: Thalia Diathesopoulou, T.M.C. Asser Instituut
The Asser Sports Law ‘Lunch & Learn’ lecture series, organised by The Asser International Sports Law Centre, aims to introduce participants to the most pressing questions in the field of international sports law, by giving the floor to outstanding academics and practitioners.
The latest ‘Lunch & Learn’ lecture was held on Wednesday 19 November with a presentation on “The new FIFA Regulations for players’ agents: De-regulation or Re-regulation?” by Dr. Roberto Branco Martins. Dr. Branco Martins, in his dual capacity as lecturer in Labour Law and Sport and International Sports Law at the University of Amsterdam and as the founder of Pro Agent, an organisation which represents supports and promotes the interests of licensed players’ agents, provided a comprehensive insight into the new FIFA Regulations on working with intermediaries.
By drawing a comparison between the new FIFA Regulations on working with intermediaries, which will be in force as from 1 April 2015, and the current FIFA Regulations on Players’ agents, Dr. Branco Martins expressed concerns whether the new Regulations lead to more transparency and efficiency with regard to the profession of players’ agents. Special focus has been put on the still unsettled interplay between the rules of FIFA, European law and international law. The presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion on the impact of this recent development on the professional football world, giving the opportunity to participants –in their majority legal practitioners and players’ agents- to engage directly with the speaker, raise their questions and share their experiences.
The next lecture of The Asser ‘Lunch & Learn’ lecture series will be held on 10 December. Mr. Stanislas Frossard, Executive Secretary of Council of Europe’s “Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport” (EPAS) will give a first-hand glimpse at the “Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competition”. Students, legal scholars, practitioners and, more generally, everyone interested in the integrity of sports is very much welcomed.
If you wish to find out more about the upcoming lectures, events or the week-long Summer Programme organised by the Asser International Sports Law Centre we encourage you to visit our website and blog, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on twitter and Facebook.
Diplomacy pillar of success in Utrecht
By Menno de la Vienne, Utrecht Investment Agency.
Some 300 years ago, countries in the world were allocated again in Utrecht. For more than eighteen years, arch-enemies England and France negotiated about peace in Europe. The conference, in which all countries of the continent participated, was to end bloody religious wars. Because almost every participating country also had overseas colonies, diplomatic marathon sessions led to a new division of spheres of influence throughout the world.
“The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, or Peace of Utrecht as we call it, set a standard for solving international problems”, said Menno de la Vienne, director of the Utrecht Investment Agency and also special advisor to the Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic. “The whole conference aimed to achieve results without any of the parties losing face. This is still the way international diplomacy works – be it diplomatic matters or trade relations.”
The UIA facilitates companies in establishing their office in Utrecht; the organization supports in finding an office location, applying for permits and advice on staff recruiting. The Utrecht region is home to 900 international companies. The power of Utrecht has not changed in the last 300 years. “The Treaty of Utrecht conference was held in Utrecht because it is centrally located and has a strong infrastructure. Moreover, people praised the service oriented and pragmatic attitude of both city council and citizenry,” said De la Vienne. During the conference the Town Hall had two entrances so the envoys of Britain and France could enter simultaneously. The Calvinist prohibition on theater was temporarily suspended. “Today, we see a similar service oriented attitude. Therefore, the start of the Tour de France, which takes place in Utrecht next year, will surely be a success.”
Collaboration
Once, Utrecht organized the first successful European peace conference – today Europe looks with admiration to the success of Utrecht. European studies showed twice that Utrecht is the most attractive region for companies to be located. However, this does not mean that companies blindly select the city to settle. “The UIA slowly extends the success of the Utrecht as the panacea for companies with relocation requirements. As Part of the Economic Affairs department of the Municipality of Utrecht, we have been very successful.” To illustrate this success, De la Vienne provides some numbers. “We have supported forty companies in 2014 by acting as a liaison to appropriate agencies and organizations. For five leading (international) companies the UIA catered the complete establishment process. A substantial contribution to employment in the city.”
