PNG diplomatic practices need review
By Anthony Sil
DIPLOMACY is an ancient profession of higher calling that involves practical art rather than theoretical.
From anecdotal evidence in the media, the behaviour of PNG diplomats and foreign service officers and the management culture of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) have become questionable.
Any ingenious foreign policy formulation and projection cannot fully attain its goals unless PNG’s diplomatic practices are of high standards.
Whether negotiating trade, investment or peace and security, a diplomat must know which hat and glove to wear at different occasions in seeing a positive way forward.
Opportunities to fulfill national interests must be widely explored whilst any gains, whether tangible, psychological or political, must be optimally exploited.
A diplomat is a “plenipotentiary”, a “negotiator extraordinaire”, a “licensed spy engaged in both covert and overt information gathering and reporting”, “an honest person sent out to lie” for his country” and an agent of peace and commerce.
A well-trained and experienced diplomat does not indulge much in frivolous pursuits or mediocrity and knows when and how to manoeuvre in the diplomatic theatre.
A distinguished critic of diplomacy by the name of Harold Nicolson once said that foreign policies can rightly be executed by persons of experience, integrity and intelligence, persons of resource, good temper and courage.
The person, above all, is someone who is not swayed by emotion or prejudice and is profoundly modest in his dealings.
He is guided only by a sense of public duty and understands the value of cleverness and the virtues of reason, moderation, discretion, patience and tact.
One cannot possibly acquire such ideal qualities to pursue a diplomatic career even if one has a political science or law degree.
The diplomatic profession in the 21st Century requires one to be multi-skilled and specifically trained because of the complex and wide range of issues that need to be dealt with.
Advancement in information technology (IT) and telecommunication and transportation systems have greatly affected the way governments interact, people live and businesses operate.
The way diplomacy is conducted has also been affected.
For example, many if not all PNG diplomats have yet to understand what “convergence” is all about in the IT world.
Convergence is the amalgamation of entertainment, communication and information industry. Diplomats need to understand the dynamics of convergence and look at how it will affect world communications and world markets, and importantly how PNG can benefit.
Experts believe that convergence will occur at quickening pace because of technological advancement, market forces and lessening of regulatory pressures.
Another IT phenomenon which diplomats need to understand is “digitisation” – the transfer of all types of information into a digital format that can be conveyed through computers.
In PNG, the private sector is taking a positive approach to the use and impact of digitisation in their business practices.
Diplomats on the other hand need to know what digitisation can do to the way information is used or conveyed and how it is affecting the economy so they are able to contribute effectively to policy review and advising the Government.
The World Wide Web (WWW) is also a major force in digitisation, providing all sorts of information with just a click of the mouse.
Second, the vast data that is being accessed must be filtered in order to get the specific ones to suit specific needs.
Third, the filtered data must be put into context so that it can be relevant.
Another challenge for diplomats is the impact of mass media on societies, government policies and decisions and businesses.
The so-called “CNN Effect”, is the expression given to real time coverage by television. Whether it is CNN, BBC or EMTV, the manner and time in which the news is reported does impact the way people or governments behave.
Sometimes editorial discretion, information leakage and distortion can disadvantage the government because the media may set its own agendas in influencing its audiences.
In this context a diplomat must be well trained to apply the variants of public diplomacy.
Diplomats need to also understand other important actors in the international arena such as non-governmental organisations, multinational corporations and regional organisations.
These non-state actors are powerful in influencing government policies and diplomatic approaches because they have the resources, technology and funding to influence development and security needs.
Moreover, diplomats need to understand the dynamics of intra preferential/free trade advocated by regional blocs such as the European Union in juxtaposition with the classical international trade liberalisation advocated by the World Trade Organisation.
Potential for trade creations and vulnerabilities to trade distortions or alienation from welfare opportunities are important issues apart from technology transfer, transnational crimes, environmental degradation and rise in sea levels, free border movements, efficient telecommunication, transportation systems and others.
Thus, diplomats are faced with a wide range of challenges in their efforts to address their government’s interests.
The DFAT needs to recruit university graduates with relevant course combination and provide them with in-house training that should encompass areas such as computer software applications, foreign language proficiency, writing skills, international laws and conventions, hospitality and protocol, crisis management, art of negotiation, basic accountancy, organisational management principles and working cultures, and others.
The selection of diplomats should be done on merit by the DFAT and endorsed by the National Executive Council (NEC)
At present, the NEC has a lot of say in selecting diplomats and often many of those selected lack the required skills and knowledge required and become liabilities.
Another area to look at is the organisational structure and managerial approaches of the DFAT and diplomatic missions abroad.
The Somare Foundation that houses the DFAT is still applying the traditional management style and this needs to be reviewed.
There is also a need to put in place a secured e-mail system linking all divisions and workstations and another system linking the DFAT with diplomatic missions abroad to protect information.
Teleconferencing facilities and a think-tank division are two important issues that also must be addressed.
Teleconferencing facilities will play a pivotal role in real-time interactions with diplomats and state governments while the division will help in crisis management, advisory and other delicate matters that must be dealt with by the DFAT as well as coordinated with the diplomatic missions.
Quill pens, tact and social prowess are some of the old traits of diplomats and are still useful in the art of diplomacy.
Diplomats of today must, however, also tame the hydra of information technology through effective use of hard and software application.
They must be able to understand the dynamics of security that transcend the traditional definition.
Diplomats of today must have the ingenuity to explore the opportunities as well as address the challenges of globalisation through multilateral diplomatic framework, whilst expanding the range and scope of bilateral relations as a way forward to diversify multilateral dynamics.
They must also have
the skills to negotiate effectively with investment companies and
other major players in
the international arena.
PNG diplomats must adapt to the changes which time has brought forth.
It is about time diplomats become a matter of public scrutiny where they must be periodically graded according to tangible achievements for PNG.

Note: The writer teaches International Relations and Diplomatic Practices & Procedures at the University of PNG.
Columns