What is diplomacy? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as “the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations” and “the skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility.”
In modern day affairs, the word diplomacy is used in many contexts and carries a broader meaning. In July, Kathmandu’s expatriate community, civil society, government officials, business people and media professionals experienced Bangladesh’s ‘Mango Diplomacy’. According to the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu, it shared 1750 plus kilograms of premium quality Bangladeshi mangoes with Nepali dignitaries, senior government officials, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps in Kathmandu, business leaders, civil society representatives, and friends and well-wishers of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi people.
It is indeed a great initiative. In Nepal, we have a tradition of sharing food, pickles, and first harvest with neighbors. Bangladesh Embassy’s ‘Mango Diplomacy’ reminds us of our own culture of sharing–a tradition common across much of South Asia.
China’s Ping Pong Diplomacy is well recorded in history. The historic 1971 exchange of table tennis players between the United States and China well showcased Sports Diplomacy at that time. These days, China sends its giant pandas to other nations as symbols of friendship.
There are many varieties of such diplomacy. Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of DiploFoundations and Head of Geneva Internet Platform, lists varieties of diplomacy in his article “251 shades of diplomacy: Inflated terminology and deflated respect for diplomacy.” As per his extended list, the diplomacy ranges from Academic Diplomacy to AI Diplomacy to Dog Diplomacy. Many countries have used many other forms of diplomacy by using gifts such as coffee, pandas, and elephants to strengthen relations with other nations.
Development Diplomacy is another important form of engagement among countries. Nepal’s neighbors and friendly nations have exercised development diplomacy with Nepal. India, China, the USA, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and many other countries have extended support to Nepal to help achieve development goals. For this reason, we also refer to them as our development partners.
Countries also design different programs to deepen people-to-people connections and engagement. The Embassy of Israel in Nepal, for example, takes pride in its “Earn and Learn” program under which a number of Nepali farmers and students have visited Israel and received skills and experience. South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS) program has proven to be one of the most sought-after foreign employment programs for the vast majority of Nepalis. As this is a government-to-government labor migration program, this has ensured dignified labor and protection for Nepali workers in South Korea. In addition, the South Korean Embassy in Kathmandu helps returnee migrant workers set up business and enterprises when they return to the country.
Every country needs to find its own soft power. Nepal is known around the world for Mt. Everest and Lumbini, among its many other historical, religious and cultural treasures. Nepal can leverage these sources of soft power as assertively and strategically as other countries are doing. Ultimately, diplomacy is about advancing national interest, enhancing a country’s standing in the world and serving the people. Soft power matters in achieving these goals and many others.
