Effective Diplomacy in the Twenty-First Century a Practitioner’s Perspective: A Handbook for Diplomatic Officers

By Denis G. Antoine

Effective Diplomacy—A Practitioner’s Guide, is like a GPS for new and practicing diplomats with a focus on developing countries diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The book gives insights and introduction to diplomats coming into Washington D.C for the fi rst time and addresses the challenges faced by diplomats in a post September 11, era of diplomacy. This guide focuses also on how to achieve and maintain effective performance and desired outcomes in their conduct of diplomacy in the USA. In 15 clear and comprehensive chapters the author Denis G. Antoine guides readers through important protocols and a body of knowledge, drawing upon more than seventeen years of diplomatic lessons learned in his practice of diplomacy in Washington D.C and across the USA .

The author provides step by step guide on how to maneuver Washington D.C, showing exactly how knowledge of the work environment and learned skills can assist new diplomats and particularly diplomats from small developing countries. He addresses the practice of traditional diplomacy by small under resourced missions in an environment where modern diplomacy in a globalized process dictates that the weak compete with the powerful for attention and influence.

The author promotes an effective orientation program for new diplomats early upon arrival in Washington, D.C as a critical factor in the productive operation of a diplomatic mission. The book discusses the practice of multilateral diplomacy in the context of the Organization of American States and offers a practical orientation guide for successful practice

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796097764

Denis G. Antoine

Denis G. Antoine, PhD When Ambassador Denis G. Antoine demitted office in 2009, he was the second highest ranking ambassador in the United States of America. Denis G. Antoine served as Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C, and he also served concurrently, as Grenada’s non-resident ambassador to Mexico, and Panama from 1995 to 2009. Currently Dr. Antoine functions as Ambassador At-Large and Director of the Office of International Programs and Exchanges, in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, for the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Antoine has more than seventeenth years of high level diplomatic experience in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Inter-American System. His diplomatic career began when he served as Deputy Head of Mission, and Counsellor / Alternate Representative to the OAS in Washington, D.C for about five years until December 1990. The author draws upon his experience gained form lessons learned in his practice of diplomacy spanning more than four U.S. presidential administrations. In his recently published book, “Effective Diplomacy – A Practitioners Guide” he shares his insights on applied or functional, diplomacy in the United States of America.

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Copyright © 2020 by Denis G. Antoine.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/04/2020

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Diplomacy - A Theoretical Overview

Chapter 2

Relevant Historical Perspective on Diplomacy

Chapter 3

Security, Safety, and Diplomacy

Chapter 4

Imperatives of Orientation and In-Post Training

Chapter 5

Importance of Clear Mission Policy Guidelines

Chapter 6

Navigating the Jurisdiction of the Diplomatic Post

Chapter 7

Multinational Diplomacy and the Search for Consensus

Chapter 8

Media and Press Relations

Chapter 9

Accepting The Challenges of External Representation

Chapter 10

Understanding Immigration and Consular Laws

Chapter 11

Planning for Disasters and Emergencies

Chapter 12

Effective Use of Honorary Consuls and Miscellaneous Officers

Chapter 13

Orientation and Training

Chapter 14

Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

APPENDIX I

CARICOM Ambassadors since Independence

APPENDIX II

Orientation Checklist

APPENDIX III

Determining Orientation Needs

APPENDIX IV

APPENDIX V

Procedure for Appointment of Consuls for the Government of Grenada

APPENDIX VI

Titles Accorded to Members of the Diplomatic Corps

APPENDIX VII

Protocol and Ceremonial Guide to Preparation for Presentation of Credentials

APPENDIX VIII

Presentation Ceremony

APPENDIX IX

Table of Precedence for Grenada

Glossary Of Important Legislative Terms

References

About The Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

T he author wishes to acknowledge, with special thanks, the assistance of all who have graciously provided their time and insights in making this publication possible.

My appreciation is given to the OAS and the chief of protocol Ana O’Brien for her sustained high standard of service to the OAS and for her assistance in identifying sources of information and sharing her insights.

