Diplomats: Role and Importance

Introduction:

Diplomacy is a multifaceted concept that intertwines law, philosophy, and history.

In this context, it can be defined as “the peaceful means of resolving disputes between states and individuals,” relying on dialogue and negotiation to settle conflicts, resolve disputes, and avoid confrontations.

The term “diplomats” refers to representatives of their countries in other nations, working to protect their national interests and strengthen international relations. This is governed by international diplomatic law, which outlines the rights and duties of diplomats and diplomatic missions. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is considered the primary reference for modern diplomatic law, defining the rules of diplomatic immunity, privileges of diplomatic missions, forms of diplomacy, and the features of international relations.

Accordingly, the qualities of diplomats are as follows:

1. State Representative: A diplomat represents their country in another state, with the primary responsibility of implementing their country’s foreign policy.
2. Diplomatic Immunity: Diplomats enjoy diplomatic immunity, protecting them from arrest and legal prosecution in the host country to ensure they can freely perform their duties.

There is no doubt that diplomacy plays a vital role in preventing wars, resolving conflicts through peaceful means, and helping to build trust and cooperation between countries in various fields such as trade, investment, culture, and more.
Diplomats also work to protect the interests of their country’s citizens abroad and provide assistance to them in emergencies.

Diplomacy is a dynamic and multifaceted concept essential for any country seeking to build good relations with other nations and plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security.

Contexts:

Diplomacy is not a modern phenomenon but has deep historical roots dating back to ancient civilizations. It has evolved over the ages and has been influenced by political, social, and cultural transformations.

Therefore, the roots of diplomacy can be described as follows:

1. Ancient Civilizations: The practice of diplomacy began primitively in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
   • It was represented by sending envoys and delegations to resolve disputes and strengthen relations.
2. The Greco-Roman World: The Greco-Roman world witnessed significant development in diplomacy, with the emergence of formal negotiations and treaties between city-states.
3. The Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, diplomacy was linked to the church and royal courts. It was used to strengthen alliances, organize missions, and played a prominent role in the Crusades.
4. The Early Modern Era: With the rise of nation-states, diplomacy greatly evolved. Embassies and consulates emerged, and countries began officially exchanging ambassadors.
5. The Industrial Age: The Industrial Age saw a vast expansion in international relations, leading to the increased importance of diplomacy in resolving commercial and political conflicts.
6. The Modern Era: In the 20th century, diplomacy underwent tremendous developments with the establishment of the United Nations and other international organizations. Multilateral diplomacy became crucial in maintaining international peace and security.

The Greco-Roman World: The Greco-Roman world witnessed significant development in diplomacy, with the emergence of formal negotiations and treaties between city-states.

The Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, diplomacy was linked to the church and royal courts. It was used to strengthen alliances, organize missions, and played a prominent role in the Crusades.

The Early Modern Era: With the rise of nation-states, diplomacy greatly evolved. Embassies and consulates emerged, and countries began officially exchanging ambassadors.

The Industrial Age: The Industrial Age saw a vast expansion in international relations, leading to the increased importance of diplomacy in resolving commercial and political conflicts.

The Modern Era: In the 20th century, diplomacy underwent tremendous developments with the establishment of the United Nations and other international organizations. Multilateral diplomacy became crucial in maintaining international peace and security.

Role and Significance:

Diplomacy is considered the cornerstone of international relations, playing a vital role in building bridges between countries, resolving conflicts, and enhancing cooperation.

In the context of crises faced by some countries, the importance of diplomats is more pronounced than ever.

The Work of Diplomats in General:

1. Protecting National Interests: Diplomats work to protect their country’s interests abroad, whether economic, political, or cultural.
2. Building International Relations: They contribute to building strong and solid relationships with other countries, enhancing cooperation in various fields.
3. Resolving Conflicts: Diplomats play a key role in resolving international conflicts through peaceful means, such as negotiation and mediation.
4. Promoting International Cooperation: They encourage international cooperation in fields such as trade, investment, culture, science, technology, and others.
5. Providing Consular Services: Diplomats offer consular services to citizens abroad, such as issuing and renewing passports and providing legal assistance.

