Essay on How International Law and Diplomacy Boosts Economic Development

Theoretically, international relation is a function of both international law and diplomacy. In fact, some studies propound on these topics as branches of international relations. A more detailed analysis will show that international law coexists and relate in their contexts with diplomacy. One such coexistence is derived from Traisbach’s (2017) discussion, which identifies subgroups of international laws that consist of the law of diplomatic and consular relations. This is the basis for comparing the two subjects, which are dependent on each other in equal measures. But while doing this, the analysis integrates economic development and prosperity into the complexities of this topic.

In order to make the connection between them, it is necessary to understand the scope of economic development as a dependent factor of international law and diplomacy. Economics is not only a significant contributor to the efficient and stable global system but also facilitates the sovereignty of a nation (Arvanitakis and Hornsby, 2017). Efforts have been directed towards the creation of better economic conditions, which is considered a global issue. However, little success has been achieved, especially in developing and less-developing countries, despite the initiatives to improve these conditions. For this reason, countries realize the need for collaboration to deal with this global issue, with studies asserting that international cooperation is the key to solving problems such as poverty (Arvanitakis and Hornsby 2017). But international law and diplomacy are critical to achieving long term sustainable cooperation between countries. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine how international law and diplomacy help boost countries’ economies as a way of relating the concepts.

International law plays a vital role in boosting global trade. Usually, international trade is always governed by sets of laws that help aim to create organized trading practices. Through this aspect, international bodies like United Nations promote economic policies that guide trade between countries, eventually boosting economic prosperity. Notably, though, diplomacy influences the creation and initiation of these international laws in the way states, countries and nations join forces in the first place. For instance, McGlinchey (2017) explains that through diplomacy, countries collaborated to form the UN in 1945 to “give a focal point” and create a secure world. Intending to create a secure world in trade, countries that formed the UN formulated laws that promote international trade. Clearly, the role of international laws in boosting the economy through trade is tied to the efficiency of diplomacy.

What is more, diplomacy promotes economic relations between countries. Through consulates, embassies, and trade offices abroad, countries offer leeway to create good economic ties. Sometimes diplomacy encourages nations to participate in the foreign direct investment with governments they are in collaboration with. For example, McGlinchey (2017) recounts how the USA made diplomatic ties with Iran at the end of the Second World War to ensure a stable supply of oil which the latter controlled. This is a typical example of the relationship between two countries that result in economic growth. Noteworthy, international laws govern this diplomatic relation. Such laws ensure that due diligence is adhered to in treaties and agreements made through diplomacy. In sum, diplomacy contributes towards the success of economies through collaboration as guided by international law.

Conclusively, international law and diplomacy can be correlated in several ways. In terms of economic development, these two concepts answer such rhetoric as how they improve economic prosperity. For instance, international law boosts trade between nations by laying down economic laws that guide successful trade. But these laws can exist through diplomacy, which encourages cooperation between countries. Therefore, all the three variables form a relationship that shows a positive correlation and extreme dependence on each other in order to support economic development.

References

Arvanitakis, J., & Hornsby, D. J. (2017, January 15). Global poverty and wealth. E-International Relations. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.e-ir.info/2017/01/15/global-poverty-and-wealth/.

McGlinchey, S. (2017, January 8). Diplomacy. E-International Relations. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.e-ir.info/2017/01/08/diplomacy/.

Traisbach, K. (2017, January 1). International law. E-International Relations. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.e-ir.info/2017/01/01/international-law/.