The impacts of the advent of the digital era on diplomacy and foreign policy cannot be overstated . In Naked Diplomacy: Power and Statecraft in the Digital Age , Tom Fletcher, a former British Ambassador to Lebanon shares his personal experiences as a diplomat . In the book, the author present s a progressive vision for the modern diplomac y and criticizes top-down models of communication s between diplomats and the citizens (Fletcher, 201 6 ). I nstead , Fletcher advocates for direct engagement through the use of such technological tools as the modern press and special media . The b ook is divided into three different sections. In t he first two s ections of the book , the author discuss es his experiences as a diplomat in a foreign office . Also, he gives an overview of diplomacy, right from the early diplomatic practices by the Chinese . Towards the end of the second section, Fletcher lists the essential characteristics of a good diplomat . These include tact , curiosity, courage, and the ability to get on with everyone. In the third section of the book, Fletcher looks at some of the transformative effects of technology on diplomacy and govern ance . Most importantly, Fletcher insists that d iplomacy is only necessary and makes sense when left to diplomats. Against this backdrop, this book report will explore the aspects of the book that can be used in United Arab Emirates (UAE) diplomacy and foreign policy. It will also explore the aspects that are not applicable.
N umerous countries globally have shown interests in diplomatic relations with the UAE . M ost of the se relations are founded on the region’s emerging markets and the steadily growing economy. For instance, t he UAE has one of the largest econom ies in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia . I n 2012 , it recorded a g ross domestic product of $377 billion, having grown by over 231 times since its independence. The country is also ranked position 26 in the world as the best nation for doing business . This is based on its economy and th e prevailing business environment. Hence, UAE is not only a potential market for exports from most countries around the globe but also doubles up as a preferred investment destination due to its great potentia l owing to its steadily growing economy. Likewise, the nation’s stability cannot be overemphasized . For instance, while most countries in the Middle East have experienced civil turmoil, international conflicts, and trade sanctions, the UAE has enjoy ed peace for a long time. S ubsequently , it enjoys unrestricted trade with several leading exporters around the globe . Given the fact that UAE remains the primary target for diplomatic relations with most countries, some of the ideas raised and discussed by Fletcher may be of great significance . This is particularly when interpreted in the context of the current state of the nation.
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In the introductory section , Fletcher emphasizes that diplomacy only makes sense or works best when one of the diplomatic partners commands significant respect from those around him or her . For example, he argues that diplomacy is often easy when carried out in a country that is on the rise. The same applies when “ representatives of other nations answer your telephone calls, seek you out and expand their embassies and trade delegations in your favor , magazines put you on the top cover and discuss your rise in lengthy stories. Diplomacy often comes when you’ve won a battlefield, and your rivals and opponents are more inclined to see things your way .” (Fletcher, 201 6 ). Most imp ortantly , Fletcher concludes that diplomacy can only make significan t sense if the initial rules remain unchanged and nations are all playing on the same level . While the above conditions might seem too strict given the nature and definition of diplomacy, they play cautionary roles to the UAE .
Being the centre of attraction does not necessarily mean that all the potential partners are interested in the establishment of diplomatic relations and appreciate the strides made by the UAE. For instance, it is clear that m ajority of the nations seeking out UAE for such relations are mainly interested in the booming economy and non-restrictive market environment. In this regard , some countries may only be after exploiting the existing conditions for their personal gains . These may also be quick to leave in case the economy experiences any form of instability. In the same regard, some nations, especially the superpowers have tendencies of using thei r economic powers to change rules of the game for their gains. Hence, UAE needs to approach a prospective partner with caution. Due to the disproportionate economic development, the developing nations are unable to compete adequately with their developed counterparts. For instance, the developing nations are massive importers. This strengthe ns the already developed economies at the expense of the developing one s. On the other hand, the developing economies face numerous external influences in their quest to rise. In the Middle East, the initially promising economie s failed to attain their potential due to externally fueled conflicts and economic destabilizations . Thus, it is critical for the UAE to know that different nations have different agenda in pursuing diplomatic relations.