Menno de la Vienne is familiar with the diplomatic world, not only through his work for the Dominican Republic, but also because he was internationally active earlier in his career. “I owned companies active in Human Capital Management. In that context I set up companies in Curacao for example, commissioned by the local government.” De la Vienne knows the importance of embassies and their staff. “Embassies know what entrepreneurs from their country need and they know the mores of business in their country. The good relations that the UIA maintains with diplomatic representatives contribute to the success of the agency and thus to the success of the Utrecht economic region.”
The UIA director identifies a major similarity between his organization and diplomacy: facilitating contacts, bringing people together and disseminate the unique selling points of a country or region.
Carthage, the ancient city-state
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On Wednesday 26 November 2014, shortly before the official launch of the impressive exhibition about Carthage by H.E. Mr Mourad Sakli, Tunisia’s Minister of Culture, Dr Win Weijland, director of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, gave an introduction to the exhibition.
Dr Weijland first expressed gratitude for the Tunisian Government’s outstanding contribution to making the exhibition possible. Weijland said they received full cooperation from the government and have been refused almost nothing. The Opening Carthago 26 November 2014 (10)Rijksmuseum van Oudheden cherishes this bond with Tunisia and considers it the start of a long-lasting cooperation.
Approximately 160 impressive exhibits have been made available by Tunisian institutions. To reciprocate, MUO Leiden is to organise an exhibition in the Musee National de Carthage in 2015. This project will focus on 3 key elements: research, education and archeology. Furthermore, a student exchange program will be created. Dr Weijland calls the project cultural diplomacy. Tunisia envisages enriching her current tourism package by highlighting cultural and historical sites, including the rich assets of the ancient city of Carthage.
Carthage, the ancient Mediterranean city-state of splendour, vigour and grandeur, still marvels millions of people around the globe. Founded in 814 BC on the shores of what is today the Republic of Tunisia, she became an influential world power of culture and trade. The grandeur of Carthage surpassed by far that of the settlement Timgad-Thamugadi, also on the North African coast. Carthage was unfortunately savagely destroyed by Roman troops in 146 BC. One fact that undeniably made Carthage so extraordinary was the home it provided to numerous ethnic communities such as Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Africans and Punic society. All peacefully living side by side in a cosmopolitan city.
Never before have so many objects from Carthage been exhibited in the Netherlands and a visit to this unique exhibition is highly recommended. The venue is Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden and Carthage will run from 27 November 2014 to 10 May 2015.
The exhibition sponsors include Tunisia Verkeersbureau Nederland, Tunair and The Embassy of Tunisia to the Netherlands.
Approximately 160 impressive exhibits have been made available by Tunisian institutions. To reciprocate, MUO Leiden is to organise an exhibition in the Musee National de Carthage in 2015. This project will focus on 3 key elements: research, education and archeology. Furthermore, a student exchange program will be created. Dr Weijland calls the project cultural diplomacy. Tunisia envisages enriching her current tourism package by highlighting cultural and historical sites, including the rich assets of the ancient city of Carthage.
Carthage, the ancient Mediterranean city-state of splendour, vigour and grandeur, still marvels millions of people around the globe. Founded in 814 BC on the shores of what is today the Republic of Tunisia, she became an influential world power of culture and trade. The grandeur of Carthage surpassed by far that of the settlement Timgad-Thamugadi, also on the North African coast. Carthage was unfortunately savagely destroyed by Roman troops in 146 BC. One fact that undeniably made Carthage so extraordinary was the home it provided to numerous ethnic communities such as Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Africans and Punic society. All peacefully living side by side in a cosmopolitan city.
Never before have so many objects from Carthage been exhibited in the Netherlands and a visit to this unique exhibition is highly recommended. The venue is Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden and Carthage will run from 27 November 2014 to 10 May 2015.
The exhibition sponsors include Tunisia Verkeersbureau Nederland, Tunair and The Embassy of Tunisia to the Netherlands.
Challenges and Opportunities of Georgia’s Path towards Europe’s Institutions
Photography by Hasan S. Aloul.
Keynote of H.E. David Usupashvili‘s lecture by Mete Erdurcan.
On the 18th of November the Hague Institute for Global Justice, together with The Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, had a guest speaker from Georgia; this was His Excellency David Usupashvili, chair of the Parliament of Georgia. The lecture was connected to the official visit of His Excellency Usupashvili to the Netherlands.
