STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY (SDP8X01)

ASSIGNMENT COVER PAGE

PHOKOANA JR

(SURNAME & INITIALS)

200720107 Mr. M Ncamphalala

(STUDENT NUMBER) ۩(LECTURER)

Critically analyse the interface which exist among diplomacy, mediation and
trade.

(TOPIC)

30 / 08 / 2023

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I declare that this assignment is my original work. Where secondary material has been
used (either from a printed source or from the internet), this has been carefully
acknowledged and referenced in accordance with Departmental requirements. I
understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the Department’s policy in this regard.

Signature: 8807015977085

________________________________________________________________

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THE INTERFACE WHICH EXISTS AMONG DIPLOMACY, MEDIATION AND
TRADE.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 DEFINITION OF TERMS 1
2.1 Diplomacy 1
2.2 Mediation 2
2.3 Trade 3
3 A BACKGROUND HISTORY IN DIPLOMACY, MEDIATION AND TRADE 3
4 INTERFACE BETWEEN DIPLOMACY, MEDIATION AND TRADE 5
4.1 Diplomacy and Mediation 5
4.2 Diplomacy and Trade 7
5 CONCLUSION 8
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 10
1 INTRODUCTION
The significance of the interconnectedness and globalization in today's world has
elevated the importance of diplomacy, mediation, and trade. Rather than being
independent elements, these three aspects significantly overlap with one another,
exerting influence over international relations, conflict resolution, and economic
transactions. This essay seeks to critically analyse the interface that exists in
diplomacy, mediation, and trade. Moreover, define the key terminologies that are of
value to this essay. Furthermore, gives the relationship between Diplomacy and Trade,
and Diplomacy and Mediation.

2 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
The following terms will be defined.
2.1 Diplomacy
(Samad RA 2017:1) Diplomacy is the skilful art of negotiation used to manage
communications beyond an individual's sphere of influence. He points out that over
time, diplomacy has changed and evolved with how countries communicate. The
primary aim of diplomacy is peacebuilding by preventing wars and nurturing cohesion
between nations, as emphasised (Barston RP 2013:10). Achieving this goal requires
cooperation amongst various countries through bilateral or multilateral agreements,
international treaties law enforcement mechanisms such as diplomats stationed in
embassies worldwide. Thus, ensuring peaceful coexistence among sovereign states
while averting conflicts within their borders relies on diplomatic efforts from all parties
involved working towards a shared set of goals.

Diplomacy is primarily an important political activity, a well-resourced and skilled

component of power (Berridge G R 2022:1). The purpose is to allow countries to
secure their foreign policy objectives without any conflict or legal avenues. Diplomacy
is the fundamental pillar of contemporary global politics, involving skilful negotiation,
dialogue, and tactful communication to manage international relations. It
encompasses various strategies seeking mutual understanding, conflict resolution and
cooperation among nations. Acting as a delicate interplay between states and other
global players, diplomacy plays a crucial role in shaping the course of international
affairs and promoting peaceful coexistence. In the modern, interconnected world,
diplomacy has evolved beyond traditional interactions among countries. Collaborative

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efforts across borders have become imperative in tackling global challenges such as
climate change, terrorism, and pandemics.

2.2 Mediation
Berridge (2022:261) Mediation has a distinguished and extensive history in the realm
of diplomacy. However, it is crucial to address mediation separately due to its distinct
implications and high significance. This process becomes particularly essential in
protracted conflicts characterized by deep animosity that makes compromising
extremely challenging without endangering the domestic standing of their respective
leaders. Mediation tends to be more necessary when parties harbour profound
scepticism towards each other's intentions, cultural disparities impede effective
communication, and at least one party refuses to acknowledge the existence of
another party involved. (Iji T 2019:1) In the discipline of diplomacy, mediation has
emerged as a highly favoured approach for effectively managing conflicts. Diplomacy,
frequently lauded as the skill of managing relationships between nations,
encompasses a diverse range of tactics to tackle conflicts and foster collaboration.
Among these strategies is mediation, which plays an important role in resolving
disputes and easing tensions. Mediation within diplomatic circles involves the
involvement of an impartial mediator who assists with communication, negotiation, and
ultimately finding resolutions for conflicting parties.

