‘Peacemaker’ and ‘Tomorrow Is Yesterday’ are personal histories of diplomacy
In this NPR's Book of the Day episode, two books explore diplomatic leadership and conflict resolution through distinct lenses. The first examines U Thant's journey from Burmese headmaster to UN Secretary-General, where he managed major global crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis and conflicts in Vietnam, Congo, Yemen, and Cyprus. As Secretary-General from 1961 to 1971, U Thant established himself as a neutral mediator acceptable to both sides during the Cold War.
The episode also covers insights from Robert Malley and Hussein Agha on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. They analyze why traditional diplomatic approaches have fallen short, pointing to a disconnect between Israeli and Palestinian objectives. Their work suggests that effective conflict resolution requires mediators to address deep historical grievances and collective emotions, not just technical solutions like land partition.
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1-Page Summary
U Thant's Life and Career as UN Secretary-General
Thant Myint-U shares the remarkable journey of his grandfather, U Thant, who rose from being a 39-year-old headmaster in Burma to become UN Secretary-General. Within just a decade of Burma's independence, U Thant had advanced from his teaching position to become Burma's UN ambassador, eventually serving as Secretary-General from 1961 to 1971. During his tenure, he managed major global crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, and conflicts in Congo, Yemen, and Cyprus. Despite his humble origins, U Thant earned respect from both Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War, being the only candidate acceptable to both Moscow and Washington.
Role of UN Secretary-General as Mediator and Peacemaker
Under the leadership of Dag Hammarskjöld and U Thant in the '50s and '60s, the UN Secretary-General's office emerged as a crucial neutral arbiter in global conflicts. Thant Myint-U highlights his grandfather's pivotal role in defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis, where U Thant worked directly with President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev to establish a framework for settlement. His behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in preventing nuclear disaster, though his contributions often went unrecognized.
History and Failure of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
Robert Malley attributes the peace process failure to a fundamental disconnect between Israeli and Palestinian objectives. While Israelis sought security and normalcy, Palestinians pursued justice for the 1948 Nakba. Malley and Hussein Agha argue that traditional approaches relied too heavily on technocratic solutions while ignoring emotional and historical factors. The cycle of violence, they note, continues to be driven by deep-seated animosity and revenge, as evidenced by the October 7th attack and subsequent responses from both sides.
Lessons For Resolving Intractable Conflicts Today
Hussein Agha and Malley emphasize that effective conflict resolution must go beyond surface-level solutions. They argue that mediators must address underlying historical grievances and collective emotions, not just technical aspects like land partition. Their analysis suggests that neutral arbiters, such as the UN Secretary-General, play a crucial role in preventing wars by understanding and addressing the deeper historical narratives and emotional investments of conflicting parties.
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Counterarguments
- While U Thant played significant roles in managing global crises, some critics argue that the effectiveness of the UN and its Secretary-General is often limited by the political will of its member states, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council.
- The respect U Thant earned from both blocs during the Cold War might be seen by some as a result of his non-confrontational approach, which critics could argue sometimes led to inaction or insufficient action in the face of aggression or human rights abuses.
- The role of the UN Secretary-General as a neutral arbiter is sometimes criticized for not always being able to enforce decisions or for being subject to the influence of powerful member states, which can compromise the neutrality of the office.
- The pivotal role of U Thant in the Cuban Missile Crisis is well-documented, but some historians might argue that the resolution was more due to the direct negotiations between the US and the Soviet Union rather than the UN's involvement.
- Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, some might argue that there are additional factors contributing to the failure, such as external political influences, the role of other regional actors, and the impact of international diplomacy beyond the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships' objectives.
- While addressing historical grievances and collective emotions is important, some critics of this approach might argue that without practical and enforceable agreements on technical aspects, such as security arrangements and borders, emotional reconciliation cannot be achieved.
- The idea that neutral arbiters are crucial in preventing wars can be challenged by pointing out instances where UN intervention has been ineffective or where conflicts have persisted despite UN efforts, suggesting that other forms of engagement or intervention might sometimes be necessary.
