Diplomacy, explained.
Diving into the darkness of the Yangon River to recover items from sunken vessels (Sai Aung Main/AFP via Getty Images)
A belief in “might is right” is not set in stone – rules in global affairs are shaped by the choices we make.
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The realists and their limits in the world todayThe realists and their limits in the world today
For many scholars of international relations, the orthodoxy of the realist approach – much like “market–based” approaches in economics – has created a mistaken belief that the play-off of interests, whether geopolitical or economic, has an inherent order driven by self-interest or national interests.
In some respects, the relative stability of the last 80 years lulled us into complacency and hubris – the idea that the best path to order is through least resistance, letting the “market” work itself out. What we are witnessing unfold today is a case of “market failure”, where the exercise of raw power and the belief that “might is right” dominate dialogue and decision-making at the expense of humanity.
At this time, the question of what values should guide international relations and diplomacy becomes more urgent than ever. Should social justice – often seen as a domestic or grassroots concern – play a critical and fundamental role in shaping the rules of engagement between nations? My answer is an unequivocal yes.
The emerging global (dis)order is characterised by rising nationalism, geopolitical competition, and the erosion of multilateral institutions. We see the impacts of climate change disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable, forced migration driven by conflict and economic disparity, and an uneven global response to health crises. In such a context, international relations can no longer be guided solely by the pursuit of power and economic advantage. Principles of fairness, equity, and justice must inform the decisions and agreements that shape our world – and these values must extend beyond national borders.
Normative approaches recognise that moral considerations are not merely aspirational but essential for creating a more peaceful, cooperative, and consensus–driven world order.
This position challenges the realist approach to international relations, which emphasises power, national interest, and the anarchic nature of the global system. Realists argue that states act primarily to secure their own survival and influence, often at the expense of ethical considerations. If acknowledged at all, social justice is seen as secondary to strategic advantage and material gain.
Yet this narrow focus on competition and self-interest has exacerbated global instability and deepened inequality – creating fertile ground for the rise of populism, increasing authoritarianism, and control by vested interests in the United States, Europe, and beyond.
An alternative and equally important perspective is the normative approach, which shaped the post-Second World War international rules-based order. This approach advocates for the integration of ethical principles – including human rights, justice, and fairness – into foreign policy and global governance. Normative approaches recognise that moral considerations are not merely aspirational but essential for creating a more peaceful, cooperative, and consensus-driven world order. Social justice, as a normative framework, calls for addressing systemic inequities and ensuring the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of national boundaries.
Social justice is not an abstract ideal, it is a practical necessity if we believe in a stable and peaceful global order. Inequality and injustice breed resentment and conflict, while fairness and inclusivity foster cooperation and trust. Nations that prioritise social justice in their foreign policies contribute not only to global stability but also to their own long-term security and prosperity.
Diplomacy informed by social justice recognises the interconnectedness of the global community. Rather than viewing this interconnectedness as a ‘threat,’ it sees the opportunity it presents to serve the interests of the majority over those of vested minority interests. The Covid-19 pandemic provided a stark example of how realist approaches can lead to perverse outcomes – inequitable vaccine distribution and nationalist policies exacerbated a global crisis. A socially just approach prioritises equitable access to healthcare, acknowledging that no nation is safe until every nation is safe. The same principle applies to climate change: those who contribute least to carbon emissions often suffer the most from its effects. By taking a social justice-informed approach to decision-making, we not only protect vulnerable communities but act in the interest of the global population.
At this time of great uncertainty, we have a chance to revisit the “rules of the game” – the international norms and institutions that govern global relations. These institutions must be reformed to reflect and be informed by social justice. Genuine multilateralism works most effectively when it accounts for diverse perspectives and builds in equitable decision-making processes.
Realist critics will undoubtedly argue that incorporating social justice into international relations is idealistic and impractical – that moral considerations undermine the pursuit of national interest and strategic advantage. However, history proves otherwise. The post-Second World War international order, for all its flaws, was built on principles of human rights and collective security. The abolition of apartheid in South Africa was achieved not just through internal struggle but through sustained international pressure rooted in demands for justice and equality. The lifting of billions out of poverty across East and South Asia was the result of deliberate efforts to dismantle the extractive colonial systems designed to serve colonial powers at the expense of the colonised. These examples demonstrate that moral clarity and political will can reshape global systems.
The emerging global (dis)order presents both challenges and opportunities. The rules of the game are not set in stone – they are shaped by the choices we make today. By embedding social justice into the fabric of international relations and diplomacy, we can create a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world.
About the author
'Alopi Latukefu
'Alopi Latukefu joined the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education as Director in February 2023.
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