(Barston R P 2019:15) Throughout history, various methods have been utilized to

resolve disputes in the Pacific region. These include inquiry, negotiations, conciliation,
arbitration, mediation, and judicial settlement. Both the League National Covenant and
the United Nations Charter formally acknowledge this diverse range of dispute-
resolution techniques. It is important to note that while mediation shares similarities
with conciliation and arbitration, its objective differs as mediators strive to facilitate a
mutually agreed-upon solution for conflicting parties by considering results likely to be
accepted collectively or extensively. The primary responsibility of a mediator is to
establish an atmosphere that promotes open communication, assist in negotiations,
and propose possible solutions without enforcing any particular outcome. This
approach enables conflicting parties to maintain some level of authority over the
ultimate resolution, which proves advantageous when prioritizing relationship
preservation in critical situations.

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2.3 Trade

(Obuah E E, Ndubuisi J O and Dappa G T 2017:2) Trade plays a crucial role in

diplomatic relations as it enables meaningful interaction between nations. Discussions
on international affairs would be limited without the inclusion of trade. It is undeniable
that trade serves as the foundation of the global political economy. This stems from
the fact that countries possess varying levels of resource endowment, and no single
nation possesses all essential resources to meet its needs completely. Consequently,
trading becomes imperative for acquiring necessary commodities or goods not readily
available domestically by exchanging what one country has with another's unique
offerings. Trade diplomacy encompasses the various tactics, discussions, and pacts
carried out by nations to ease the sharing of goods, services, and intellectual property.
In addition to its economic function, it acts as a means for encouraging global
collaboration, settling disputes diplomatically, and fostering mutual appreciation of
cultures. Trade diplomacy goes beyond mere trade agreements; it extends into wider
international relations where complex negotiations occur that mirror the interests,
values, and aspirations of all parties involved.

3 A BACKGROUND HISTORY OF DIPLOMACY, MEDIATION AND TRADE

(Obuah E, Ndubuisi J O and Dappa G T 2017:8) Throughout history, from ancient

times to the medieval era and continuing through various revolutions in economic
thought such as physiocracy, mercantilism, classical economics and marginalist
theory up until today's modern age, international trade has been recognized as a
crucial driver of growth for nations. Despite divergent ideologies regarding the
specifics of embracing trade – including how it should be conducted and why it is
necessary – this concept has led to the development of several theories on trade.
These include theories such as mercantilism which emphasizes the accumulation of
wealth through exports; absolute advantage theory highlighting countries' capabilities
in producing goods efficiently; comparative advantage theory emphasizing
specialization based on opportunity costs; factor or endowment theory which
examines differences in resources among nations, among others. (Gray J. and Potter
P. 2020:1) Even with legalized methods of settling disputes, countries still seek to
resolve conflicts through diplomatic means. However, assessing the effectiveness of

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diplomacy in dispute resolution can be challenging due to its secretive nature. In this
study, we propose a new theory on how diplomacy impacts resolving disputes and
introduce a unique measure for evaluating diplomatic efforts. If nations opt for legal
channels when trying to settle disagreements with close or distant counterparts, it
suggests that diplomacy has little influence on finding resolutions since these parties
may consider the conflict too complex or unsolvable. On the other hand, if friendly or
adversarial countries resort to using lawful measures during their disputes, it indicates
that there is potential difficulty in reaching an agreement between them. However, our
research reveals that diplomacy can enhance the likelihood of resolving conflicts
among moderately affiliated nations by increasing communication and understanding
between them. To examine this hypothesis further without direct observation of
confidential diplomatic interactions poses challenges; hence we adopt an innovative
approach using gift exchanges occurring during meetings between diplomats as
proxies representing such engagement. By studying these protocol-based gift
exchanges within diplomatic encounters—a dimension that is typically hidden from
public view—we can gather valuable insights into how effective country-to-country
communications impact successful dispute settlements.

