A History of Diplomacy - Essay Example

? Learner’s Autobiography of Affiliation Learner’s Autobiography As I take critical reflections of experiences in this graduate program, I must acknowledge that I have gained so much information in so far as international relations, conflict management, and military interventions are concerned. As my studies progress from undergraduate to graduate, I have realized that the basic knowledge that I gained while pursuing undergraduate program in business management is strengthened by knowledge of the global economy and factors that affect it. In this graduate program, I have been able to attend most of the seminars that have been offered. They include history of diplomacy, economics and international system, international law and international system, conflict avoidance, prevention and containment in international system, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction in the international system and military intervention and conflict management in the international system. As evidenced by the number of seminars I had to attend, this programs has been both rigorous and time consuming. I have had to devote my time to conduct additional research on several matters in a bid to consolidate my understanding of the various concepts discussed in the seminars. Nonetheless, putting aside the aspect of time and dedication that was required in the program, it is undeniable that I have learnt so much from these seminars as discussed below. The History of Diplomacy seminar served as an eye-opener of what transpires in political realms as governments strive to strike agreements that require much of compromises. I learnt that the docket of foreign affairs is critical for any government because it is where allies and enemies are created in international relations. From the historical perspective to contemporary perspective, foreign policy decision-making remains integral component of international political environment (Black, 2011). Through the seminar, I have been able to trace the root of diplomatic efforts in resolution of conflicts between nations. For example, the Peace of Westphalia remains an important event in conflict international negotiations as it served to end 30 years war (1618-1648) that characterized the Roman Empire. In this period, Spain and Dutch Republic were in a state of war. However, after a series of treaties which were signed in Osnabruck and Munster, the two nations resolved to end their destructive and perennial wars (Whaley, 2011). In addition, I have been able to understand the complexity of modern diplomatic procedures. This is especially so because of economic, political and legal themes. The seminar on Economics and international system particularly fell in my area of specialization undertaken in my undergraduate studies. Being a professional in Business Management, studying economics and international system was an extra boost to the knowledge I had already acquired previously. From the seminar, I have been able to understand the impacts of globalizations on world economy and the role of the international institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. After the devastating economic impacts of World War II and the Great Depression, it became evident that the globalized market needed urgent intervention to safeguard it from probable future eventualities (Boughton, 2004). I have learnt that this formed one of the primary reasons as to why United States convened a Bretton Woods, New Hampshire Conference to deliberate on salvaging the global economy. International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank is a product of this conference. The unparalleled role played by these international bodies as in the globalized international market is remarkable. I have learnt that protectionism is no longer a path to pursue as liberalized economies are bound to grow faster. Furthermore, through critical thinking and analysis of various reports, I understand why the U.S. is particularly mad with the idea of China manipulating its currency so as to discourage importation while encouraging more exports (Boughton, 2004). Perhaps the greatest insight I have learnt from the international laws surrounds their formulation and implementation. International laws are indispensable in guiding the interaction of international actors. I want to believe trade could be excessively chaotic were it not for the formulation of these laws. Since its formulation in 1945, the United Nations has served as a framework for these rules that are regarded as legally binding between nations (Nasu, 2009). Relative to my undergraduate specialization, I find this knowledge indispensable in the operation of multinational corporations and trade in general. Over the years, I have been wondering how conflicts that arise from the boarder issues are re-solved. For instance, in the event two countries enter into a conflict arising from territorial border boundary, then who becomes the arbitrator. Fortunately, this seminar has been indispensable in clearing the air in so far as some of these questions are concerned. In addition to the above learning experiences, I cannot downplay the knowledge I have gained in regards to conflict avoidance, prevention and containment in international system. In any society, it is utterly impossible for humanity to co-exist without conflicts. The same trend is well evident in the international system. Any two nations-even the allies can hardly co-exist without taking divergent views regarding certain issues. For instance, the United States is an ally to Israel. Nonetheless, this does not mean that America has to support all the decisions undertaken by Israeli regarding their boarder conflicts with the Palestinian. There are those moments when Israel has been condemned for their actions. The same case applies to some of the decisions undertaken by the U.S. However, the critical understanding that I derived from this seminar is the inevitability of conflicts and the role of containing these conflicts. In a case similar to our day to day interactions with my colleagues, it is crucial for governments to strive and contain these conflicts in the initial stages before they degenerate into war-like situations. The final seminar that I have learnt so much is this that touched on military intervention and conflict management in the international system. Over the years I have been wondering why United States of America is so much interested in global security matters instead of concentrating on its own internal affairs. However, attending this seminar has served to enrich my knowledge regarding international relations, military interventions and conflicts. I have come to appreciate the fact that our security as a nation is a factor of peace that exists in the entire globe. Several terror organizations operate without our borders but are a threat to the homeland security of the U.S. Take a case in point of Al-Qaeda. This organization has been operating in Afghanistan and was partly protected by the Pakistani government. It was not until after September 11 incident that Bush’s government resolved