Diplomacy and War - An Analysis of US Iraq War

Introduction

This world is an interwoven web of several states striving to gain power. This quest of gaining influence and asserting the power over the rest makes the countries shape their strategies. These strategies define the narratives which the states propagate, and they determine the states' relationships with each other. The modern globalized world is a place where seclusion or isolation of states is something not advisable. The borders have their worth, and they determine the sovereignty of the states but still states build relationships with each other beyond their borders.

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Diplomacy is the act of establishing the relationships between two or among more states. The primary actors in diplomacy are states whereas the modern concept of diplomacy has included several other factors as the vigilant and active actors in diplomacy (Cooper et al., 2). The states usually initiate the process of diplomacy through their accredited officials who are ambassadors or diplomats. Embassy or consulates are established in countries. Treaties, pacts, accords, and deals are signed with each other. The exchange of dignitaries and mutual celebrations also soften the relations with each other.

The act of the states in which they communicate with each other and try to settle their issues to bring each other on one page is discussed in diplomacy. The relationships among different states have been in practice for the times known to us. In ancient times, the states used to enter into different agreements with each other. They usually agreed upon consenting towards the mutual defence against the mutual enemies. The kings, who ruled over their states, used to establish personal links with the rulers of the other states in order to develop better relations between the two states.

The 21st-century modern world is witnessing a significant change in the diplomacy and the relations among the states. This change is understood in terms of the evolution of the concept of diplomacy. This evolution owes a lot of incidents and events for its existence. Let alone the 20th century witnessed two world wars, decolonization, and Cold War. The 21st century started with a new wave of War on Terror and the rise of non-state actors on the map of global politics (Cooper et al., 4). The states established and broke relations with each other and in all these happenings, we have an evolved concept of diplomacy.

The advancement of science and technology has made drastic changes in the communication process. The modern technology has made a swift and speedy flow of information and news possible. It has also devised the communication devices which ensure effective and speedy coordination between the two states (Cooper et al., 5). Earlier, the state officials needed days and months to communicate with each other and then take the messages to the more competent authorities. This happened because of the lack of an effective and proper system of communication. A lot of wars broke, bloodshed happened, and chaos developed and after all that, the states were able to reach a logical and consensual agreement.

Decision making is a very central and sensitive element that plays a vital role in diplomacy. Diplomats and the officials concerned cannot afford wasting time in delaying the deals and agreements among the states. They have to decide swiftly on the condition laid by the other states. The modern day communication technology has ensured a swift transfer of news and the timely decision-making mechanism.

A Brief Summary of the First Iraq War in 90s with Bush the Father

It should be understood that in 1991, the United States conducted a UN coalition geared towards liberating Kuwait from Iraq. This is because in 1991, Iraq waged war on Kuwait since they wanted to have full control of lucrative oil supply that was found in the Middle East. Under the command of George Bush the UN security demanded that Saddam Hussein to withdraw his troops from attacking Kuwait a command that was refuted by Saddam. George Bush with the help of UN security waged an intensive bombing campaign known as Operation Desert Storm. The war then ended after a four day ground campaign and Iraq forces had to leave Kuwait.

Summit Diplomacy

A modern form of diplomacy is the one that takes place in the conferences, summits or seminars. The members of the concerned states meet each other in summits and decide the policy matters that become the basis of their relations (Sharp, 3). These summits are arranged normally in some other countries and the representatives of the states involved visit there.

Good Offices

Some states can use their good offices to break the ice between the two actors involved in diplomacy. For example, the USA and Taliban held a dialogue in Qatar where Pakistan and Qatar used their good offices to establish communication between the two. Similarly, in January 1966, Pakistan and India met at Tashkent to sign a peace deed in order to put an end to their war. Uzbekistan used its good offices in settling the affairs of both countries.

Attempts to Pacify

This is another type of diplomacy in which the central purpose of the participating states is to soothe the situation and settle it down. The states do not want to intensify the conflict and resolve to stand against the mutual threat. This kind of diplomacy was seen in the case of the USA and China relationships during the Cold War era. Both the states agreed upon facing the threat of USSR and decided not to aggravate their issues. The diplomacy between France and England during the time of World War II against the imminent threat of Hitler is also an example of this pacification.

