Economist Podcasts On the right track: a trend in diplomacy
Jan 23, 2020
Daniel Franklin, a diplomatic editor, discusses the rise of Track 2 Diplomacy, emphasizing its role when official talks stall. John McDermott, an Africa correspondent, dives into the chaotic political situation in Lesotho, marked by a prime minister's resignation and ongoing mysteries. Tom Rowley, a Britain correspondent, explores the controversial use of lie detector tests in parole decisions for terrorists, revealing surprising truths about their reliability and ethical implications. A captivating convergence of diplomacy, politics, and technology!
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Track 2 Diplomacy Defined
- Track 2 diplomacy uses private facilitators, like charities, instead of governments or international organizations.
- It allows deniability and exploration of ideas without political backlash.
Track 2 Success Stories
- The Oslo Accords, the Northern Ireland peace process, and Basque terrorist talks used Track 2 diplomacy.
- These demonstrate its effectiveness in resolving complex conflicts.
Beyond Peacemaking
- Track 2 diplomacy isn't limited to peacemaking but can address any gaps in official processes.
- It's particularly useful in areas like climate change where official diplomacy might be absent.