Mr. Usupashvili first started by addressing the recent events around the domestic politics in Georgia, in which he stated that an internal issue within the Georgian political arena will not affect foreign policy and that Georgia will continue its course towards increased integration with the EU and NATO. He added that the change of the pro-Western coalition had not changed Georgia’s course and thus, linked with historical ties, will not happen.
Furthermore Mr. Usupashvili stated that the current coalition preferred peaceful relations with the Russian Federation, above the tenser situation Georgia found itself in, with the previous government. In the matter of the recent proposal from Russia to incorporate the de-facto government of Abkhazia into the Eurasian Economic Union, Mr. Usupashvili announced that this would be harmful strategy to pursue, as the other members would surely decline this, due to the disputed status of Abkhazia.
Armenia’s entry into this Union is a great concern to Mr. Usupashvili as he does not believe to the highest priority of many Armenians. He believed that it would conflict with the Armenian interests, as the Russian Federation tries to benefit from the conflicts Armenia is involved in. Moreover, he added that nothing would change with regard to relations with Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan
In the matter of the recent developments in Ukraine, Mr. Usupashvili showed great concerns, considering Georgia’s similar problems with the Russian Federation. He believed that the situation would work out negatively and feared further escalation regarding Abkhazia. These events also affect Georgia in economic sense, as investors fear instability in the region. Despite the negative events Mr. Usupashvili noted that there was a continual rise in the tourism sector.
Finally, in the Q&A session Mr. Usupashvili stated that the European presence in the region should be maintained, and in case that this would fail to happen, that this could show a sign of decreased interest in the Georgian case from the European side, resulting in more invasive actions from Russia.
Creating Relationships: A New and Old Lens for Thinking Diplomacy
By Benjamin Miller.
My father once taught me that when you meet someone for the first time the first thing you should do is figure out what you have in common. This is an old and powerful insight that has driven liberal theories of justice and peace for hundreds of years. Some idea of what we all have in common is proposed—for example, rationality, freedom, and equality—and then justice and peace becomes a matter of setting up a system that respects, fosters, and builds on that commonality. Well as I’m sure you’re all aware, the universal has come to be regarded with great suspicion. While acknowledging the legitimacy of these suspicions and the risk involved in making universal claims, I don’t think we should completely abandon such a compelling insight. And so I would like to propose a new starting point that diplomats might use as the seed of a new way to think about international politics.
The starting point I’d like to propose is as follows: we were all born categorically dependent. What happens after (and what happened before) that hugely differs based on where one lives, one’s gender, whether one has living parents, and a million other variables. All these factors radically alter our lives, but they do not alter the fact of our fundamental dependency (only how these needs are met). I think this is a good starting point for thinking about international politics because, if there is ever going to be justice and peace, the most fundamental condition it must meet is this dependency.
There are two basic strategies one can take to meet dependency. One can seek independence or interdependence. The pursuit of hard power, of guns and money, is essentially the pursuit of independence. The pursuit of soft power, of friends and allies, is essentially the pursuit of interdependence. Perhaps one of the greatest contributions of liberal diplomatic theory to date has been the acknowledgement that, especially in our globalized age, complete independence is impossible. And so both types of power must ultimately come to serve one overarching strategy of interdependence in which we find the diplomat at the fulcrum.
We now have a logical path for discovering what justice and peace would entail. Justice is the quality of a system that promotes successful interdependence for all. Peace is both the result and the only condition under which such a system can persist. So what is successful interdependence? Successful interdependence consists in relationships that meet the needs of all involved to the greatest extent possible (which may not be completely). The diplomat has the special role of fostering and promoting a subset of these relationships, those that exist across the special barrier of state borders. The question that the diplomat must ask themselves daily is how the relationships they are building help to meet the needs, and not simply the desires or interests, of all who are directly or indirectly implicated in these relationship.
East-West Security in the Technological Age!
East-West Security in the Technological Age! “Is technological age Diplomacy (Soft Power) Mightier than the Sword?”
