The study of diplomacy

Updated on: Monday, November 16, 2009

A scholar and practitioner with wide-ranging experience in multilateral and non-governmental organisations, Paula R Newberg specialises in issues of democracy , human rights, and development in crisis and transition states. She has served as a special advisor to the United Nations in various regions, including multiple postings in Afghanistan.
According to Newberg, director at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD), Georgetown University, US, the study of diplomacy is becoming more and more important.

"The world we are living in is changing rapidly in several ways and diplomacy is taking on a new dimension," she says, adding that most of the countries may be moving, but not in the same direction. On the one hand, she points out, there are the large state powers trying to hold on to the powers they have. On the other, there are countries like India who are emerging and moving into another space. While the dynamics of international diplomacy is changing, "callibrating these relationships is an agenda. What the tools are is another question," she says.

Newberg has been a guest scholar at the Brookings Institution and held a senior associate position at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where she co-founded its democracy project and chaired the South Asia Roundtable. She taught at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, for many years, and publishes extensively on issues including law and constitutionalism in Pakistan, insurgency and human rights in Kashmir, and international assistance to war-torn Afghanistan.

A graduate of Oberlin College, Newberg received her doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago. Her recent publications include ‘Democracy May be the Best Ally Against Pakistan’s Extremists,’ ‘Political Role for Pakistan’s Chief Justice,’ and ‘US Unveils Afghanistan Review.’

ISD has been the School of Foreign Service’s link to the foreign affairs practitioner. Its resident and non-resident associates, who are US and foreign government officials and other foreign affairs practitioners, are affiliated with the institute for a year or more. Institute associates teach courses, organise lectures and discussions, and mentor students at the School of Foreign Service. The institute’s larger constituency is the broader academic and policy community.

As the new director, Newberg feels that ISD’s focus will be on the changing nature of diplomatic engagements, global issues and initiatives and also, setting American diplomacy in the context of the globe.

timesofindia

The study of diplomacy

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