(Afesorgbor S K 2019:493) The importance of diplomatic relationships in reducing

risks for businesses operating abroad cannot be overlooked. Economic diplomacy
plays a crucial role, particularly for developing countries that face challenges due to
limited information on conducting business activities in low-income nations. The
scarcity of published statistics and data concerning business operations in these
regions is significant. Therefore, the presence of foreign missions becomes essential
as they serve as a reliable source of credible information for domestic firms planning
to venture into host countries associated with these foreign missions. This highlights
the necessity and relevance of establishing strong diplomatic ties to acquire accurate
knowledge about potential risks and opportunities when entering unfamiliar markets
overseas.

(De Soto À 2014:3) Throughout human history, the pivotal roles of diplomacy,
mediation, and trade have been interconnected. From ancient times to our modern
globalized world, these practices have played an essential role in maintaining peaceful
relations between nations and resolving conflicts while facilitating economic exchange.
This essay will explore the historical background of diplomacy, mediation, and trade

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to underscore their evolution as well as their significance on societies. The relationship
between diplomacy, mediation and trade possesses deep interconnections whereby
each pillar influences and shapes the others. Diplomatic negotiations regularly involve
discussions regarding trade agreements since economic interests can heavily
influence diplomatic decisions. Moreover, mediation plays a crucial part when it comes
to resolving any disputes over matters such as trading; this prevents potential
economic disagreements from escalating into political or even military confrontations.

4 INTERFACE BETWEEN DIPLOMACY, MEDIATION AND TRADE

4.1 Diplomacy and Trade

(Afesorgbor 2019:492) Numerous studies stress the importance of diplomatic ties in

facilitating trade. These studies contend that establishing and maintaining strong
relationships between states, through activities like state visits or opening consulates
and embassies, greatly influences bilateral trade between nations. Diplomatic links
play a crucial role in mitigating potential risks faced by businesses operating abroad.
Such risks include political instability, legal complications, and credit uncertainties
which may dissuade potential exporters from venturing into foreign markets.
Afesorgbor (2019:492) further said, that establishing diplomatic missions abroad
serves as one of the main economic justifications, primarily aimed at promoting
exports for national companies in host countries. Numerous developed and developing
nations allocate significant portions of their national budgets to finance these foreign
diplomatic activities. Nevertheless, financing such endeavours poses a considerably
higher burden on developing countries with limited resources. Consequently, they may
opt to establish only a few diplomatic missions or provide insufficient financial support
that restricts intense efforts towards enhancing bilateral trade relationships. (Adebajo
A and Virk K 2018:53) President Jacob Zuma made multiple pledges in 2010 while
visiting India, China, and Brazil. He emphasized that South Africa is fully prepared to
engage in business on a large scale. His focus was on investment opportunities, trade
relations, and economic diplomacy as means of creating a "developmental economy"
capable of meeting the needs of South African citizens while driving economic growth
for SADC (Southern African Development Community), the continent, and beyond.

Diplomacy has traditionally placed great emphasis on trade. Most states prioritize their
trade interests and policies as part of their core concerns. Trade, along with foreign

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relations and security policy goals, plays a vital role in shaping the overall direction of
a country. It forms an integral component of its international profile and is utilized to
advance and expand its interests (Barston R P 2019:10).

(Obuah E E, Ndubuisi J O and Dappa G T 2017:1) Foreign policy is the diplomatic tool
employed by states to engage in trade transactions with other nations. It represents a
nation's interests and includes economic considerations necessary for state survival.
To acquire products or resources it lacks; a state formulates trade policies that govern
its imports and exports while also entering into bilateral and multilateral agreements
with other countries on mutually beneficial terms. If the conditions of trading become
unfavourable, the state adheres to international trade standards by applying rules and
principles intended to safeguard its interests. Trade serves as both an economic
activity and a significant diplomatic tool. By fostering interdependence, trade prompts
nations to partake in diplomacy aimed at protecting their economic stakes and averting
any disruptions. Nevertheless, conflicting economic interests can lead to tensions
originating from trading relations.

