approach to international relations...
here is my conclusion;psychologicaly, every human comprises each of this elements and its up to them, which one of this elements that they would like to focus on more...
- liberalist and the neo
- rationalist and the neo
- realist and the neo
- functionalist and the neo
- idealist and the neo
why i say this;
going through this semester with this subject make me realise, the only way the UN can be relevant to the humankind is by persuading each member of the organization, is to respect and to trust any sovereign states in this world regardless their background, color or their -ism. while this is important, it is the most hardest thing to apply on. it may sound like an idealist or liberalist, but as what Hyman Rickover said;
"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience."
Hyman Rickover (1900 - 1986)
my simplest view on how this can be work out is through the example of the ASEAN. after 30 years of 'friendship', i believe that this two elements are the recipe for their success; respect and trust. here are the fundamental principles of ASEAN which i believe does a good job in creating peace within the region and at the same time making sure that diplomacy works in duplex and not simplex:
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, signed at the First ASEAN Summit on 24 February 1976, declared that in their relations with one another, the High Contracting Parties should be guided by the following fundamental principles:
- Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations;
- The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;
- Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
- Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
- Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
- Effective cooperation among themselves.
although they have nothing in common except their facial look or body figure, it seems that by sharing a common goal while at the same time try to pursue their national interest, trust and respect is only key to diplomacy.
p/s:
"Far better to think historically, to remember the lessons of the past. Thus, far better to conceive of power as consisting in part of the knowledge of when not to use all the power you have. Far better to be one who knows that if you reserve the power not to use all your power, you will lead others far more successfully and well."
A. Bartlett Giamatti (1938 - 1989), President of Yale University
and to me, this is how i look at it;
"If you ask for power, you could destroy a nation, but if you ask for a chance, you will lead a nation."
posted by fat_elephant @ 2:30 PM
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