In today's world political society, the use of diplomacy is a tool that allows
countries to work out their differences in an attempt to avoid war. Diplomacy is
often one of the last steps taken by two nations before a war begins or even during a
war to stop a conflict. A terrific example of diplomacy and when it is used, is the
controversy between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the Mideast. These two
countries have been at arms for years and have just recently used diplomacy as a
tool to settle their differences.
Basically, diplomacy is a function of national power. This view was stated by
Hans J. Morgenthau and supported in his essay, The Future of Diplomacy.
Diplomacy, in the eyes of Morgenthau, is fourfold. First of all, diplomacy must take
in respect the objective and the means by which it can be attained. For example, if a
weak nation is trying to use diplomacy, it must first determine how much power it
has in relation to the country it is dealing with, and if it's goals are attainable with
that amount of power.
H. Morgenthau (LOC)
Henry Morgenthau (LOC)
English: Sept. 2: (l-r backs to camera): President...Secondly, Morgenthau says that a nation must also take into
respect the power of the other nation and the goal it is trying to reach. Basically, all
he is saying is that a country must also take into interest the objectives and
capabilities of the opposing nation. Thirdly, he states that diplomacy must
determine how compatible the two nations needs are. In simpler terms, diplomacy
determines whether or not two nations can come to a compromise with the issues at
hand. Finally, Morgenthau says that diplomacy must include the proper steps to
achieve a certain goal. Without one of these components it is believed by
Morgenthau that the diplomacy system would fail; thus,