While politics runs on adrenaline, diplomacy runs on patience
In an age defined by 24-hour news cycles, viral commentary and polarised politics, decision-making often feels like a race against time.
Politicians operate in high-pressure environments driven by public expectations, media scrutiny and short-term electoral goals.
In this fast-moving world, politics runs on adrenaline.
Diplomacy is quite
Beneath this surface, however, diplomacy endures and thrives on patience. Diplomacy does not chase headlines.
It is quiet, strategic and deliberate. While politics is reactive, diplomacy is reflective.
It takes time to build consensus, to understand cultural nuances and to find common ground between competing interests.
Thus, without this patience, the outcomes of politics can be short-lived or even self-defeating.
We see this contrast playing out in global affairs today. Consider the Russia-Ukraine conflict. From sanctions to speeches, the political response has been swift and visible.
However, behind the scenes, diplomats, often under immense pressure, continue to engage in dialogue, propose off-ramps and maintain open channels. These diplomatic efforts may be slow and incremental, but they are vital for de-escalation and lasting peace.
Diplomacy triumph
The Iran nuclear deal negotiations also offer a compelling example. While political tides in both the United States (US) and Iran have shifted dramatically over the years, diplomatic efforts have persisted.
Through cycles of discussion, pause, and restart, diplomats press on because they understand the stakes: preventing conflict through patient, principled engagement.
Another instance where diplomacy won behind the scenes was the disputed presidential election results in 2008 in Kenya that led to widespread ethnic violence, leaving over a thousand dead and over six thousand displaced.
A former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan-led African Union (AU) mediated negotiations (the Panel of Eminent African Personalities) resulted in a power-sharing agreement between Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga, which created the position of Prime Minister and ended the violence.
Moreso, in 2011, long-standing civil wars between northern and southern Sudan threatened to derail the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Sustained negotiations led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the AU and development partners are other typical occasions where diplomacy won the day for interested parties.
As a result, a peaceful referendum was held in 2011, which led to South Sudan’s independence. Diplomacy allowed for non-violent secession, avoiding renewed conflict at such a critical juncture.
A coup-ousted President Marc Ravalomanana between 2009 and 2013, leading to international isolation and tensions.
The AU, SADC and mediators such as Joaquim Chissano facilitated inclusive political dialogue.
The outcome resulted in a roadmap for democratic elections, which was agreed upon, leading to the peaceful transfer of power in 2013.
This certainly avoided escalation into armed conflict by prioritising reconciliation.
Power of diplomacy
Having been trained in international affairs and working in media and communication, I believe now more than ever that we must appreciate the power of diplomacy, not just as a tool of foreign policy, but as a mindset that values listening over loudness, understanding over reacting, and endurance over instant results because while adrenaline may win the moment, it is patience that brings lasting peace.
The writer is trained in
international affairs
Email: stephen.gbadegbe@graphic.com.gh