As for the expected role of Syrian diplomats after liberation in Syria, diplomatic work as a whole faces significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict, making their role more complex and important. This is reflected in several aspects, including:

1. Activating Economic Relations: Primarily serving Syria’s basic needs, and then attracting foreign investments in the medium and long term.
2. Improving International Relations: Particularly with neighboring and regional countries, and building mutual trust with the nations of the world.
3. Securing Humanitarian Aid: Obtaining the necessary humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people at this stage, and providing the support and facilitation required for international organizations working in this field.
4. Presenting the New Syria on the International Stage: In an appropriate, balanced, and well-thought-out manner, defending the rights of the people in determining their own destiny and path.
5. Facilitating the Return of Syrian Refugees: Reuniting families and addressing the problems they face in host countries that may hinder or prevent their return.

Challenges:

Syrian diplomats represent the first line of defense for their country’s interests abroad, but they face significant challenges that hinder their work and reduce their effectiveness. These challenges are greatly influenced by the ongoing developments in the Syrian scene and their regional and international repercussions. Some of the most prominent challenges faced by Syrian diplomats include:

A. The Syrian Scene:

1. International Division of the Scene: The international community today closely monitors the Syrian scene and the ongoing developments within it, making the role of Syrian diplomats difficult and crucial in building consensus among countries on the next phase.
2. Foreign Interventions: The multiple foreign interventions have complicated the Syrian scene, and their repercussions continue to affect it, placing diplomats in a sensitive position that requires more wisdom and tact.
3. Terrorism: The new situation in Syria still poses a direct threat to the country’s security and stability, making it difficult for diplomats to attract investments and develop economic relations, for example.

B. Economic Blockade and Sanctions:

1. Resource Restrictions: Syria is subjected to an economic blockade and international sanctions, limiting the ability of diplomats to obtain the necessary resources to perform their duties.
2. Difficulty in Trade Exchange: Sanctions make it difficult for Syria to develop its trade relations with other countries, negatively impacting the national economy.

C. Displacement and Refugees:

1. Humanitarian Crisis: The Syrian crisis and the use of violence by the ousted Syrian regime against its people led to the displacement of millions of Syrians to neighboring countries and Europe, placing significant pressure on diplomats to secure the return of refugees and provide them with humanitarian aid.
2. Infrastructure Deterioration: The war has caused the destruction of Syria’s infrastructure, requiring substantial efforts for its reconstruction.

D. Political Pressures:

1. Interference in Internal Affairs: Syria continues to face significant political pressure from certain countries seeking to interfere in its internal affairs.
2. Media Campaigns: Syria is facing misleading media campaigns aimed at distorting its image and tarnishing its reputation.

E. Lack of Competencies:

1. Brain Drain: The Syrian crisis has led to the migration of many Syrian professionals, which has affected the level of expertise within the diplomatic corps.
2. Difficulty in Modernization: The diplomatic corps faces challenges in modernizing itself and developing the capabilities of its staff under difficult circumstances.

These challenges make us think about ways to address them, and we propose the following:

1. Unity of Efforts: All Syrians must unite and overcome internal divisions for the greater goal we all aspire to after the fall of the Assad regime.
2. Strengthening Diplomacy: Syrian diplomacy must be strengthened at all levels, working to build strong relations with friendly nations, and selecting members of the Syrian diplomatic corps with great care and precision.
3. Focus on the Economy: Efforts should focus on rebuilding the Syrian economy and attracting foreign investments.
4. Counterterrorism: The fight against terrorism must continue, cutting off its funding sources and containing its strongholds, especially those linked to the remnants of the fallen regime.
5. Engagement with the International Community: Syrian diplomats must engage effectively with the international community and clarify the true situation in Syria.

It becomes evident that Syrian diplomats face significant challenges amid the major developments occurring in Syria. Their role becomes crucial in defending Syria’s interests and protecting its people during this critical and pivotal phase in Syria’s modern history.

