- 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).
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:
Belgian Dowager Queen passes away
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
On 6 December 2014, The Dowager Queen Fabiola of Belgium, née Fabiola Fernanda María de las Victorias Antonia Adelaida de Mora y Aragón (11 June 1928) passed away at the honourable age of 86 years old.
In 1960 Fabiola married to the then King Baudouin I. The marriage was childless. Throughout her life, she contributed to the good of society through charitable work, cultural education, and the arts in Belgium and abroad.
A period of national mourning takes places between 6 and 12 December, day wherein her state funeral takes place in Brussels.
Diplomat Magazine presents its deepest commiseration to her family and friends.
43rd Anniversary of the United Arab Emirates
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E.Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi can look back on an excellent 2014 UAE National Day reception at the Kurhaus Hotel. The event attracted scores of Ambassadors, diplomats and friends. For a fact, The United Arab Emirates National Day celebration is one of the major annual events taking place in The Hague. A raffle was part of the program, the prize? a trip to the UAE. Congratulations to Ambassador Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi for organizing an unforgettable evening.
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Kenyatta case
Kenyatta case: ICC Trial Chamber rejects request for further adjournment and directs the Prosecution to indicate either its withdrawal of charges or readiness to proceed to trial
The Trial Chamber V(B) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a decision on December 3th rejecting the Prosecution’s request for a further adjournment of the case against Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as the Defence’s request to terminate the proceedings. The Chamber instead directed the Prosecution to file a notice, within one week, indicating either (i) its withdrawal of the charges in this case, or (ii) that the evidentiary basis has improved to a degree which would justify proceeding to trial.
On the same day, in a separate decision, the Chamber also rejected a Prosecution request for a finding of non-cooperation against the Kenyan Government and referral of the matter to the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the ICC Rome Statute.
Decision rejecting further adjournment of the case
In its decision rejecting the Prosecution’s request for a further adjournment of the case, the Chamber noted factors including the Prosecution’s admission that the evidentiary basis remains insufficient to support a conviction and the Prosecution’s concession that it remains speculative whether the information sought in the cooperation request would, even if obtained, be sufficient to support the charges. The Chamber also noted the accused’s right to be tried without undue delay and the presumption of his innocence. The Chamber found that a further adjournment would be contrary to the interests of justice under the circumstances. The Chamber considered also the victims’ legitimate interests, which include seeing those responsible for the crimes committed being held accountable. However, the Chamber noted that these interests must be balanced with other interests of justice, and, in light of the circumstances mentioned above, found that it would not be in the interests of justice, or of the victims, for the proceedings to be further adjourned on the current basis.
Having ruled upon the adjournment request, the Chamber indicated that, unless the evidentiary base has now improved to a degree which would enable the trial to proceed, it considered the appropriate course of action to be a withdrawal of charges by the Prosecution. The Chamber additionally found that, in the event of a withdrawal of charges, its decision would not prejudice the right of the Prosecution to bring new charges against the accused at a later date, based on the same or similar factual circumstances, should it obtain sufficient evidence to support such a course of action.
Decision on Prosecution’s application for a further adjournment
Decision on the Kenyan Government’s cooperation
On 29 November 2013, the Prosecution filed an application for a finding of non-cooperation against the Kenyan Government, alleging that the Government had failed to comply with a request to produce financial and other records relating to Mr Kenyatta.
After considering the submissions of the parties and participants on this issue, the Chamber issued a decision, today, rejecting the application for referral of the matter to the Assembly of States Parties. Following a detailed assessment, the Chamber found that the approach of the Kenyan Government to the cooperation had not met the standard of good faith cooperation required from States Parties under the Rome Statute. In particular, the Chamber found that the Kenyan Government had taken no meaningful steps to compel production of the materials requested by the ICC Prosecutor. According to Trial Chamber V(B), the Kenyan Government’s non-compliance has impinged upon the Court’s ability to fulfil its functions and powers and in particular, the Chamber’s truth-seeking function.
However, in the context of the potential for a referral to contribute to a fair trial, the Chamber noted its denial of the adjournment request. The Chamber also noted, amongst other things, the Prosecution’s delay in pursuing investigations and in following up on the request for cooperation. The Chamber stressed that the issue of the Kenyan Government’s compliance with the cooperation request should have been addressed at a much earlier stage; it found that doing so would have mitigated the impact that the non-compliance has had on the proceedings in this case to a significant degree.
In conclusion, despite having expressed strong concerns regarding the approach of the Kenyan Government, the Chamber exercised its discretion in not referring the matter to the Assembly of States Parties, since the Chamber was not persuaded that a referral would facilitate a fair trial, was in the interests of justice or was otherwise appropriate in the particular circumstances.
The parties may seek the Chamber’s authorisation to appeal either of these decisions.
Lyric and classical Tunisian concert
By: Haris Achterber.
A lyric and classical concert performed by the Tunisian soprano Yosra Zekri and accompanied by Mehdi Trabelsi at the piano was organized on Friday 28 November by the embassy of Tunisia in the Netherlands and the Tunisian National Tourist Office on the occasion of the exhibition on Carthage in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden.