Actionables
- You can enhance your conflict resolution skills by practicing active listening in your daily interactions, focusing on understanding the historical context and emotions behind someone's perspective. For example, when a friend or colleague is upset, instead of immediately offering solutions, ask them about the experiences that led to their feelings and acknowledge the validity of their emotions before moving on to problem-solving.
- Develop a personal mediation approach by volunteering to help resolve small disputes in your community or social circle, using neutrality and empathy to understand all sides. This could be as simple as mediating a disagreement between friends over a shared responsibility, ensuring you remain impartial and encourage each party to express their underlying concerns and feelings.
- Cultivate respect and trust among diverse groups by organizing informal gatherings that encourage dialogue and sharing of personal histories, aiming to bridge cultural or ideological divides. Start a book club or discussion group that reads stories from different perspectives, and use these narratives as a springboard for conversations about the deeper emotional and historical factors that shape viewpoints.
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U Thant's Life and Career as UN Secretary-General
Thant Myint-U shares the extraordinary story of his grandfather, U Thant, who rose from his humble beginnings in Burma to become a notable UN Secretary-General, effectively navigating the treacherous waters of Cold War politics.
U Thant: From Burmese Schoolteacher to Influential UN Secretary-General
U Thant: From Burmese Teacher to UN Ambassador in 10 Years
U Thant's remarkable journey began when he was a 39-year-old school headmaster in a small wooden school in Burma. After the country gained independence from the British Empire, he moved to Rangoon, joining the government and rapidly ascending the ranks. Within a decade, he found himself serving as Burma's ambassador to the UN, an extraordinary achievement that led him to reside in midtown Manhattan.
UN Secretary-General (1961-1971) U Thant Managed Crises Like Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Congo, Yemen, Cyprus Conflicts
From 1961 to 1971, U Thant held the critical position as Secretary-General of the United Nations. His ten-year tenure saw some of the 20th century's most severe crises, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and conflicts in Congo, Yemen, and Cyprus. Amidst these global tensions, U Thant stood as a mediator and a manager of international conflicts.
Despite Humble Origins, U Thant Was an Effective Cold War Mediator Accepted by Both ...
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U Thant's Life and Career as UN Secretary-General
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Actionables
- You can enhance your conflict resolution skills by role-playing international crisis scenarios with friends or colleagues. Imagine you're mediating a modern-day equivalent of the Cuban Missile Crisis or a similar high-stakes situation. This will help you practice maintaining neutrality and finding creative solutions under pressure, much like U Thant did during his tenure.
- Develop a personal diplomacy project by reaching out to individuals with differing viewpoints on a contentious issue in your community. Facilitate a dialogue where each party can express their concerns and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution. This mirrors U Thant's approach to maintaining amicable relations with various countries and can improve your ability to navigate complex social dynamics.
- Create a timeline of your care ...
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Role of UN Secretary-General as Mediator and Peacemaker
The role of the UN Secretary-General as a mediator, peacemaker, and peacekeeper is crucial in the resolution of global conflicts. This role has been particularly evident during the tenure of Secretaries-General Dag Hammarskjöld and U Thant in the '50s and '60s.
UN Secretary-General's Role in De-escalating Tensions and Resolving Conflicts in the '50s and '60s
Under Secretaries-General Hammarskjöld and Thant, the Secretary-General's Office Became a Neutral Arbiter, Peacemaker, and Peacekeeper
Thant Myint-U communicated how Dag Hammarskjöld pioneered the role of the UN Secretary-General as a mediator before his grandfather, U Thant, took up the mantle. Under their leadership, the Secretary-General's Office emerged as a neutral arbiter with an essential part in de-escalating key global conflicts.
U Thant's Crucial Role in Defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis
Specifically, Thant Myint-U highlighted his grandfather's, U Thant's, role in de-escalating the Cuban Missile Crisis. Though not directly cited, Michele Kelemen implies U Thant's involvement when prompting Thant Myint-U to talk about his research. U Thant's substantial yet often overlooked role involved intervening at the UN Security Council to set out the framework for a settlement, engaging in direct consultations with key leaders like U.S. President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev, and ensuring that Fidel Castro did not obstruct the Kennedy-Khrushchev agreement.