Diplomacy through Financial Aid

Another important type of diplomacy involves the excessive use of money and finances in order to achieve the goals. The powerful and influential states generally offer soft loans and aids to the weak states and in return expect them to fulfil their interests (Helleiner, 158). For example, during the Cold War era, the USA offered countless deals and loans to Pakistan and in return sought Pakistan's support in combating the USSR threat. Similarly, in the War on Terror, USA again gave financial support to Pakistan in return of its cooperation as a major Non-NATO ally.

Cultural Exchange Diplomacy

The diplomacy that involves the cultural assimilation is termed under this domain. It is a long term process of making a soft image in the minds of the people of the other states. This is done in order to create an acceptance for the participating state's interests in the public of the other state.

Several cultural exchange programs are initiated to develop a coexistence and acceptance for the other culture.

Diplomacy using Technology

In this type of diplomacy, technological advancement plays a central role. The mediums of technology, social media platforms, and other forums are used to spread a widespread awareness regarding the diplomatic interest of one state in the other state.

Actors Involved in Diplomacy

Diplomacy is a process of building the relationship between or among different actors. With the passage of time, the security dynamics of the world are changing. This change has led to the emergence of so many new actors in international relations (Malone, 130). Primarily, the international relations only discussed states as its actors, but the modern advancements have given way to the inclusion of several other actors in this arena.

States

States, without any doubt, are the primary actors in diplomacy. From earlier times, the states are entering into relationships with each other. States use their diplomats, offices, media, and other institutions to come to terms with one another. There are countless examples where states have dealt with each other and formed the ties to put an end to the conflicts.

Non-State Actors

Non State actors have emerged on the scenario of international politics in the past few decades. These non-state actors have gained strength and importance to the extent that the states have to deal with them on diplomatic fronts. After the tragic incident of 9/11, the United States of America declared Al 'Qaida as the internationally accepted terrorist outfit and waged war against it. This led to the emergence of Al 'Qaida and Taliban as the major non-state actors. The USA held a couple of sessions of dialogues frequently with them. Pakistan is using its good offices to mediate between the two.

Organizations and Individuals

Nowadays diplomacy has devolved to individuals and organization as well. With the rise of multinational organizations, international politics has seen another significant actor. It is clear now that the evolved conception of diplomacy includes some other actors who have emerged as important stakeholders in international politics (Malone, 135). Now the diplomacy has gone above and beyond states as their primary actors. The most important of the organizations are the United Nations Organization (UNO) with its sub-organizations like WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF and UN HRC etc.

After UNO, the regional organizations have also emerged as efficient and significant actors in international relations. The regional organizations like ADB, OIC, BRICS, EU and the like have emerged as the central players and actors in determining the policies of the regions along with their influence in the whole world.

Multi-National Organizations (MNCs)

Some political scientists consider the multi-national corporations the alternate of nationalism. Whether they are right or wrong, the emergence and settlement of MNCs as influential international actors cannot be denied (Malone, 138). A significant chunk of international economy is under the control of these MNCs, and they directly or indirectly affect the states' policies in their internal as well as external affairs.

Subjects of Diplomacy

Diplomacy is done among the states for the settlement of several issues. These issues spread over the main concerns in the international scenario. These concerns range from the internal issues of a country to its external affairs. The insurgency, wars, tensions at borders, disputed territories, nuclear technology, water shortage, climate protection, and health issues, etc. are some of the widely discussed issues in diplomacy.

War

The primary concern of the countries in today's security world is the prevention or the eruption of war. Since the nuclear technology is at its boom and the world is governed by the desire to be the superpower, there is a constant threat of war among the states as a result of the conflict of interest (Thakur, 94). War has always been the primary subject of international diplomacy. A study of ancient civilization and the ancient states poses war as the main issue behind the steps that the states took.

Economic Prosperity

The changing perspectives of the modern concept of security have witnessed some other subjects of diplomacy apart from the war. The economic betterment and financial stability are the primary concerns of all the states in the modern world. Now the diplomacy also revolves around establishing economic ties with each other (Cooper, 69).

This quest to strengthen themselves economically brings the states closer to each other. The transfer of the captives, the information sharing, trade agreements and the like has been the important subjects of diplomacy in international relations.

Environmental Protection

Climate change and environmental disruption is, without any doubt, one of the primary concerns of the current world (Cooper, 70). The analysis by Cooper et al., clearly asserts the importance of environmental changes and climate degradation as the important and primary subjects of the diplomacy. The Paris Accord and the pacts like these are examples of the seriousness and the gravity of this issue. A number of scientists claim today...