According to Fletcher, the role of diplomats in international relations is being transformed at an incredibly faster pace currently than in any other period in history (Fletcher, 201 6 ). It, therefore, requires contemporary diplomats to come up with more appropriate strategies and approaches to the profession . For instance, i n the modern society, diplomacy faces disruption from technology . Likewise, it is challenged by members of society who reckon that they can out perform the current diplomats. Hence, in the modern society, being in the office no longer exclusively means being in power. Due to the ongoing d igital revolution, governments have changed the manner in which they engage their citizens . The same governments have also changed the wa y they communicate with other governments. These assertion s by Fletcher advocate for diplomatic relations while at the same time suggesting alternative approaches to diplomacy. Since most governments are yet to find a balance between privacy and transparency , the concept of diplomatic delegation still holds water and may be applicable in the UAE when executed well.
The insistence in diplomatic delegations through geographically held powers may not be a viable idea for the U AE . For instance, UAE’s econom y depends almost wholly on oil as the country is yet to diversify its economy. Once the global market prices have been stabilized and controlled, then UAE can successfully sustain its economy without having a geographical presence in affiliate trade partners. Moreover , the emergence of technology and innovative communication platforms implies that issues affecting trade within UAE and its trade partners can effectively be handled without having a resident ambassador in such countries. In other words, the UAE can still sustain its oil-dependent economy without necessarily inc reasing the number of diplomats. However, control of such global oil prices often takes prolonged and exhaustive negotiations that seek to develop policies to ensure that each of the trade partner s is satisfied . It is this requirement that makes the need for diplomats inevitable. Hence, despite the ongoing technological transformation s , the function of diplomats remains. Thus , it becomes prudent that in the case of UAE, diplomats are only regarded as representatives of the cordial relationships between the UAE and the trade partners and not as principal forms of geographical power. In other words, and as advised by Fletcher, diplomats should only be channels of communication from the UAE administration and not autonomous entities that make decisions on behalf of the UAE government. This is because the problem s that face diplomacy often come from such authority and autonomous power vested in diplomats, especially ambassadors.
Fletcher also argue s that diplomats have been key instruments and have played a significant role in shaping the world for better . H ence, they still harbour skills that help them to understand, engage and influence in ways that their predecessors never could. In other words, every generation of diplomats comes with unique capabilities depending on the prevailing circumstances. The author further argues that the current society needs diplomats more than ever before. This is because the implications of diplomatic failures are more catastrophic than ever. Hence, it is not necessary for anything to replace diplomacy other than better diplomacy (Fletcher, 201 6 ). The interpretation of the above idea in the context of UAE might mean that economic success in the c urrent era might b e difficult to be realized without diplomacy. The author could also be asserting that there are no alternatives to the diplomacy , which makes it inevitable .
The UAE does not need to embrace diplomacy as a mere formality but instead should concentrate on the likely benefit s that can be realized owing to such diplomatic ties. Hence, the portrayal of diplomacy as inevitable is not applicable to UAE. Rather , diplomacy must only be embraced if it’s profitable to the nation . In a case study, China grew as an independent economy to the status of a superpower without much diplomacy. However, many partners, including the prominent African States and European nations began pursuing diplomatic ties with China once it had attained success. Despite this, however, Fletcher cites that diplomats have unique abilities to reconnect with a country ’s sense of optimism, opportunity, and idealism. For instance, diplomats have the capacity to establish a connection with people they don’t know and who share little with their DNA as part of their survival instinct. This is why UAE needs diplomats; to explore foreign markets that might contribute to the subsequent growth of UAE’s economy. Otherwise, diplomacy may fail to make sense when implemented as a mere formalit y with no b enefits of profits attached to it. Regardless of who is chosen to spearhead such profitable relations, the objectives of such diplomatic ties remain unchanged . A s a result, with such established structures , interference from external forces is likely to be reduce d .