My special gratitude is extended to the prime minister of Grenada, the right honorable Dr. Keith C. Mitchell for his confidence in appointing me to serve as Grenada’s ambassador to the United States, permanent representative to the Organization of American States, and ambassador to Mexico and Panama, for an unprecedented tour of duty. In addition, to be called to serve as ambassador/permanent representative to the United Nations and also to be appointed as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China.

I acknowledge Dr. Wendy Grenade, lecturer of The University of the West Indies, for her constructive comments and encouragement. I give recognition to the United States of America, for facilitating an engaging diplomatic environment where diplomats are not too restricted to function within the United Nation’s system and on a bilateral level, and to the People’s Republic of China, with the very visible diplomatic residence compounds (DRC), which gives recognition of the foreign countries’ presence in Beijing.

I also wish to acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Dorothy A. Moore, professor emeritus of Education and International Affairs and director of the Advanced Studies Program for International Visiting Scholars of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development of George Washington University in Washington, DC, for her very useful and informed comments, suggestions, readings, and advice.

To all my former diplomatic colleagues representing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the United States and wherever we met in the service of our countries, for the respect that they accorded me and for their inspiration. I also acknowledge the permanent representatives to the OAS; the entire Washington, DC diplomatic corps; my colleagues in the International Association of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (IAPR); and colleagues with whom I served in the People’s Republic of China.

INTRODUCTION

W ashington, DC , can be considered the political center of the universe. It is the place where stakes, demands, expectations, and biddings are most volatile as both an art and theory. Representatives who serve as practitioners of diplomacy in Washington, DC, vary widely in their backgrounds. Approaching the beginning of the third decade of the twenty-first century, Washington, DC, remains an epicenter of geopolitical rumbling, with a noticeable rise in global influence of other significant power centers.

Washington remains the venue for Western development agencies where intelligence and some tact are generated and applied in the conduct of foreign policy. However, it has become very difficult to identify clearly the core values that represent Washington’s interest in the multilateral process. The prevailing financial gains as a single objective, appears to weaken the foundation of democracy and its core values. Democracy in the US and in developing countries where democracy seemed to have been emerging is trampled by populism and leadership styles that seem to disregard government by and of the people. The respect for established rules of engagement is being curtailed.

There is a rhythm of state, regional, bilateral, and multilateral maneuvering where all players seek to have their issues on the front burner of everyone’s agenda. In what is now considered a traditional pilgrimage, diplomatic representatives from developed and developing nations converge in Washington, DC, as messengers, agents, brokers, and negotiators of bilateral and multinational biddings.

In general, many diplomatic officers from developing countries arrive in Washington, DC, without receiving a proper in-post orientation. These diplomats are charged with diplomatic functions, including meetings and activities enmeshed in protocols occurring at a rigorous and hectic pace, and they must be prepared to engage in the process.

Diplomats must undertake negotiations and interact on issues that often have profound effects on themselves and on entire societies. At times, the practice of diplomacy can result in high levels of frustration and stress that ultimately lead to disempowerment among those who must routinely attempt to untangle political and diplomatic webs of diplomacy in Washington, DC.

A diplomat’s job in the host country or organization is to navigate meticulously and productively a mesh on an ongoing basis while, at the same time, attempting to achieve the sending country’s goals and objectives. These goals are often pursued in an environment in which the rules of the game are constantly changing as developed nations compete for influence.

The thrust of the competition by diplomats in the receiving country is for input in the global narrative, the political discourse, and to get the attention of the host country, especially when posted in a hegemonic power. As a result, the preoccupation of more influential countries with their own agendas, seeking to maintain the geopolitical balance in their favor, constantly adopt and implement policies and protocols that are harmful to Small Island Developing States (SIDS.) Quite often, developing countries must deal with these effects and, oftentimes, suffer the negative consequence of neglect.

Global challenges and self-interest have led to redistribution of financial resources by states to address urgent fiscal crisis. Embassies and diplomatic missions must now make security adjustments beyond the physical barriers, in response to the September 11, 2001, mayhem in New York City. Security today is now physical and digital. Noticeable diminished personal courtesy extended toward diplomats is compounded by surveillance and the stringent security measures not only in cities like Washington, DC, but also increases the pressure and stress globally in the work environment of diplomats.

