Brainstorm: 28
Thursday, 02 July 2015
By. Francis Pedraza
“Creative diplomacy anyone?”
— Imagine how creativity could transform political dialogue
Imagine if there was a sacred tradition in the United States, on election years, where each political party would invite the other political party to appoint an ambassador to speak at the rival convention.
Nobody envies the ambassador, who has been asked to do a very hard and brave thing — to speak in front of thousands of people who disagree with her. As apologist and evangelist, the ambassador must represent her party and her beliefs to the best of her ability.
Instead of being hostile, the members of both conventions would compete with each other to be polite. Both parties take pride in entertaining their guest, providing for her security, and making her feel welcome in their midst. On just this one special occasion.
The unspoken rule would be not to disagree, but to just listen. Throughout the campaign season, both parties debate each other vociferously, but on this one occasion, they just listen to each other. No debate. Just an unspoken understanding, an unspoken competition to be respectful. No matter how antagonizing, provocative, or galling the ambassador’s speach — just listen. Such that the other side feels heard. Then, the next day, back at it. But no mention of the speeches. Just let them stand.
I’ve never been to Japan, but this fantasy seems to me to have something Japanese about it. It seems like the sort of thing they would do in that culture. A gesture of respect. In the English political tradition, there are functions such as this. For example, the Queen plays a role as a unitary figure. Also, the fabulous tradition of Prime Minister’s Questions.
? Can you think of a similar suggestion for creative diplomacy?
? Can you suggest any idea, however fantastic, for better political dialogue?
Request: despite my personal views (classical liberal / libertarian), as an editor, I steer Cheeky clear of overtly political topics because they are divisive. For this prompt, I made an exception, because by its nature, it is apolitical. As a request, please keep the discussion a neutral zone. You are all so discerning, I needn’t remind you, but just in case. ;-)
