Necessary Qualities for Multilateral Diplomacy

(by Rienk W.Terpstra)

In order for multilateral diplomacy to function properly, diplomats must possess several qualities. Kaufmann cites ten qualities that he believes are most important. He considers truthfulness and honesty to be of prime importance in

diplomacy. This does not mean that diplomats need be open and frank about their tactics or that their positions can never be adjusted. It does require that references to historical, legal, and statistical data be correct and that agreements and pledges made earlier be honored. Although honesty is considered to be an important virtue, its definition has been more than once stretched to the limits. For example, it is not uncommon for apparently solid endorsement of a member state's candidacy for an important position on a UN committee, or for a proposal drawn up in a "non-paper," to suddenly evaporate, sometimes even in the first round of voting. This can lead to only one conclusion—that some of the pledges made were untruthful (or that a delegation "forgot" to inform the sponsors of their withdrawal of support). Because voting procedures in international organizations are never transparent and opinion polls do not exist within the UN (if opinion polls were used, I am certain the number of proposals made and candidacies announced, with all the prestige attached to them, would be reduced significantly), it is of the utmost importance for all participants to have a thorough understanding of the common diplomatic vocabulary in order to be able to make a sound judgment of the actual support one's proposal or candidate can expect. Indeed, the mere show of sympathy for a certain delegation is often misinterpreted as endorsement of proposals or candidates.

A feel for accuracy is therefore a second important quality every diplomat should have, but especially one involved in multilateral diplomacy. Kaufinann states that "ambiguity and vagueness are probably as frequent in conference diplomacy as precision and single-minded clarity". Hence, effective communication in multilateral forums calls for both active and passive precision. This means the ability to get a message across to delegates who do not necessarily share the same cultural background and are not as proficient in commonly used languages like English or French, and the talent to listen to and interpret material, to judge its merits and report them in both letter and spirit. However, delegates sometimes feign ineptitude in languages or in a particular expertise in order to hide their political objectives or to achieve other gains. Moreover, the fact remains that compromise is still diplomacy's middle name, and accuracy thus remains only an ideal. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that meticulously spelled-out texts are often of little practical use to the people who must implement their instructions, since such detail tends to limit maneuverability.

In order to work in an environment that to an outsider might seem frustratingly intricate, a player in multilateral diplomacy needs the right attitude as well. Kaufmann mentions commendable but sometimes contradictory.human qualities like calm, good temper, patience, modesty and zeal. Of course, being

overly outspoken will not be an asset to any negotiator, particularly in multilateral diplomacy, but the inability to show any emotion will likewise be a hindrance. Granted, attending meetings of seemingly trivial committees and plenary sessions filled with long, arduous monologues by jaded officials may not be the most appealing activities on a rainy Friday afternoon, but, as Kaufmann puts it, "exaggerated placidity will provoke its own kind of irritation"; or, in Talleyrand's words, "surtout pas trop de zele". Diplomats need to be able to ex­ercise patience in order to know when to introduce a proposal and when to wait. Since multilateral diplomacy involves a larger audience, some actors develop an inclination toward vanity. Sometimes, this is not restricted to individuals alone; entire delegations can become convinced that every UN member state should be made fully aware of the exceptional vision set forth in their proposals. When other delegations do not share this opinion, irritating and shameful spectacles can result.

Given multilateral diplomacy's inherent complexity, a diplomat needs to be adaptable as well. This means that one has to be able to work on several problems and hi several locations simultaneously. One of the most distinctive features of multilateral diplomacy is the constant mental leaps one has to make in order to determine the reasons why particular representatives adopt certain views — because of national interests, personal convictions, or the need for bargaining chips for negotiations in other forums. Indeed, conference diplomacy often calls for the ability to play chess on different boards at the same time. Yet Kaufmann states that adaptability is perhaps best demonstrated through psychological flexibility, the ability to listen carefully to other delegates while suppressing the usual urge to constantly place oneself at the center of attention.

Language versatility, as Kaufmann calls it, can be considered an important aspect of adaptability. Although English has ousted French as the predominant means of communication in diplomacy, the letter's use and that of other languages is still very important and useful. The effort to try to address a counterpart in their native tongue can yield instant credit, which might otherwise not be obtained. Moreover, the ability to shift instantly from one language to another gives any person an edge. When colleagues are less capable in this respect, it places them automatically in an intermediary position, which can be subsequently exploited.

The virtues, vices,, and qualities outlined above are first and foremost human. The prescribed attitude of diplomats represents the accumulated experience of centuries of civilized conduct between cultured people.

Comprehension and discussion questions

1. What do truthfulness and honesty when applied to the profession of a
diplomat stand for?

2. What is more important in diplomacy ambiguity and vagueness or precision
and clarity?

3. Why are such contradictory qualities as patience and zeal necessary for a
diplomat?

4. What important aspects does diplomatic adaptability embrace?

Exercise 13

a. Find in the text synonyms for the following words also taken from the text.