Diplomacy 101: Undiplomatically Speaking
Where Beliefs Clash and Stories Flash
Democracy Dilemmas and Double Standards
This week, the global conversation turned once again to democracy—not in theory, but in the sharp contradictions that play out on the ground.
Pakistan’s delayed elections finally moved forward under military oversight, drawing criticism from Western observers and muted acceptance from China and the Gulf. The EU issued a statement expressing “concern and hope,” the usual diplomatic tightrope in such cases.
Meanwhile, in Myanmar, the junta tightened restrictions ahead of a UN Security Council briefing on the country’s humanitarian crisis. ASEAN remained largely silent, reaffirming its tradition of non-interference—even in the face of systemic repression.
In Latin America, Venezuela’s government announced a roadmap for elections in 2025, brokered with Norwegian mediation. Skepticism remains high, but so does international investment interest, especially in oil and mining sectors.
The tension between democratic norms and economic or strategic interests continues to define international posture—one carefully worded communiqué at a time.