Chapter 5: Revisiting the Role of Philosophy in Diplomacy and International Relations

Amid the biased perception that philosophy (unlike science and technology, which are viewed favorably as practical) is far from practice and lacks the ability and aptitude to provide practical solutions to challenges facing human development in modern-day African societies, this chapter seeks to achieve three objectives: first, to debunk the notion that philosophy has no value in practical areas such as diplomacy and international relations (IR) using personal and empirical evidence; second, to provide pragmatic expositions to highlight philosophy's significant value and contribution in the fields of diplomacy and IR; and third, to demonstrate an interface between philosophy, diplomacy, and IR. This chapter's main argument is that “much of what is learned in philosophy can be applied virtually in any endeavor, because philosophy touches so many subjects including the noble profession of diplomacy.” For a diplomat to master the art of diplomatic craft specifically, he/she ought to possess an enduring ability to understand the interface between theory and practice, which philosophy provides. The fulcrum of a diplomat's ability to understand the connection between theory and practice lies in their aptitude to comprehend the performative act of philosophy.