BACUD, Cee Gee Doltz O.

LEL 4110 MW 9:00 – 10:30 AM

BA POS – LPS 4 February 6, 2023

REACTION PAPER

“Diplomacy seeks to teach us how many good things can still be accomplished when we make
some necessary accommodations with the crooked, sometimes touching and hugely unreliable
material of human nature.” As was pointed out in the video Art of Diplomacy by the Youtube
channel The School of Life. It should be noted that diplomacy could also be applied in our
everyday lives and not just limited to the application of international relations.

Diplomacy might be defined as the capacity to communicate and bargain with others in a way that
results in outcomes that are advantageous to both parties. Since it is crucial to settling problems
and forging enduring ties in the modern world, diplomacy is a useful skill to have in both personal
and professional contexts.

Diplomacy can be employed in a variety of settings in our daily life. For instance, it's crucial to
approach problems with a diplomatic perspective while dealing with friends, family, or coworkers.
This can entail identifying common ground, demonstrating empathy and understanding for the
other person's viewpoint, and actively listening to it. Finding a solution that is acceptable to all
parties is possible by doing this.

Diplomacy is yet another method for influencing choices. Giving consideration to other people's
perspectives and keeping lines of communication open with individuals who might be impacted
by the decision's outcome are necessary when making critical decisions. This might mean asking
friends, family members, or coworkers for advice and considering their viewpoints before making
a decision.

Negotiation is another method that diplomacy can be applied in daily life. Diplomacy can be
important to attaining positive outcomes in negotiations, whether with a salesperson for a lower
price on a product or with a coworker for more flexible work hours. This can entail applying
pressure while remaining courteous and considerate of the other person's needs and concerns.

The employment of diplomacy may be advantageous for the growth of communities. One
important instrument for establishing thriving, inclusive communities may be diplomacy. It can be
used in a variety of ways, including volunteering for neighborhood groups, going to community
events, and simply conversing with your neighbors. By actively listening to others' concerns,
displaying empathy and understanding, and working together to find common ground, people can
help to create positive, inclusive communities.

Charles Sobhraj, a notorious serial killer and burglar who operated throughout Southeast Asia in
the 1970s, is the subject of the television series The Serpent, which examines his life and criminal
activities. The program offers an intriguing and complex look at diplomacy and how it affects how
we perceive crime, justice, and international relations.
The Serpent's depiction of the connections between foreign diplomacy and criminal activities is
one of its most intriguing features. Throughout the series, we observe how Sobhraj's illicit actions
are made possible by his relationships with diplomats and government figures who, in return for
his services or bribes, turn a blind eye to his crimes. This raises issues regarding the obligation of
diplomats and governments to follow the law and defend individuals' rights, as well as highlighting
the complicated and frequently morally ambiguous nature of diplomacy.
The function of diplomacy in enabling the extradition of criminals is another important issue in
The Serpent. Sobhraj is shown avoiding punishment throughout the entire series by trespassing on
international borders and exploiting ethical loopholes in extradition agreements. This emphasizes
the need for effective diplomacy in bringing criminals to justice as well as the necessity of
international cooperation to ensure that they cannot get away with breaching the law.

Additionally, The Serpent illuminates the more extensive social and cultural setting in which
diplomacy takes place. The television series is set in the 1970s, a time of political and social
instability in Southeast Asia. It is essential to comprehend the historical and cultural context of
diplomatic interactions since it stands in stark contrast to the backdrop of conflict, revolution, and
cultural upheaval.

The Serpent serves as an important reminder of the value of accountability and openness in
diplomacy. Through the course of the series, one could observe how Sobhraj's acts are made
possible by the corruption and secrecy of diplomats and government officials. This emphasizes
how critical it is for diplomatic systems to be open and accountable, as well as how important it is
for investigative journalists and whistleblowers to expose wrongdoing and advance justice.

It could be said that The Serpent is a perceptive and compelling analysis of how diplomacy fits
into our rapidly globalizing society. Through its portrayal of Charles Sobhraj and the international
relations landscape in the 1970s, the program highlights the importance of effective diplomacy in
bringing criminals to justice, the necessity of international cooperation, and the significance of
transparency and accountability in diplomatic practices.

In conclusion, we can employ diplomacy in a variety of settings in everyday life. Whether it is

used to resolve conflicts, make decisions, negotiate, or construct communities, diplomacy is
crucial for achieving favorable outcomes and building long-lasting relationships. One can enhance
their communication and problem-solving skills as well as help create a more peaceful and
harmonious society by frequently practicing diplomacy.