Political Science

When one thinks of the foreign service, embassy and diplomats come into mind.  In the world of the foreign service of the diplomatic corps, negotiation is the most important function or tool in diplomacy (Berridge200520).  The reason why the diplomatic service exists is to help facilitate cordial relations among nations and this also includes resolving problems and issues in a peaceful way rather than resorting to war or precipitate any turmoil in the world.

Diplomats have been in the forefront of any matter that requires foreign intervention in lieu of a military one which entails using force.  Diplomats are always the first to go and work out a peaceful agreement with a foreign host, whether they are state or non-state actors such as the case of the earthquake in Haiti that struck in January 10, 2010.  The non-governmental organization (NGO), Bread for Haiti went to the stricken island nation to help alleviate the people who are suffering from hunger following the calamity.

During the course of their mercy mission, the convoy was stopped by a local militia group, called Blanc et Rouge, demanding that the the workers relinquish their supplies.  It was apparent that they would not allow the relief workers through unless concessions were made.  The leaders of the Bread for Haiti convoy have refused to yield, and this resulted in a standoff that had run for several hours now. 

The services of Dr. Toma, a local physician and well-respected local leader from a town called Belladere, came after being told of the standoff.  Dr. Toma s clinic was one of the destinations where the supplies were earmarked because the clinic is considered neutral ground.  For many years, Dr. Toma has established a reputation of being fair and trustworthy, and has been successful in coming up with compromises between competing political factions in the local area, thereby keeping the peace.  A three-party conversation has begun to find a solution to the impasse.  This also involves the representatives from Bread from Haiti and the militia representatives.

In this case, it would be easy to make threats in order to assert ones will.  But in a situation like this, it would be counterproductive.  The militias can still seize the goods and block further aid using force.  Since the NGO is not associated with any government agency, they could not enlist the services of the peacekeeping forces in the area and time was of the essence and the aid needs to be delivered.  In the light of this development, a compromise is struck.  Dr. Tomas clinic would be the collection point.  The Blanc et Rouge would not dare interfere for it may attract the attention of rival militias who might challenge them.

In this scenario, diplomatic solutions are preferable to armed confrontations.  The problem is they are not easy to attain if the circumstances are complex and this requires very careful handling by skilled negotiators who know how to play the strengths and weaknesses of the parties involved.