(Ndima G 2023:9) The XV BRICS Summit is being held in South Africa during a time
of significant changes in geopolitics, with the power of the West diminishing. The
importance of strengthening relations among countries within the global south has
become more urgent due to recent unilateral sanctions and unfair trade practices.
These disruptions on a global scale make it imperative for regional alliances to be
strengthened and for trade partnerships to be reconsidered with an emphasis on fair
reciprocity. This summit also takes place as 54 out of 55 member states of the African
Union have signed onto the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) agreement.
Over the past decade, disruptions at a global level have highlighted the need for
regional supply chains and self-sufficiency. Ndima (2023:9) further said, one core goal
of BRICS is to establish alternative channels for international trade while reducing
dependence on dollar markets. Additionally, this era necessitates new trade
agreements since World Trade Organization standards are proving ineffective under
current economic conditions. With its representation currently reaching 41%ofthe
world population, BRICS is gaining momentum as an influential economic body in
today's contemporary world. This increasing interest from potential members suggests
that BRICS will expand its presence even further.

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4.2 Diplomacy and Mediation

(Kinkoh H and Staeger U 2023:2) In the dynamic world of global relations, diplomatic
interventions become essential to uphold peace and stability as conflicts and tensions
continue to emerge. The Russia-Ukraine conflict presented a significant challenge
necessitating involvement from African Union (AU) leaders who embarked on a
mediation mission to foster dialogue and seek an amicable resolution. One instance
showcasing mediation is when AU leaders participate in conflicts beyond their
continent, highlighting the universal importance of peace, security, and cooperation
principles. The AU's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict exemplifies its
dedication to upholding international standards and promoting global harmony by
adhering to its charter's emphasis on preventing disputes through peaceful methods.
From 2012 to 2019, the African Union (AU) and three regional economic communities
(RECs), integral parts of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), set up
mediation support structures (Aeby M and Pring J 2023:97). This initiative aimed at
enhancing their capacity for peacemaking. The essential foundation of the AU leaders'
mediation mission lies in diplomacy and dialogue. Diplomacy, within this framework,
not only encompasses negotiation between the conflicting parties but also involves
actively seeking support from the international community towards achieving a
peaceful resolution. On the other hand, dialogue plays a vital role in fostering trust and
promoting mutual understanding between Russia and Ukraine. Leveraging their
expertise in resolving conflicts across Africa enables AU leaders to facilitate
transparent and productive communication among all involved factions.

(Rahid S 2018:41) The international community takes early preventive action to delay
or prevent uprisings, allowing mediators more time to make progress and influence
the overall political atmosphere. The amount of time available for this prevention
strategy depends on how seriously the international community views warning signs.
In an alternative scenario where Libya is used as a counterexample, the international
community would not have waited for widespread revolts before taking preventative
measures. Instead, they would have gathered and spread early warnings provided by
credible organizations to initiate proactive efforts at the highest level possible. Aiming
to establish stability and enduring peace, African Union (AU) leaders have initiated a
diplomatic mediation campaign in Libya. This joint effort showcases the dedication of
African nations towards peacefully resolving conflicts within their region and upholding

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the core principles of unity and cooperation upheld by the AU. (Lewis G D 2021:109)
Russia's ability to use diplomacy as a tool for advancing its geopolitical objectives in
regional conflicts has proven to be crucial. Whether it is supporting peace negotiations
about Nagorno-Karabakh, Libya, Syria or Afghanistan, Russia's diplomats play an
integral role at the highest levels of discussion. As a result, Russia has emerged as a
central power player when it comes to resolving conflicts in the Middle East. Their
approach can be described as coercive diplomacy - tactfully combining military
strength and diplomatic expertise with remarkable success in prioritizing and
safeguarding their national interests. As argued, one of the key aims of diplomacy is
to promote international order and facilitate organized administration of global
relations. This objective is achieved through negotiations, creating universally
applicable regulations, and fostering peaceful resolutions for conflicts (Barston
2019:10).