to forcefully intervene and wipe out the organization (Williams, 2005). Because of this, the U.S. as a superpower plays a critical role in ensuring that global peace is preserved. Had I not attended the seminar, I really doubt if I could now comprehend the danger of permitting some rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran to continue with their nuclear programs (Lodgaard & Maerli, 2007). Essentially, this seminar allowed me to dig deeper into understanding factors that guide military interventions. While undertaking the graduate program, I must say that my moments of reflection have enabled me to establish significant linkage of the knowledge gained here with that acquired in my undergraduate program. As earlier stated, my area of specialization is in business management. Whereas it might appear as though the graduate course was in no why related to business management, the reality is that the two disciplines are deeply intertwined. For instance, as an ambitious business manager, I desired at one time in my life to run a multinational corporation operating in several countries across the globe. This goal calls for a sufficient in knowledge in matters pertaining to international relations and global economies. In this vein, I must acknowledge the fact that the program has greatly complemented my earlier education in business management. I have gained insights on how international laws affect the running of across the border businesses. I have also learnt that while investments and increasing business portfolio may be one of my ultimate goals, it is equally crucial to consider the stability of nation before investing (Goldstein, 2009). Essentially, this graduate program has served to complement and reemphasize the importance of international relations in contemporary business climate. Since the operational of a business is subject to factors emanating from external environment, it is crucial to understand the environmental factors before investing in any economy. Among the factors that I realized are worth consideration include political stability, economic trends, and presence of international goodwill between the trading partners. The 20th century gave leeway to unprecedented growth in international co-operations thanks to globalization. Essentially, the world has been reduced to a global village and labor as well as goods and services move easily across vast ocean and geographical areas (Goldstein, 2009). With the knowledge gained in the seminars, I am now able to appreciate the role of establishing business partnership across the borders. Furthermore, it will be a lie to say that some countries are perfect and as such are not prone to political instability or potential terrorist attacks. In vein of this, diversifying investments in various countries can be an intervention to cushion a business from adverse conditions in the events of regional economic downturns. Following my decision to undertake the graduate education, I must say that my accomplishment of this course has by far exceeded my academic goals. First, I am excited that I amongst my siblings, I am the only one who has gone past high school, undertaken an undergraduate course in business management, and finally supplemented my business management degree with a graduate degree. According to my understanding, I feel I have achieved much of my academic goals. Also, I have done this in honor of my parents who wanted their children to learn in institutions of higher learning. Having undertaken the graduate program, I am now convinced that my children will not have an excuse as to why they should not pursue their education to the level I have attained or even greater. The academic achievements I have attained so far are sufficient to give me a sense of fulfillment especially considering the ups and downs that I have undergone. As such, I do not anticipate furthering my studies in other fields. However, I acknowledge that I would need to enlighten myself with some bits of information technology. Therefore, I look forward to acquiring certifications in Information and Technology. In conclusion, I cannot deny the fact that the knowledge acquired in the graduate program so far has been worthwhile. In spite of the rigorous and cumbersome program of the seminars, the period spent online in the seminars and answering discussion questions were beneficial. As already stated, I have gained so much in so far as international relations are concerned. I now understand why United States of America has taken the lead role in advocating for conflict resolutions through advocacy of peaceful resolutions. Also, I have come to appreciate the role of international communities in facilitating harmonious co-existence in the world. One particular case study that touched my heart was the Malian case. This country had enjoyed peace not until the return of the Tuaregs and the Islamic extremist. Thrown into a state of chaos and confusion, the French government immediately intervened to restore peace and order. In such a case, it became apparent to me that United Nations is a body that really serves to prevent the nations of the world from disintegrating into states similar to the World Wars (OECD, 2013). In addition, in line with international relations and peaceful co-existence, I have come to appreciate the role played by the international communities in curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. For example, North Korea has insistently been involved in the testing of nuclear weapons. These weapons have a capability of bringing an entire city to utter ruins. As such, the move by United Nations to impose sanctions and warn North Korea of dire consequence has served as a deterrent to other nations that could be planning to engage in the manufacture of nuclear weapons (Lodgaard & Maerli, 2007). In line with the above, I must say that my knowledge in international relations has greatly been enhanced. At the moment, I am able to argue from an informed perspective when I see countries such as U.S. and France intervening in wars that have very little to do with their homeland securities. References Black, J. (2011). A History of Diplomacy. New York: Reaktion Books. Boughton, J. M. ( 2004). The IMF and the Force of History: Ten Events and Ten Ideas that Have Shaped the Institution, Issues 2004-2075. Chicago: International Monetary Fund. Goldstein, N. (2009). Globalization and Free Trade. New York: Infobase Publishing. Lodgaard, S., & Maerli, B. (2007). Nuclear Proliferation and International Security. London: Routledge. Nasu, H. (2009). International law on peacekeeping: a study of Article 40 of the UN charter. Sydney: BRILL. OECD. (2013). West African Studies Conflict over Resources and Terrorism Two Facets of Insecurity: Two Facets of Insecurity. New York: OECD Publishing. Whaley, J. (2011). Germany and the Holy Roman Empire: Volume II: The Peace of Westphalia to the Dissolution of the Reich, 1648-1806. London: Oxford University Press. Williams, P. L. (2005). The Al Qaeda Connection: International Terrorism, Organized Crime, And the Coming Apocalypse. Texas: Prometheus Books, Publishers. Read More