By Leo Miller, International Relations, Ethics, Comparative Religion, Communications, and International Relations, TUT Estonia
Some historians believe that it is more than fortuitous that the current conditions confronting Europe, former Soviet States, and Europe’s neighbors in 2014 resemble the way history took place at this same point during the last century. In other words there is some resemblance to what was occurring in 1914 (e. g.): a recently weakened Russia, a recently strengthened Germany, a pan Slavic movement that took a violent turn (with Russia drawn into the conflict in behalf of Slavic people), a global financial crisis (known as The Great Financial Crisis of 1914), and the breakdown of international diplomacy.
Diplomacy is the focus of this article but the article also stresses the value of what can be learned from history (which means we can learn, grow, and progress in ways that allow avoiding the same mistakes of history) and, as well, the article highlights the new possibilities for diplomacy (offered by 21st century technologically advanced strategies for more inclusive diplomacy—which are not only more advantageous for the national interest of the stakeholders, EU interests, and the global interests represented but, as well, for the interests of the stakeholders at multi-levels). Multi-level stakeholders include the interests of the national parties involved but, in addition, stakeholders like the UN, international economic institutions (who hope to avoid deepening the global economic crisis for both Europe and its neighbors), but most importantly stakeholder interest in terms of the human/social cost of escalating this conflict). Thus, this article is written from the perspective of what the technological revolution offers as a “Third Force” in diplomacy (the potential that new technology offers for revolutionizing diplomacy and increasing the potential effectiveness of soft power diplomacy).
The third force (the notion that knowledge is power that accompanies the technological age) also represents the power to actually reconcile a dichotomy that is a reflection of what emerged after the First World War (the dichotomy exists until today and the significance of this schism can be thought of in terms of the question raised for many international relations scholars, “Why does Peace Fail?”). However, the consequential 20th century phenomenon known as a bipolar global arena (otherwise referred to as an East-West stand-off that dominated much of the last century) has roots that are deeply embedded in the Western psyche that stem to issues concerning Modernity and are manifest in the 20th century as the split between the Eastern perspective on idealism and the Liberal idealism of the West (the realization of which has always been offset by the persistence of Realism that is actually evident on both sides of The Renewed East-West Tension). The outdated approach to international relations—based on the confrontational power and dominance paradigm—which are at work in this crisis ignite sparks that threaten to escalate into similar dynamics that sank Europe into one of the most painful centuries of its history.
The dynamics at work in the current situation (that has rekindled memories of recent history as well as fears concerning the possibility of reducing existence to an intolerable state) have actually been centered-around Ukraine’s right to autonomy and peaceful coexistence (exasperated by accusations on both sides regarding who and/or what is actually interfering with Ukraine’s right). But as the tensions escalate the concern has expanded from Ukraine to whether or not other former Soviet States will be able to continue enjoying their right to sovereignty and peaceful coexistence plus there is the issue of what guarantees that rights to autonomy and sovereignty will be respected (is that right guaranteed by international normative principles that establish legitimacy and/or can global normative principles resolve the long-standing dichotomy between Eastern and Western idealism (conflict over what is in the best interest of The PEOPLE) which has always been offset by the predominance of Realism (the tendency for power and dominance to overrun what is in the best interests of PEOPLE). Given that the initial issue had to do with Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and autonomy the fact that the conflict escalated is due to another dimension that is playing a part in and, is at work in, creating these larger dynamics. When scrutinized closely a careful analysis will reveal what is really perpetuating the manifestation of co-opetition clearly evident in the current EU/West-Russian crisis.
In terms of the apparent facts connected with the current events (especially in regards to the implications for the security of other former Soviet States) the issue centers around the upset of equilibrium and the prospect of being able to move forward with realizing the vision of Europe and Russia continuing to cooperate to reduce their mutual security threats and to increase the possibility of expanding the zone of peace, security, and prosperity (which clearly includes a role for cooperation between Russia and the West in regards to security which is the original vision that prompted the interest in Russian and Western cooperation)?
