Defense diplomacy entails a various activities that are done by countries or their defense institutions or other security agencies to promote their foreign policy interests (Cai, 2017). The model aims to advance broader foreign and security agenda through partnerships with international militaries on crucial decision and operation’s needs (Pashakhanlou, 2017). Currently, many countries across the world practice defence diplomacy. To understand the principles of defence diplomacy, two infographics are analysed in this paper; the first one presents statistics of governments budgetary allocations on education vs military across the world. The second infographic shows the strengths and critical gaps of the Indian army.
The infographies are relevant for defence diplomacy as they provide a more in-depth understanding of other countries defence organisation, perspectives and budgetary spending’s. Such information is vital to understanding if states are aiming towards coercive military or diplomatic defence. From the budgetary data, India can decide on how to engage different countries across the globe. As such, the state can make decisions on which countries to collaborate with and which ones are threats to her stability. Over the years, India has conducted various joint exercise ventures with “friendly Foreign Countries” thus significantly improved her military diplomacy (Sridharan, 2017).
The infography on budgetary allocations presents data on education and training of the militaries across the globe. Such information is vital in identifying countries with which India can partner. International cooperation in the area of training and education is a valuable instrument in defence policy and a strategy for increasing countries presence abroad, with long-term diplomatic outcomes (Winger, 2016). Training, education and joint exercises are an essential instrument of defence diplomacy since it promotes trust and cooperation (Cai, 2017).
Increasing military expenses may depict a country as actively advancing coercive military approaches (Baylis, 2017). On the other hand, overstretched staff and budget cuts compromise defence diplomacy programs. Budgetary allocations are vital tools for promoting trade and the army interests. It is imperative to allocate adequate funding to the military to meet international obligations and the objectives of governments in global engagement strategies. However, excessive resources directed towards defence may mean that a country has a high potential of advancing coercive diplomacy. Thus by looking at the global expenditure on military, India can make strategic plans on how to protect her security interests.
From the infographic, UAE has the highest percentage (45.7%) of her budgetary allocation. The countries that neighbour India have high percentages of their budgets allocated to military spending. They include Iran (21.7%) and Pakistan (23.7%). By understanding the fiscal apportionment on military and education, the infographics help in preparation, negotiation and proposal of agreements, treaties, international conferences and conventions relevant to the national defence. Government budgets in the military are essential considerations for defence diplomacy. Therefore, India should consider such statistics while planning for her military diplomacy since military power significantly influences international diplomatic relations.
The infographic also helps identify various avenues for collaboration. Regular combined exercise entailing multi-lateral and bilateral forces could be a useful strategy in enhancing diplomatic efforts. Collaboration in training program helps grow international bonds, promote transparency and trust thus promoting military diplomacy (Beckley, 2010). Indian government can exchange trainees and faculties, offer research fellowships that encourage military diplomacy. The nation can use exchange programs with the powerful countries to leverage on her weaknesses and critical gaps while promoting diplomacy.
Heavy diplomatic assignments require the right training and staffing. From the infographic, the budgetary allocation for military training, in India, is relatively low compared to most countries such as UAE, Iran, USA and China. Nations should be able to identify capability gaps in military diplomacy programs and focus on organisation, equipping and training. Training helps in enabling the military to improve cultural competence, linguistic skills and professionalism as required in military diplomacy (Chellaney, 2012). Thus, India should increase her number of soldier-diplomats through training and experience.
In conclusion, the info-graphic helps in identifying areas of defence diplomacy and international military integration. Indian army is the world second largest (Ganguly, 2017). The country can leverage its military element of national power towards the promotion of national interest, strengthen defence relations, promote India’s influence in the world, assist friendly nations in defence capabilities consistent with her needs, establish presence proportionate with India strategic interests and contribute to national security.
References
Baylis, J., Smith, S. and Owens, P. (2017). The globalizaiton of world politics: An introduction to international relations (7th ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Beckley, M. (2010). Economic Development and Military Effectiveness. Journal of Strategic Studies, 33(1), 43-79.
Cai, P. (2017). ASEAN’s Defense Diplomacy and China’s Military Diplomacy. Asia Policy, 1(22), 89-95.
Chellaney, B. (2012). Rising powers, rising tensions: the troubled China-India relationship. SAIS Review, 32(2), 99-108.
Ganguly, S. (2017). Has Modi truly changed India's foreign policy? The Washington Quarterly 40(2), 131-143.
Pashakhanlou, A. (2017). Intelligence and diplomacy in the security dilemma: gauging capabilities and intentions. International Politics, 2(1), 1-18.
Sridharan, E. (2017). Where is India headed? Possible future directions in Indian foreign policy. International Affairs, 93(1), 51-68.
Winger, G. (2016). The Velvet Gauntlet: A Theory of Defense Diplomacy. Retrieved 2018, from Instituted for Human Sciences: http://www.iwm.at/publications/5-junior-visiting-fellows-conferences/vol-xxxiii/the-velvet-gauntlet/