The positives of having successful diplomats for Syria:

Diplomacy is a key tool in handling international affairs, playing a crucial role in building relationships, resolving conflicts, and protecting national interests, as we’ve seen. In Syria’s case, having successful diplomats holds immense strategic importance. Based on our experience and interaction with the diplomatic and political sphere, we see the benefits of having successful diplomats for Syria as follows:

A. Improving Syria’s international image:

1. Correcting the narrative: Successful diplomats can help correct the prevailing narrative about Syria in international media, presenting a more realistic image of the current situation. They can leverage what has been shared by media outlets and social networks after the fall of Assad’s regime, highlighting the scale of injustice and suffering Syrians have endured over decades.
2. Building bridges of trust: They can build bridges of trust with other countries and clarify Syria’s new vision based on dialogue and national consensus.

B. Attracting international support:

1. Humanitarian aid: They can attract more humanitarian aid for the Syrian people who have been affected by years of war and the economic sanctions imposed on Syria due to the ousted Syrian regime.
2. Political and economic support: They can secure political and economic support for Syria’s reconstruction.

C. Improving the scene:

1. Diplomatic movement: They can visit global decision-making capitals and establish bridges with neighboring and regional countries to create a stable environment for Syria, ensuring the appropriate climate for change and rebuilding institutions without external disruptions.
2. Building trust: They can build bridges of trust and convey the just message of Syrians in international forums and decision-making bodies.

D. Protecting Syrian interests:

1. Human rights: They can defend the human rights of the Syrian people in international forums.
2. Economic interests: They can protect Syria’s economic interests and attract foreign investments.

These positives, among others, must be complemented by qualities that a successful Syrian diplomat must possess, such as proficiency in international relations, deep knowledge of Syrian, regional, and international issues, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to the rapid changes in the international environment. They must also have high negotiation skills and the ability to persuade others of their viewpoint.

Moreover, they should be loyal to their country and people, working hard for their benefit, and able to engage with different cultures and build strong personal relationships.

Undoubtedly, the presence of successful Syrian diplomats is crucial to restoring Syria’s position in the international community, resolving the crisis it faces, and building a better future for its people.

The negatives of having ineffective diplomats in a country like Syria:

Diplomacy is a fundamental tool in dealing with international affairs, playing a vital role in building relationships, resolving conflicts, and protecting national interests.

In the case of a new and weakened Syria, the presence of incompetent or disloyal diplomats could lead to severe consequences.

The most prominent negatives, in our opinion, are:

A. Deterioration of Syria’s international image:

1. Correcting the narrative: Successful diplomats can contribute to correcting the prevailing narrative about Syria in international media, presenting a more realistic image of the current situation, and taking advantage of what media and social networks have shared about the injustice and suffering Syrians have endured for decades since the fall of the Assad regime.
2. Building bridges of trust: They can build bridges of trust with other countries and clarify Syria’s new vision, based on dialogue and national consensus.

B. Increasing international isolation:

1. It is highly likely that poor diplomatic performance will lead to a deterioration of diplomatic relations with other countries, contributing to Syria’s international isolation. More dangerously, they may face difficulties in attracting international support for Syria, whether political, economic, or humanitarian.

C. Escalation of the Syrian crisis:

1. Syria faces a complex internal reality, with internal divisions. The presence of negative diplomats will result in failure to contribute to resolving the Syrian conflict after liberation, hindering the successful establishment of a unified national state. They may even contribute to deepening internal divisions, complicating the process of national reconciliation.

D. Loss of development opportunities:

1. Syria needs foreign investments for reconstruction. A negative scenario could arise from the failure to attract foreign investments, delaying the reconstruction process. Additionally, their weak performance could contribute to the deterioration of the Syrian economy, negatively impacting the lives of citizens.