(Alqashouti M 2021:1) The principle of impartiality occasionally presents challenges,

requiring significant efforts and resources to address issues and restore negotiations.
These include engaging in shuttle diplomacy, allocating substantial financial
resources, employing multilateral diplomatic approaches, as well as coaching and
training parties involved to bridge their differences for a possible compromise.
Mediation during the Qatar case exemplified the successful implementation of soft
diplomacy resulting in heightened recognition for this small Gulf nation. However, it
also sparked negative competition from certain neighbouring countries who are willing
to undermine any progress made at great cost just to discredit these earnest
endeavours.

5 CONCLUSION

The interplay of diplomacy, mediation, and trade presents an intricate and ever-
changing landscape in the field of international relations. These three components are
intricately linked, with diplomacy forming the base upon which mediation and trade
rest. The interactions between them can be both productive and challenging,
emphasizing the importance of adept diplomatic endeavours to develop effective
mechanisms for mediation while crafting well-designed trade policies. In our
increasingly interconnected world, comprehending and manoeuvring through this

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complex interface will continue to be crucial in promoting global peace, stability, and
prosperity. Conflict resolution and negotiation are facilitated by diplomacy and
mediation, with trade actively fueling and resulting from these mechanisms. The
combination of diplomacy, mediation, and trade is essential for conflict resolution and
international cooperation. Diplomacy creates a foundation for successful mediation
while trade offers opportunities for collaboration as well as potential disagreements.
Although challenges may arise within this framework, these three components
together provide a comprehensive approach towards fostering peace and prosperity
worldwide. Recognizing the interplay among diplomacy, mediation, and trade
becomes imperative in building a more peaceful global landscape with increased
economic growth.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Berridge G R 2022. Diplomacy: Theory and practice. Springer Nature.

Barston R P 2019. Modern diplomacy. Routledge.

Samad R A 2017. Brief Introduction of Diplomacy. Research Gate.

Lewis D 2021. Russian Diplomacy and Conflict Management. George C. Marshall

European Center for Security Studies.

Dada Z A Wani M D and Shah S A 2022. The impact of pilgrim tourism on the bilateral
diplomacy of India and Nepal and the mediation effect of people-to-people contact.
Asian Journal of Comparative Politics.

Iji T 2019. Multiparty mediation in violent conflict: Peacemaking diplomacy in the

Tajikistan civil war. Routledge.

Kinkoh H and Staeger U 2023. The peace mission was an important opportunity to
elevate African countries’ collective role in world affairs. Institute of Security Studies.
July 2023.

Afesorgbor S K 2019. Regional integration, bilateral diplomacy and African trade:

Evidence from the gravity model. African Development Review.

Rashid S 2018. Preventive diplomacy, mediation and the responsibility to protect in

Libya: a missed opportunity for Canada? In International Mediation in a Fragile World.
Routledge.

Aeby M and Pring J 2023. Development trajectories of mediation support structures in

the AU, ECOWAS, IGAD and SADC. South African Journal of International Affairs.

Lewis D 2021. Russian Diplomacy and Conflict Management. George C. Marshall

European Center for Security Studies.

Adebajo A and Virk K 2018. Foreign policy in post-apartheid South Africa: security,
diplomacy and trade. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Barston R P 2019. Modern diplomacy. Routledge.

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Obuah E E, Ndubuisi J O and Dappa G T 2017. Trade as an instrument of diplomacy:
an assessment of Nigeria’s version of protectionist trade. Journal of African Foreign
Affairs.

Alqashouti M 2021. Qatar mediation: From soft diplomacy to foreign policy. In

Contemporary Qatar: Examining State and Society (pp. 73-92). Singapore: Springer
Singapore.

Gray J and Potter P 2020. Diplomacy and the settlement of international trade
disputes. Journal of Conflict Resolution.

de Soto À 2014. Diplomacy and Mediation. The Handbook of Global Security Policy.

Ndima G 2023. BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth,

Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism. Johannesburg.

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