Secretary-Ge ...
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Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of the UN Secretary-General's role as a mediator can be constrained by the political will of the member states, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council with veto power.
- The Secretary-General's ability to act as a neutral arbiter may be questioned due to the influence of major powers or blocs within the UN, potentially compromising perceived neutrality.
- The impact of the Secretary-General in conflict resolution may be overstated in some historical accounts, as outcomes are often the result of complex multilateral negotiations and not solely the work of an individual.
- The role of the Secretary-General in crisis situations like the Cuban Missile Crisis can be seen as part of a larger diplomatic effort, where credit is due to many parties, including state actors and other international organizations.
- The UN Secretary-General's mandate for peacekeeping and mediation is limited by the resources and mandate provided by member states, which can limit the sco ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your conflict resolution skills by practicing active listening in your daily interactions, focusing on understanding the perspective of others before responding. By doing so, you mirror the Secretary-General's approach to mediation, which is to listen intently to all parties involved. For example, when a disagreement arises with a friend or colleague, instead of immediately presenting your point of view, ask questions to fully grasp their stance and acknowledge it before offering your own.
- Volunteer as a mediator in local community disputes to gain firsthand experience in neutral conflict resolution. Many communities have local mediation centers or neighborhood dispute resolution programs that welcome volunteers. This gives you the opportunity to apply the principles of neutrality and diplomacy in real-life situations, similar to how U Thant engaged with leaders during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Start a discussion group focused on global issues and practice facilitatin ...
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History and Failure of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
The Israeli-Palestinian peace process has faced numerous challenges since its inception, with failures attributed to a disconnect in goals, false assumptions, and a cycle of animosity and revenge.
1993 Oslo Accords Failed Due to Israeli-Palestinian Goal Disconnect
One key reason for the failure of the peace process, according to Robert Malley, is the fundamental dissonance between Israeli and Palestinian objectives. Israelis sought security and a sense of normalcy from the process, while Palestinians sought justice and redress for the 1948 Nakba—a time marked by the loss of their land and subsequent displacement.
Peace Process Failed Due to False Assumptions, Technocratic Solutions, and Ignored Emotional/Historical Factors
Malley argues that traditional approaches to the peace process, which included technocratic solutions and dismissed emotional and historical grievances, led to the current stalemate. Malley and Hussein Agha consider the events of October 7th not as an outlier but as a consequence of this flawed historical process. According to Malley's analysis, a radical rethinking of the conflict is necessary—questioning long-held assumptions and avoiding the repetition of past mistakes is crucial.
Conflict Driven by Longstanding Animosity and Revenge
The cycle of violence, Malley observes, was founded on a deep-seated animosity and a desire for revenge—particularly from the Palestinian perspective. The attack on October 7th, as discussed by Hussein Agha, exemplified these intense feelings.
Palestinians View October 2022 Israel Bombing as Justified Retribution; Israelis Back Military Action Against Gaza
Malley notes that there were no significant Palestinian pr ...
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History and Failure of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
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Clarifications
- The 1948 Nakba refers to the forced displacement and dispossession of Palestinian Arabs during the 1948 Palestine war, leading to the expulsion of around 750,000 people from their homes by Zionist paramilitaries and later by the Israeli military. This event is considered a catastrophic loss by Palestinians, shaping their national identity and political aspirations. It resulted in the fracturing of Palestinian society and the ongoing denial of the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants.
- Hamas's actions on October 7th referred to an incident where Hamas militants launched rockets into Israel, esca ...
Counterarguments
- The assertion that the Oslo Accords failed solely due to a disconnect in goals oversimplifies the complexity of the peace process and the numerous factors that contributed to its failure.
- The idea that Israelis only sought security and normalcy while Palestinians only sought justice and redress may not fully capture the diversity of opinions and desires within each society.
- Technocratic solutions were not the only approaches taken during the peace process; there were also efforts to address emotional and historical grievances, though they may not have been sufficient or successful.
