- It can acheive the desired results.
- It is a futile effort.
- Can’t say.
- No idea as to what it implies.
Can someone explain please what is track II diplomacy?
Incidentally, rather than having two options (3 and 4) which don't contribute to the poll, maybe it would be an idea to have an option like: 'Track II diplomacy is a step in the right direction'?
Track II diplomacy is another word for "Good Offices". Basically it means you use people outside the current politic system to help build the bridge between two parties. Its normally a neutral third party which holds sway over both groups. Or in the case of India and Pakistan, individuals from both sides that help bring the two governments together.
Track II can also include covering issues which help in building confidence and respect between the two parties and thus could help in bring them closer to an answer on the larger more important issues.
Cheers CM. What is the current stance of both India and Pakistan towards Track II dplomacy - I am assuming they haven't made much progress through the usual channels which might be referred to as Track 1 diplomacy?
Well, Track I is between the officials( the traditional representatives) of two states... Track II however, is a dialogue between the non-officials of the waring/disputing parties who have a say in the politcal system. This involves,
--former civil servants, diplomats and military officers
--informal advisors
--members of parliament and political parties
MAny a times it facilitates the Track I process and paes a way for the more substantive talks at the Track I level...
Thanks Losty.
I think there's probably room for Track III diplomacy as well given the nature of the dispute (extremely petty) but it's a start.
and I assume by Track III you mean the citizen diplomacy or people to people contact. Well, interestingly, this is the first time in many years that there is so much activity at the Track III level... the visit by the people from different walks of life, the parliamentarians, the students, the journalists etc and I would also like to add the role of media. No matter how much we are blamed for being apathetic and accepting the military regimes without much hue and cry, we must give credit where its due. The proliferation of the media/channels of communication, particularly in Pakistan has played a positive role so far as compared to the way media and media people were treated by the preceding governments.
Whether it can bring about any substantive change,umm, I don't know. There is one thing however, I believe that lack of education is one of the contributing factor that people fail to acknowledge the futility of living under the nuclear shadows... and the citizen contact that takes place and also the student to student contact is only limited to the elite institutions...