In protracted and complex wars, victories are often achieved in the small positive exchanges, rather than in the big political deals. The UAE’s diplomatic focus has increasingly been aiding such deals; the latest being between Russia and Ukraine – the exchange of 386 prisoners – which has more to do with humanity than politics. This is human diplomacy in action.
When Diplomacy Meets Humanity
For the people involved in the deal, it’s not about numbers. It’s release from fear, release from emotional baggage, and return to normalcy. Parents, children and siblings are reunited. Dear lost family and friends are returned.
These are outcomes that are non-political. These are cases of improvement that are real, present and personal. In a war in which there is no prospect of a breakthrough, these are important.
Trust and Neutrality
The UAE’s role in facilitating these exchanges is built on an elusive element in world affairs: trust. The UAE has been a trusted negotiator for Russia and Ukraine, due to its foreign policy of non-interference and even-handedness.
Rather than a partisan approach, the UAE has recognised the value of establishing a line of communication – albeit narrow – and this communication rigidly centred on humanitarian causes. The UAE can therefore take on a negotiating role in such conflicts. It’s not influence through bullying, but influence.
Consistent Commitment, Not a One-Time Effort
It is not a single meeting that makes the UAE’s efforts different but actually the pattern. This latest effort comes after many others, which all contribute to a track record of success.
In doing so, it has ensured the UAE is a trusted partner. It shows all parties to a conflict that engagement is not short-term, but sustained, and in conflict situations where commitment to engagement is vital to building trust, it is an important point.
As it delivers, it’s apparent that the UAE is evolving from being a practitioner to recognised humanitarian service provider.
Redefining Diplomatic Impact
A case can be made that the UAE’s work is emblematic of a redefinition of diplomacy. Instead of looking at political goals set for the long-term, it has short-term human-focused goals. A facilitated conversation relieves immediate suffering, positions people in relation to each other and arguably brings hope into a dark situation.
This diplomacy isn’t concerned with resolution of the conflict. It offers a way of responding to urgent needs, which provides an opportunity for more dialogue.
Growing Global Role
As the negotiations run, the UAE is emerging as a new global player. Its ability to provide private channels to adversaries is becoming better-known, and the government has been recognised as a legitimate and productive negotiator.
This is not a façade, but reality. In a world where many projects do not get off the ground, demonstrating success is vital.
Model for Modern Mediation
The UAE’s model of mediation is an example of new diplomacy. It has crafted a model, with its emphasis on impartiality, persistence and compassion, that could be adapted to other geopolitical contexts.
It demonstrates that in even the most protracted of conflicts there remains a chance to help – to affect one phone call, one family and one life.
In this, the United Arab Emirates is fostering a conversation. It is helping to redefine the future of diplomacy.
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