While alluding to diplomacy in the early centuries, the author points out that diplomacy increasingly came to be considered a n insult to the monarch’s dignity. For example, when the Spanish ambassador to the English court of James I refused to dip his colors to his host in the seventeenth century, the issue was picked u p and evolved into a diplomatic feud that almost triggered a second armada (Fletcher, 201 6 ). In this regard , despite the basic definition and nature of diplomacy, conflicts are bound to arise particularly when partners in the diplomatic relationship demand more respect from the other. Thus, as Fletcher points out, the UAE ought to understand that honesty often comes last in most diplomatic relationships. T he author emphasizes that legitimacy is not always guaranteed and hence UAE ought to be vigilan t of any changes in the initial environment . This is particularly when certain states tend to exert more control in the relationship. Moreover, i n the modern world, the benefits of diplomatic relations must be two- prong and not meant to benefit one partne r at the expense of the other.
In the case cited above , the existence of cultural conflicts is clearly brought out . Whether it was out of ignorance or a mere show of superiority, the Spanish ambassador depicted an open lack of appreciation for the foreign culture. While th is might exemplify a common occurrence in the contemporary world, the UAE has collaborated with partners from diverse cultural background s owing to its trade interests. For instance, the UAE has business partners and allies from the United States (U.S), Europe, Africa and Asia. H ence , given this history, the nation might not have a problem accommodating f oreign cultures. Further, d ue to such established relationships, there has been an unrestricted movement of people from such countries into the U AE . For instance, the UAE is among the few countries in the world that allow uncontrolled immigration into its territory. Nevertheless, any cases of diplomats competi ng for respect while failing to observe basic courtesies are bound to spark conflicts which in turn might affect the nature of the relationship between the affected states.
Another interesting idea discussed by Fletcher is what he refers to as an awkward, yet an inevitable question for diplomats . This relates to the extent to which such diplomats sell out their services. In a typical example, the British Foreign Affairs office is known to hire ambassadors for commercial events (Fletcher, 201 6 ). While most diplomats would not want to see diplomacy becoming too mercantilist or commercial, sometimes the economic realities may dictate that there is no choice. A diplomat is a representative sent to sell out policies of his mother country to the rest of the world. This , therefore, becomes the most suitable idea for diplomacy in the UAE . In this regard, t he UAE does not require diplomats and diplomacy for any other reason except for the backbone of its economy - trade. Thus the nation’s diplomat s should focus on sell ing its trade policies to prospective partners with a broader goal of fuelling the country ’s overall economic growth. Fletcher ’s idea should thus serve as the guiding principle for appointing diplomats as well as developing foreign policy strategies. In this case, a ppointing power-hungry and egocentric personalities might portray diplomacy as a power sharing arena in UAE. However, allowing diplomats to take up the ro le of advancing the nation’s trade interests is likely to help the country achieve its core objectives.
T he UAE is current ly characterized by favorable economic conditions and booming trade . These factors have attracted numerous prospective partners, whose goal is to establish some form of diplomatic relations with the nation. This is echoed by Fletcher who argues that diplomacy often emanates from the fact that one country has some perceived extraordinary or unique abilities that others l ack. The fact that UAE stands out as a successful developing economy in the Middle East prompts every economist to explore some of its fiscal and monetary policies as well as the drivers of the economy. While some diplomatic partners may be genuin e , some diplomatic relations may be driven by selfish gains . Thus, the UAE has to a pproach such partnerships with caution. Similarly, diplomacy is bound to attract disruptions and interference s if it is approached as a form of geographical dissemination of power rather than delegated representation. In this regard, diploma cy in the UAE should be geared towards sell ing the county’s trade policies as opposed to disseminating power. F inally, as advanced by Fletcher, honesty ought to be the last attribute of any UAE diplomat. This is because, though a desirable attribute , h onesty tends to expose diplomats to manipulation and exploitation . This is especially the case for opponents who may hijack the already established diplomatic relationships to create conflicts for their benefi t. In conclusion, Naked Diplomacy: Power and Statecraft in the Digital Age is laden with diplomatic ideas, some of which may be applicable in the UAE, while others are not.
References
Fletcher, T. (2016). Naked Diplomacy: Power and Statecraft in the Digital Age . HarperCollins UK.
