International Programs and Practice: Steps for Practical Diplomacy

Dr Anneke Schmider and John McKinnon, Chair of the New Zealand – China Council and New Zealand’s former Ambassador to China, outline some steps for practical diplomacy for practitioners working in internationally-focused public governance in Australia and New Zealand.  

Many modern public sector agencies in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have a range of internationally facing activities, from bilateral diplomatic and trade-focused activities to multilateral activities, contributions to international research, or implementation of international standards and policies. In these roles, public sector representatives may be placed in positions where they are negotiating multilaterally—for example, contributing expert knowledge for a technical standard—or representing their agency and their country in program development.  

Navigating practical, international public-governance knowledge and relationships, then, is a key aspect of public governance in the 21st Century. Practical diplomacy works within the boundaries of each country’s national interests but also navigates the opportunities that arise from mutual interests.  

ANZSOG international programs highlight many aspects of practical diplomacy that public sector leaders need to navigate contemporary public governance. This article explores the importance of preparation, and outlines some of the key steps in practical diplomacy and uses examples from our recent visit to China.  

Practical diplomacy starts with understanding history and context. 

A crucial starting point for practical diplomacy is understanding the history and context in your field, against a backdrop of past working relationships and engagements with the other country. In the case of multilateral engagements, past analysis of agreements, resolutions or other agreements or working activities in your field.  

For example, the history of United Nations Climate Change Conferences and agreements can be traced through official reports and agreements on the UN Climate Change website. Likewise, ongoing challenges for public governance, as well as comparative policy research on those challenges, can be found on the OECD Public Governance website.  

When working bilaterally, understanding history and context as well as past and current relationships are also important. For example, when working with China, understanding the history of China’s growth and development is equally as important as understanding the historical relationship between China and Australia and New Zealand. China has a longstanding relationship with both countries.  

For example, Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with China is noted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as going back almost two centuries when the first Chinese immigrants arrived in 1842. Official contact between the countries began in 1912 with trade, immigration and other links, with formal diplomatic relations beginning in 1972. 

Practical diplomats understand the contemporary platform.  

Whilst understanding history and context is important, contemporary practical diplomacy is necessarily focused on both the now, and into the future. From this perspective, it is important to understand the common platform from which practitioners are working. To this end, contemporary multilateral agreements can help frame common understandings between countries. The UN Pact for the Future, for example, represents an agreement many countries have agreed about priorities for the future. Likewise, regional groupings and agreements may also be important. However, it is critical to note that policy frameworks and legal basis will differ to Australia and New Zealand. 

It is also important to gain insights into how partners and other countries think about the situation now, and into the future, and find the elements that connect each country to the other.  For example, Australia and New Zealand have common links with other democracies in the region which give important insights into common priorities. In addition, histories of engagement and agreement with countries in our region, such as the ASEAN group of countries, are important now, and into the future for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Likewise, countries such as China will also be part of our region now and into the future.  

Be clear, consistent and establish respect. 

Practical diplomacy is most often focused on coexistence, traversing interests and understanding how emerging scenarios impact our current and future relationships and interests.  Because practical diplomats will navigate both challenges and opportunities under differing geopolitical conditions, there are three fundamentals for practical diplomacy in public governance:  

• Establishing respect: Establish mutually respectful relationships. ‘Mutual respect’ means speaking to others as equals.  

• Transparency and openness: Be clear and open about what you are intending to achieve and understand the points where there is convergence and differences. 

• Be consistent: Plan ahead so that your work and negotiation present a clear and consistent pathway forward, with few surprises for others you are working with. Also ensure your planned pathway is consistent with the national values and interests.   

Further Reading  

International collaboration in 21st century public governance 

Unique perspectives, new beginnings: ANZSOG’s return to China 

ANZSOG’s International Programs 

Policy Acumen 

Futures Thinking and Foresight  

Wicked Problems in Public Policy