- The characterization of the cycle of violence as being driven primarily by Palestinian animosity and desire for revenge could be seen as one-sided, failing to acknowledge the impact of Israeli military actions and policies on the cycle of violence.
- The claim that there were no significant Palestinian protests against Hamas's actions on October 7th may overlook instances where Palestinian civil society or individuals did express opposition or concern.
- The consensus in Israel in favor of military action against Gaza might not be as widespread as suggested, as there are often voices within Israel that oppose military campaigns and advocate for alternative approaches.
- The notion that ineffective mediation efforts are solely to blame for the continuation of the cycle of violence does not account for the agency and decisions of the Israeli and Palestinian leader ...
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Lessons For Resolving Intractable Conflicts Today
Hussein Agha and Malley contemplate the shortcomings of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, offering insights for resolving contemporary conflicts.
Lessons From the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Failure for Other Conflicts
In the search for peace and conflict resolution globally, Agha and Malley push us to understand that surface-level solutions are often insufficient.
Conflicts Need More Than Technical Solutions: Address Historical Grievances and Aspirations
Hussein Agha underscores the importance of recognizing that conflicts are multi-layered and complex, requiring solutions that go beyond just the technicalities of division or resource allocation. Agha points out that effective conflict resolution must also address the underlying historical grievances, collective emotions, and the aspirations that deeply affect involved parties.
Both Agha and Malley highlight the importance of these factors in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They critique the oversimplified view that the conflict could be resolved merely through land partitioning, contending that the U.S., as a mediator, failed to grasp that the heart of the matter also lay in deeply entrenched historical and emotional issues.
Effective Mediation Requires Understanding Core Issues, Not Just Surface Disputes
They contend that effective mediation must delve deep into understanding the core issues which are often not apparent at the surface level of disputes. By doing so, a mediator can facilitate a dialogue that acknowledges and attempts to reconcile the more profound rifts. In this, the role of mediators is not just to broker a de ...
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Lessons For Resolving Intractable Conflicts Today
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Clarifications
- The Israeli-Palestinian peace process faced criticism for focusing too much on surface-level solutions like land partitioning, neglecting deep-rooted historical grievances and emotional issues that underlie the conflict. The mediators, including the U.S., were faulted for not fully understanding and addressing these core issues, leading to a failure in achieving lasting peace. Hussein Agha and Malley emphasize the need for mediators to delve deeper into the complexities of conflicts, moving beyond visible disputes to tackle the underlying causes effectively. They advocate for neutral arbiters with a profound understanding of historical narratives and emotional investments to facilitate meaningful dialogue and sustainable compromises.
- Hussein Agha and Rob Malley are experts in conflict resolution, particularly focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They emphasize the need to address historical grievances and emotional aspects in addition to technical solutions. Agha and Malley advocate for mediators to understand the core issues of a conflict to facilitate meaningful dialogue and lasting peace. They highlight the importance of neutral arbiters, like the UN Secretary-General, who possess a deep understanding of the complexities and narratives involved in conflicts.
- Understanding the complexities of historical grievances and emotional factors in conflicts involves recognizing that conflicts are often rooted in long-standing grievances, injustices, and traumas from the past. These historical elements can shape identities, fuel deep-seated emotions like anger or resentment, and influence how parties perceive their present circumstances. Addressing historical grievances requires acknowledging and reconciling these past injustices and traumas to build a foundation for lasting peace and reconciliation. Emotions play a significant role in conflicts, influencing perceptions, decision-making, a ...
Counterarguments
- While addressing historical grievances is important, it can sometimes entrench positions and make compromise harder as parties may become more aware of past injustices.
- There is a risk that focusing too much on deep-rooted historical and emotional issues could overshadow present-day realities and the need for pragmatic solutions.
- The idea that technical solutions are insufficient might be challenged by arguing that practical measures and confidence-building steps are essential starting points for peace.
- The effectiveness of neutral arbiters like the UN Secretary-General can be limited by the political will of member states and their vested interests, which can undermine neutrality.
- Mediators must balance deep understanding with actionable steps; too much focus on understanding without action can lead to analysis paralysis.
- The assumption that deepe ...
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