This was in fact the vision put forward after World War One (which took the form of the League of Nations—primarily—and to some extent UNESCO). What deserves careful and sensitive attention, at this point in history, is why peace failed (after the attempts with the League of Nations and UNESCO) and why Realism resumed dominance in international relations and there is concern with how to reverse this current tendency which threatens to plunge EU and Russia back into the same Realist patterns of hatred, violence, force (fascism), and destruction. Also careful attention needs to be paid to the reason why after the Cold War the increasing cooperative agreements (in terms of security agreements, Russia joining WTO—which indicated an interest in taking necessary steps toward economic reform, agreements concerning The War on Terror, and several joint military exercises over/on the Baltic Sea) has now deteriorated into co-opetition (and confrontation with each other in the Baltic Sea region). Careful analysis will reveal the reason behind this sudden reversal and strange deterioration (the term co-opetition is used to indicate the extent of economic and security arrangements that were once cooperative that have now become competitive but also, at the same time, continuously and unavoidably interdependent).
The crisis has actually shifted from the original prospects of being able to diplomatically settle the most pertinent issue (e. g.): supranational negotiations about what comprises legitimacy and what comprises a just cause for international intervention (regardless of whether the intervention is unilateral or multilateral) and the prospect of neutrality (which is necessarily inclusive of respect for sovereignty). These operative principles of international law have deteriorated into each side blaming the other of initiating security threats (in regards to intrusion into each other’s territorial sphere). The mounting rhetoric has neither addressed the urgent issue(s) nor reduced the threat each side accuses the other of posing to territorial integrity. And in some respects the whole series of exchanges has merely turned into a blame game. Persistence in this direction will make everyone a loser (including increasing the threat to other former Soviet States). Is there a way out of what appears to be an impasse that increasingly seems to be irreconcilable?
Perhaps a first step toward peaceful resolution is to respect Ukraine’s very clear shift toward stability and unity in the form the election of Petro Oleksiyovych Poroshenko (the current president of Ukraine who won with a clear majority indicating sufficient popular support to avoid a runoff). The newly elected president seems to hold a viable vision for the immediate Ukrainian future based on peaceful coexistence, sovereignty, and cooperation (with both the East and the West—or at least he seems to be sensitive to the necessity of negotiating without aggravating the situation). Poroshenko describes this as a mutually beneficial outcome for all stakeholders which would at the same time provide Ukraine the autonomy it needs to take the necessary steps toward unifying the country. With the rights of Ukraine established (empowering it to move forward autonomously to manage its own internal issues) the next step will be to deescalate the tension between Russia and the West.
Russian foreign minister Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov announced at a Russia-EU meeting in mid-October 2014 that the direction that international events move toward is based on the idea of the future held by the international agents that are engaging each other. He claims that Cosmopolitan rationality would make it prudent to use diplomatic means to normalize current EU-Russian relations and to continue on the path of increasing security and prosperity for both (the agreements that were diplomatically established prior to this crisis). Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Minister for Foreign Affairs, states that the solution to the current crisis lies in diplomatic dialogue. However, today’s multi-level technologically advanced approach to diplomacy offers even more opportunity for a break-through than in the past. In short foreign affairs experts and diplomatic officials stress that there are three key traditional factors to diplomacy that could be employed immediately and a fourth that is provided by technological advancements:
- Diplomacy is and always has been a means of representing what is in the best interest of a state in ways that improve relationships with another state.
- Diplomacy urges international agents to pay sensitive and respectful attention to international norms which are considered to be the basis of legitimacy.
- Diplomacy requires an extremely high degree of integrity as the diplomatic agent presents vital concerns in a way that are true to the facts but also in a way that proposes solutions that are in line with the principles prescribed by international norms.
- The fourth is a new dimension made possible by multi-track diplomacy that allows for inclusiveness and sensitivity to the voice of PEOPLE. Appropriate responsive to this new dimension is considered to be the basis of “Smart Power” and Soft Power (which today is considered to supersede the prior emphasis on Hard Power). Inclusiveness of the new extended view of diplomacy would reduce the threat to the well-being of People and increase the range of options for cooperative and beneficial outcomes. This new dimension (the basis of which—in terms of multi-track diplomacy—can be described as the power of epistemic communities (experts in diplomacy that have the power to influence policy and who are afforded instant communication with each other by means of technological advancements in information communication technology).