Innovation, adaptation and foreign policy in the age of globalization: is Global Affairs Canada fit for purpose?

ABSTRACT

The continuing evolution away from state-centricity requires that diplomacy become more public, inclusive and participatory. Responding to that imperative, and recognizing that the foreign ministry is not a cathedral, the foreign service is not a priesthood, and diplomacy is not liturgy, collectively represent the sine qua non for bringing Canada “back.” By privileging talking over fighting, embracing innovation and re-thinking diplomatic practice and representation abroad, Canada can advance its interests, effectively pursue its policy goals and make a significant contribution to global peace and prosperity. Absent radical reform and a commitment to praxis, however, none of these outcomes is likely to eventuate. This commentary surveys the past 50 years of diplomatic history, assesses the current government’s record to date, and suggests eight preconditions for real progress.

RÉSUMÉ

L’évolution continue de la diplomatie, avec son éloignement vis-à-vis de « l’État-centricité », exige que la diplomatie soit rendue plus publique, inclusive et participative. La réponse à cet impératif, et l’acceptation que le Ministère des Affaires étrangères n’est pas une cathédrale, que le service extérieur n’est pas une prêtrise, et que la diplomatie n’est pas une liturgie, représentent, de manière collective, les préconditions à un « rétablissement » du Canada. En privilégiant le dialogue au combat, en adoptant l’innovation et une redéfinition de la pratique de la diplomatie et de la représentation à l’étranger, le Canada peut faire progresser ses intérêts, poursuivre ses objectifs politiques efficacement et apporter une contribution significative à la paix mondiale et à la prospérité. Cependant, en l’absence de réformes radicales et d’un engagement envers la pratique, aucun de ces objectifs n’est susceptible de se réaliser. Ce commentaire passe en revue les 50 dernières années de l’histoire de la diplomatie, évalue les dossiers du gouvernement actuel à ce jour, et propose huit préconditions au progrès réel.

KEYWORDS:

• foreign policy
• globalization
• recent diplomatic history
• innovation
• adaptation
• Global Affairs Canada

Notes on contributor

Daryl Copeland is an analyst, author, consultant and educator specializing in science and technology, diplomacy, international policy, global issues and public management. He is a senior fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, a policy fellow at the University of Montreal’s Centre for International Studies and Research (CERIUM), and a visiting professor at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the Academy of Diplomacy and International Governance (UK). From 1981 to 2011 Mr. Copeland served as a Canadian diplomat, with postings in Thailand, Ethiopia, New Zealand and Malaysia. His headquarters assignments included Director, Southeast Asia; Director, Communications Services and Senior Advisor: Public Diplomacy; and Strategic Policy and Planning. He is a member of the editorial board of the journal Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, sits on the international advisory board of the Canadian Foreign Policy Journal and is the author of Guerrilla diplomacy: rethinking international relations as well as 12 book chapters and some 175 articles published in the scholarly and popular press. Mr. Copeland teaches an advanced seminar on science, technology, diplomacy and international policy at universities and training institutes around the world. See www.guerrilladiplomacy.com, and follow him on twitter @GuerrillaDiplo.