As George Orwell once said, “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” Our modern world is currently undergoing tremendous changes; it has become more significant to earn a protagonist role in this never-ending puppet show known as politics. Establishing political dominance is the key that unlocks the most desired treasure of all, which is the ability to shape and influence the way humans think and behave. The puzzling question is how one can obtain this fortune?
Globalization has not only significantly altered our day-to-day routines. It has transformed the methods of communicating with one another. It has made the entire globe appear as one market. Nevertheless, globalization has dramatically restructured and rewritten the rules of politics in the 21st century. It is crucial to understand what are the qualities that constitute a successful diplomat, especially in our Gulf region. Whether it is aware of the surroundings, being knowledgeable or even being humble and down to earth to have a front-row seat in this game.
When entering the arena of politics, it is a matter of surviving a battle after another and with every one of them, the person builds stamina to continue. His Excellency Ambassador Omar Saif Ghobash, the current UAE’s ambassador of France, expressed that the essence of being a respected and a successful diplomat lies in one’s ability to be always alert about what happens not only in their niche but also on the international scene as well. Furthermore, developing that critical holistic view of the world is, in particular, is a necessity for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the diplomacy field. This unique perspective grants the individual the chance to read in between the lines and acquire a profound, thoughtful comprehension of how the world works. Additionally, according to Barak Obama, the former president of the United States, “A diplomat must have a third eye to avoid problems.” Analyzing the environment primarily gives the person a head start. It forecasts the future danger and threats especially revolving around intellectual invasions and the ultimate fear of the disappearance of numerous cultural identities to create what is known as a monopolized culture.
Another critical characteristic of becoming a diplomat is being well-educated and informed. In Ghobash’s book “Letters to a Young Muslim,” he elaborates on this attribute where he claims that the journey of grasping knowledge can be draining and intoxicating as much as it’s enlightening. Moreover, a career in this sector requires the person to recognize that nothing is absolute and there is no right and wrong answer. Thus it fosters respect and tolerance of what others believe. In addition to that, a politician is always obligated to be up-to-date with recent tactics used such as the emergence of soft power and how it is used as a modern weapon.
Moreover, the challenges that arise in our modern day require a lot more efforts in solving them, because they are considered indirect in addition to those skills and qualities. It is also imperative for an ambassador, in particular, to master various foreign languages alongside his mother tongue. Learning a language enables the person to connect instantly with the community. It breaks the barriers of communication. Lastly, it is imperative to know that to thrive in this occupation one must have an avid open mind for learning.
Also, another feature that ensures a prosperous future in this profession is self-effacing and modesty.
“Diplomats often have a large ego and it is a fatal mistake,” Ghobash says. “Being humble and down to earth enables you to be certain of being on the same page with your team.”
Succeeding as a diplomat has no secret potion of any sorts. It is a combination of specific traits such as being attentive, having the capability of predicting the challenges of the future in addition to having a growth mindset towards cultivating different skills. Finally, evading pride to be able to see clearly. As Malcolm X said, “Sometimes you have to pick the gun up to put the gun down.” Individuals must join the game to be in control rather than being controlled.
About the author
Fatma Al Jassim is a Zayed University alumna. She wrote this review in December 2018.