His Excellency Mr Karim Ben Becher Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in his opening speech invites everyone to visit this exhibition which introduces the illustrious history and archaeological treasures of one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities. Never before has there been such a large exhibition about Carthage in the Netherlands.
As Ms Wahida Jaiet Managing Director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office states “Tunisia is not merely a land of sun and hospitality but a land of 3000 years history, civilization and culture. A land where people are paving the way for a better future”.
“Christmas X-Clusive”
Worldhotel Bel Air on Saturday 6 December
The Christmas event for Expats, Internationals,
staff of international organisations & companies
and International Minded!
Whatever your religion, let us take Christmas as a time to celebrate
the friends we have made and those to come!
Walk the red carpet and start your Christmas experience: A night full of entertainment and surprises!
Dress Code: Cocktail
We celebrate Christmas a bit early this year with our most exclusive event ever! For this special edition we booked the best Party Band in the Netherlands ´The Boston Tea Party´ – They will have you dancing away in the main room and the Embassy Bar will be open too if you want a taste of the sound of our DJs: Classics and top 40!
Enter the stylish Worldhotel Bel Air where you will be welcomed by special Christmas hosts, who will guide you to the start of an evening full of entertainment. Enjoy a sparkling champagne bar organized by our friends from G-Bubbels, try your luck at the Casino and surrounding it all: an atmosphere of excitement and mystery with a very special guest! Our friends from Yentl Oil will introduce you to some top quality beauty products based on high concentrations of Moroccan argan oil! Of course we could sum up all the surprises, but … then it would not be a surprise anymore.
A welcome drink will await you as you arrive in your Christmas finery.
What about an almost 24 hours of X-Clusive at Worldhotel Bel Air?
Check in at 3:00 PM and extra late check out the next day at 2:00 PM!!! We offer you the possibility to start your evening with a delicious 3 course menu in the exclusive restaurant (18:00 – 21:00).
Continue the evening with an evening full of entertainment at the Christmas Party from 20:30 until 02:30 AM and just take the elevator to your exclusive hotel room of this 4* hotel.
After waking up, the Worldhotel Bel Air offers you a delicious breakfast to have the perfect start of the day! For those preferring to get an extra hour of sleep, the breakfast will be served until 12:00!
Combine our 3 components*:
1) Dinner (3 courses): (Eur 32.50)
2) Christmas X-Clusive Party: (Eur 20.-)
3) Stay Over for 2 with late check out the next day
(14:00 hrs) including late breakfast (12:00hrs)!: (Eur 99 per room)
All 3 components can be purchased separately, so start combining and build your own unforgettable Christmas event! Prices mentioned are per component.
Tickets and more info: www.expatevents.com
Bar & Restaurant Milú
Welcome to Bar & Restaurant Milú, located in the centre of The Hague, on the border of the historical ‘Hofkwartier’, near the ‘Grote Kerk’
At Milú it’s all about tasting and enjoying. To taste as much as possible, we offer a large selection of specialty beers (on tap and bottled), many open wines and a surprising selection of cocktails and gin & tonics.
Milú’s international cuisine serves a varied lunch and for dinner a mix of small international dishes meant to taste and enjoy together.
The interior is industrial, authentic and cosy, with robust natural materials and there is a year-round heated terrace in front.
On the first floor is an exclusive private space, ideal for meetings, lunches, drinks, dinners, receptions or (wedding) parties for up to 200 guests.
Bar & Restaurant Milú
Driehoekjes 15, 2513 AZ The Hague
070-2200642
info@restaurantmilu.nl
www.restaurantmilu.nl 
“Violated Beauty” Cyprus exhibition
Τhe Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus inform you about the opening of the exhibition of the acclaimed Cypriot painter Mr. Lefteris Olympios: “Violated Beauty. Tragedy and Meaning of the Iconostasis of Cyprus” at Domkerk, Utrecht.
Mr. Olympios lives and works in Amsterdam since 1984 and his works are exhibited regularly in galleries and museums in the Netherlands, Cyprus and Greece.
The exhibition is organized by the Exhibition Committee Domkerk and will last until January 6, 2015. More information about Domkerk is available at www.domkerk.nl.
A star is born!
Diplomat Magazine Glossy. In a dazzling presentation, the glossy version of Diplomat Magazine was launched on Thursday 27 November. The first copy was presented to Mrs Anki E Broeker s-Knol, President of the Senate. Also present were the Deputy-Mayor for International Affairs of the Municipality of Den Haag, Dr Ingrid van Engelshoven and many ambassadors, diplomats and prominent people in the local and international community.
In the 200-year existence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this is the first magazine specifically for the diplomatic community.
Congratulations to Diplomat Magazine.
Photo Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/
Panama National Day
Many illustrious guests attended a reception at the Hilton Hotel on 25 November 2014 to congratulate the newly arrived Ambassador for the Republic of Panama, Willys Delvalle, and his wife Tatiana Delvalle on Panama’s National Day.
The occasion also presented the opportunity to welcome the Delvalles to The Hague, their new assignment.
In his address Ambassador Devalle hinted that he is looking forward to close cooperation with his fellow ambassadors on various dossiers. Bienvenida to the Delvalles.