E. Misleading domestic public opinion:

1. Knowingly or unknowingly, they might spread misleading information to the domestic public, leading to a loss of trust in the Syrian state.
2. This is in addition to the many examples of negative behaviors by diplomats, such as exploiting their positions for personal gain (as occurred during the regimes of the two Assads, father and son, which we are directly aware of in detail). If this happens in the future, it will negatively impact Syria’s reputation.
3. In some rare cases, diplomats might collaborate with the country’s enemies, posing a threat to national security.
4. The presence of ineffective diplomats can lead to severe consequences for any country, especially one in crisis like Syria. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully select diplomats, provide them with proper training, and hold them accountable for their performance.

Conclusion:

It can be said that diplomacy remains a vital tool in building the future of nations and peoples, especially in the context of complex crises. Despite the significant challenges facing Syrian diplomats, the primary responsibility lies in their success in contributing to rebuilding and repairing Syria’s image in the world.

Therefore, their hard work and professionalism will play a major role in shaping the future Syrian state, which will enhance its stability and prosperity simultaneously.

Diplomacy is the most effective way to resolve international conflicts, being the least costly and most sustainable, especially as Syria today is in a precarious situation, whether with its southern borders with Israel, or even Jordan, or its eastern borders with Iraq, or its northern borders with Turkey, not to mention interventions by regional countries and other interests, such as the United States, which has military bases in Syria.

Here, we focus on the role of diplomats in reinstating Syria’s central role within the Arab fold in general.

The role of Syrian diplomats is crucial and sensitive, as they are the ambassadors of their country. Their mission is to build bridges of trust with the countries and peoples of the world, as geography and interests dictate. Additionally, they contribute to developing effective political solutions for the current Syrian issue.

Supporting Syrian diplomats and providing them with the necessary resources to carry out their tasks effectively is of utmost importance. Selecting competent individuals for this phase is essential, and we emphasize the importance of diplomatic education and training to ensure the presence of capable national talents able to represent Syria in international forums.

Perhaps the most important recommendations for helping Syrian diplomats perform their role effectively include:

• A. Focusing on Building International Relations: Expanding the circle of international cooperation, first with neighboring countries and secondly with neutral friendly countries. Efforts should be made to build strong and solid economic and cultural relations, enhancing regional cooperation, resolving regional disputes that affect Syria, and organizing conferences, seminars, and reciprocal visits with international officials to clarify Syria’s future vision.
• B. Attracting Foreign Investments: Contributing with suggestions to simplify procedures and offer incentives to foreign investors, aiming to market investment opportunities and highlight available investment opportunities in Syria while providing guarantees to investors.
• C. Rebuilding Syria: Coordinating with international organizations and donors to ensure aid reaches affected areas, and encouraging the private sector to participate in the reconstruction process.
• D. Protecting Human Rights: One of the key tasks for diplomats is to reaffirm Syria’s commitment to international human rights law and improve Syria’s human rights record.
• E. Combating Terrorism: Strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism, drying up its sources of funding, in addition to their role in combating extremism and promoting a culture of tolerance and moderation.
• F. Building a Democratic Civil State: Encouraging political participation and creating a political climate that allows for party pluralism, with an emphasis on the necessity of building strong, effective state institutions capable of delivering services to citizens.
• G. Promoting Women’s Role: Strengthening the role of women and involving them in political, economic, and social life.

To achieve these goals, we believe Syrian diplomats should:

1. Invest in developing their skills in negotiation, persuasion, and communication.
2. Continuously follow regional and international developments and analyze them deeply.
3. Cooperate with various governmental and non-governmental entities, working in a spirit of teamwork.
4. Place the interests of the nation above all else and work professionally to achieve the state’s objectives.

In conclusion, it can be said that Syrian diplomats face significant challenges, but they also bear a historical responsibility in helping Syria recover from the damage it has suffered. They aim to restore its historical and global name in the world of diplomacy, a domain in which Syria was well-known and recognized. This recognition is tied to prominent Syrian figures who played pivotal roles in building trust between the international community and the Syrian state. Their efforts, through strategic diplomatic thinking—thinking “outside the box”—have contributed to preserving the security of the region and its surroundings, including the security of the center of the circle: Syria.

Presidency office
Dr. Zaher Ihssan Baadarani
Article
Syrian Future Movement