Accepting the premise advanced in the Whitehead Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations (Winter/Spring 2006) that diplomacy is the application of intelligence and tact in the conduct of Foreign Policy, new diplomats soon find that intelligence and tact are not enough. Prompt and thorough understanding of the work environment is essential for officers from developing countries to achieve acceptable levels of measurable success.

The question often asked of long-serving diplomats is this: how did you learn about getting around, and how have you been doing this for so long? My answer to that question always begins with me sharing that my impression of Washington is like learning the game of jack-in-the-box at a sped-up pace and that having been here as an ambassador for more than twelve years gives me the privilege of gaining the title of dean of the ambassadors of the Americas, and being able to predict very accurately and with good timing where Jack will pop up. Jack, in this case, is the pitfalls lurking in wait for new diplomats coming into office. Washington remains lively, and the diplomatic scene constantly renews itself. For those ambassadors and diplomats that survive Washington for long terms, they get to become witnesses of a parade of country representatives who have various talents and, above all, are driven to succeed in the name of their country.

A proper orientation upon arrival to the post increases readiness, which gives needed leverage to developing countries if they are to achieve effective representation. One major constraint facing developing countries in their effort to attain the best operation is limited human and financial resource capacity to carry out the traditional roles in the constantly modernizing diplomatic environment. In addition, it is the demand of the diversified nature of modern diplomacy now being practiced. New diplomats must also orient themselves with the protocols that will allow them to maneuver the diplomatic maze in a growing global setting.

The conventional roles of a diplomat and the new realities of representation amid an unfolding trend of regionalism and protectionist tendencies present many new dimensions of diplomacy. The global era of dynamism, driven by the power of knowledge-based systems of communication now enriched by big data and applied technology, is demanding that the diplomat must become increasingly versatile.

Global integration falters, and the competition for world resources demands that small developing countries send competent, well-oriented, flexible, and versatile representatives with much more than good communications skills, to ensure proper furtherance of their interests. Sending countries must also examine their operations on an ongoing basis to determine their needs and to ensure productivity and effectiveness.

The windows of opportunities once opened to small and developing countries are merely ajar and, in most cases, closed as competing interests grow. World crises, such as the persistent conflict in the Middle East, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the fight against terrorism, compounded by the rise and fluctuating price of energy and the sluggish world economy, and the COVID 19 pandemic further challenge and frustrate the practice of diplomacy.

Transboundary and transnational tribulations such as trade, territorial integrity, AIDS, and poverty also draw attention away from the traditional practice of diplomacy. Diplomats from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and diplomats from developing regions like the new republics of the former Soviet Union and the newly independent countries of Africa must therefore be assertive, knowledgeable, and well organized in their foreign affairs.

809880%20Final-1.jpg

(Left to Right) Neishanta Benn, Counsellor, Embassy of Guyana

in Beijing China; Cherett A. Campbell, Minister Counsellor,

Embassy of Jamaica in Beijing China; Ayesha Wharton,

Counsellor, Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in Beijing China.

In the background, Mr. Adrian Thomas, Second Secretary,

Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in Beijing China.

Frontline diplomatic officers that understand teamwork, and collaboration, are among the most important resources of any embassy or mission regardless of the diplomatic jurisdiction in which they are located. It is an asset for any country to have individuals with the commitment and drive to stay on task; and who understand the value of cultural competency, as being part of the highest levels of readiness on the front line of diplomacy.

Every embassy or mission must be ready to face the volatility of diplomatic engagement; it is therefore, a big plus when in times of crisis, diplomats are competent and are at ease, and are also cognizant of the importance of what they do; and find satisfaction in being at their very best, in the conduct of their duties. I had the privilege to observe a cadre of CARICOM front line envoys in China; who function with purposeful coordination, and they provide a model of working together that is worth being highlighted.

The new trend in foreign representation calls for prepared, well-informed, and cross-trained officers in an era of competitive diplomacy. Special emphasis must also be placed on the significant impact that technology, electronic communication, and language versatility have on modern diplomacy, and the need for clear and accurate communication, bearing in mind that face-to-face contact in diplomacy must retain