Wolf Warrior diplomacy — Have we finally seen an end to undiplomatic diplomacy?
Oct 10, 2024
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Paul Barnes, a Senior Research Fellow focused on disaster resilience, and Alastair Stark, a Lecturer in Public Policy researching lesson learning post-crisis, delve into the evolution of China's aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy toward a more cooperative stance. They explore the implications for international relations and discuss how institutional amnesia hampers disaster preparedness in Australia. Their conversation highlights the importance of individual readiness, the necessity for better communication about risks, and the critique of current disaster policies for a more resilient future.
The shift from wolf warrior diplomacy to a more cooperative communication strategy by China indicates a recalibration aimed at improving international relations.
The negative repercussions of aggressive diplomatic tactics underscore the importance of meaningful dialogue and constructive criticism in global diplomacy.
Deep dives
Shift in Chinese Diplomacy
Recent changes in the diplomatic approach of Chinese officials highlight a shift from the previously aggressive 'wolf warrior' style to a more measured communication strategy. Under this new approach, spoken by the new foreign affairs spokesperson Lin Jian, there is an emphasis on sincere communication and cooperation. This reflects a recalibration in China's international interactions, observed by experts like Tyler Jost, who noted that the previous aggressive tone had disrupted diplomatic channels and reduced meaningful communication. Evidence suggests that this aggressive rhetoric may have been counterproductive for China, potentially diminishing its international image rather than improving it.
Consequences of Undiplomatic Communication
The phenomenon of undiplomatic communication from Chinese diplomats has had significant repercussions on global diplomacy, notably through the shutdown of constructive communication channels. This shift led to an increase in crude and disparaging remarks directed at foreign critics, which crowded the bandwidth for more meaningful dialogue between nations. Jost highlights how this shift made it difficult for diplomats to communicate effectively, resulting in a decline in diplomacy's functional capacity. Over time, the negative impacts of this approach have raised concerns among the international diplomatic community, as it obstructed collaboration on crucial global issues.
Lessons from Wolf Warrior Diplomacy
The experience of wolf warrior diplomacy presents crucial lessons for both the Chinese regime and Western nations regarding international relations. For China, it indicates that aggressive diplomatic tactics do not improve international standing and may instead drive global criticism. For the West, it emphasizes the need for careful timing in criticism of Chinese policies, allowing for the possibility of more effective diplomatic discourse. Both sides must remain aware of the potential for a return to aggressive tactics should domestic or international pressures challenge the legitimacy of the Chinese government.
It was known as Wolf Warrior diplomacy – a brand of Chinese foreign ministry posturing that was as aggressive as it was unexpected. But has Beijing now changed tack? And if so, why? Also, does the theory of Institutional Amnesia explain why our preparedness for natural disasters is often found wanting?