Reflection: Diplomatic Defence

​As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that recently my thoughts have taken me upon a journey to think about global, international. and national relations. I began to think about the threats from North Korea, and how relations with countries such as China, Australia,
U. K. and the U. S. would be affected. Although I only mentioned these countries, I am sure that other countries would be affected as well. After I made the connections through a mind mapping exercise, I realized that North Korea's threats towards the United States are potentially more than threats. I think that these are geared for a fight to become a potential super power. 

     This is probably why we have seen an interest in China as well. As developing nations rise, powerful nations will express an interest in these nations. However, it does not make sense for North Korea to curb power over these nations, because we have to think did they help the developing nations to grow and prosper?  
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     The truth is that power will always remain at the hands of nations who possess access to The World Bank, or The International Monetary Fund Organizations. These institutions provide finance for peaceful prosperity. As we see initiatives from the World Bank, funding projects to end poverty, and create better living conditions, we have to ask why should this be jeopardized? Why should power be used for destruction? North Korea's threats must continue to be question, because their threats were not to only target the US, but also to the world. 

     I also wrote about diplomacy and the use of soft power, which includes: Culture, art, science, health, education, and also thought about sport diplomacy as well. Institutions, organizations, and people have been engaged in these efforts which require investments of capitol, time, and efforts. Results are not always seen immediately, but the effects can be lasting, because the focus is to build relationships. With soft power and diplomacy, we want to build good global relations, but we also want to maintain an identity that is distinct to a nation. The preserving of an identity does not say that one nation is not going to embrace another nation, it is simply saying we have an identity which makes our country what it is, and we want to preserve this. 

     Language, culture, arts, and the inherent values that a country invests in; is what makes a country what it is. Rather than forcing countries to become like other countries, why not respect and embrace what another country stands for? A recent example alerted me when I was crossing the Canada and
U. S. border, I was wearing the U. S. flag scarf and told the immigration officer that I was visiting U. S. to celebrate July 4th. She gave me the clear, I smiled and said Happy July 4th. Instead of embracing this greeting, I saw a face that looked at me with disgrace. It made me think, if someone is working right upon an area where two countries intersect, is it not polite to embrace and greet the traditions of the other? The Location demands this. Respecting each others values sounds simpler than it is. I know this. Yet, sometimes we have to think at this level to understand what we want to achieve.

     Soft power or the use of diplomatic efforts was and still is used  and invested in by America. We can think about the Marshall Plan. This was a plan created to invest in the recovery of Europe after World War II. The U.S.A. was proudly known for it's efforts in diplomacy. After 9/11 the shift from diplomacy turned to that of hard power, where we saw a large amount of investments in military initiatives. This shift was a direct response to the events that took place. Nations have a duty to protect their nation. Yet, we see how wars have hurt those who defend, and those who attack. 

     Despite the constant terror attacks and threats, America continues to invest in diplomatic efforts. Diplomacy or the use of Soft Power has mutual benefits for countries. However, there are also countries who seek to help other countries, who only share their values, these could be religious, or political. So we can also see a self serving interest as well. 

     As I conclude my thoughts, the questions continue, but the thought remains. We cannot blur the lines between diplomacy, defence, and a national identity. Having said this we also have to think about a way forward that seeks to eliminate wars, terror, and threats. 

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all beings who have offered me kinds words along my life journey, thank you. There is and will always be hope. My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on July 16th, 2017

​For my complete thoughts with regards to the topics that I have discussed in this writing, please refer to the following links:

A Travellers Document
Purple Training
Rise For Peace
Own Flaws
​A Flourishing Thought 

​Image 1 - Web Link