Flexible Diplomacy: Scholars as Key Players in Track II Diplomacy

Citation:

Otto Federico von Feigenblatt. 3/1/2019. “Flexible Diplomacy: Scholars as Key Players in Track II Diplomacy.” Espirales Revista Multidisciplinaria De investigación, 3, 28, Pp. 32-45.

Abstract:

The field of traditional diplomacy has changed very little since the Congress of Vienna in the 19th century. Globalization, non-traditional security threats, and a changing global landscape require a more flexible diplomacy that includes a wider range of stakeholders such as NGOs, community leaders, and most importantly scholars/academics.The academic freedom enjoyed by scholars allows them to explore policy questions from a scientific perspective. The present study follows the grounded theory approach to model development while adopting a largely constructivist paradigm in terms of the nature of diplomacy Resultthe academic freedom enjoyed by scholars allows them to explore policy questions from a scientific perspective. Thus, scholars have the freedom to explore controversial topics in an environment of respect and professionalism. Scholars have historically served as the conscience of their generation and also as the keepers and creators of civilization and therefore it is only natural for them to play important roles in public policy. The integration of the scholarly community into the diplomatic corps of developing countries can reduce the intrinsic asymmetry between the expertise and skills of the ministries of foreign affairs of developing and developed countries.