This week I digress and will write about the Somali diplomatic deficit. As we in Australia bid farewell to Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, one of the most inspiring diplomats to grace Canberra, her return to the United States marks the end of a tenure defined by the interplay of grace, assertiveness, and strategic vision in international relations. At the end of US presidential terms, all US political ambassadors customarily submit resignation letters. That is the typical practice as they are representatives of the current administration1. I was not expecting that Caroline Kennedy would agree to serve under Trump, given their political differences.
Somalia’s underrepresentation in global forums and its need for educated, diverse leadership—particularly female diplomats—highlight the importance of embracing Kennedy’s model of strategic engagement and principled diplomacy. Her legacy serves as a reminder that visionary leadership can transform a nation’s role on the global stage.
Kennedy landed with impact in Australia in 2022. Upon presenting her credentials to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia on July 25, 2022, Kennedy demonstrated her commitment to equity and respect, famously chiding a male journalist for interrupting a female reporter during her arrival press conference. As a seasoned diplomat who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017, Kennedy’s tenure reflects the potential for diplomacy to foster meaningful relationships and drive transformative change. Her career underscores the critical role of educated, assertive women in shaping international diplomacy—an area where Somalia faces a significant deficit.
This deficit is compounded by the underrepresentation of educated Somali women in diplomatic roles, despite their potential to bring diverse perspectives and much-needed reform to the country’s foreign policy initiatives. By prioritizing the inclusion of more educated female diplomats, Somalia can draw lessons from figures like Kennedy, whose leadership style highlights the importance of balancing assertiveness with respect and strategic vision. Empowering women in diplomacy is not only a matter of equity but also a pathway to revitalizing Somalia’s image and influence on the international stage. Through such reforms, Somalia can address its diplomatic deficit and position itself as a forward-looking nation committed to collaboration and progress.
The Role of Diplomacy in Elevating Somalia on the Global Scene
Diplomacy is a cornerstone of international relations, shaping a nation’s trajectory on the global stage. For Somalia, a country plagued by decades of conflict, instability, and humanitarian crises, diplomacy offers a pathway to rebuild its image, secure critical alliances, and achieve sustainable development. The words of F. B. Jevons, “Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men the most,”2 underscore the essence of effective diplomacy: calculated restraint and strategic engagement. Diplomacy can empower Somalia to redefine its role in the international arena, but it must have consistency, purpose, and strategic goal. Recent examples create ambiguity and send mixed signals to all.
Somalia’s Diplomatic Deficit
Somalia's current diplomatic deficit stems from years of internal strife, institutional fragility, and limited resources. The absence of effective diplomatic strategies has left Somalia marginalized in critical international decision-making processes. This deficit is evident in Somalia’s struggle to secure meaningful representation in global organizations and forums. Moreover, Somalia's dependency on external aid underscores its vulnerability, often limiting its bargaining power in negotiations3.
Despite these challenges, Somalia has shown glimpses of diplomatic potential. Its membership in the African Union and partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations highlight opportunities for the country to engage constructively. However, Somalia must transition from a reactive stance—dependent on external intervention—to a proactive diplomatic approach. This requires addressing internal governance issues, building institutional capacity, and prioritizing training for diplomats who can articulate Somalia’s interests effectively on the global stage.
The Power of Restraint and Strategic Alliances
The concept of restraint, as emphasized by Jevons, is crucial for Somalia’s diplomatic revival. Restraint in foreign policy does not signify passivity but rather a strategic focus on long-term goals over short-term gains. Somalia’s strategic location along major maritime trade routes offer an avenue to strengthen ties with global powers, such as the United States and China, by positioning itself as a vital partner in ensuring regional security and trade stability.
Ambassador Caroline Kennedy’s diplomatic tenure offers contemporary lessons for Somalia. Kennedy’s ability to balance assertiveness with diplomacy—chiding a journalist for interrupting a female reporter while addressing critical issues like national sovereignty—illustrates the nuanced art of diplomatic engagement. Somalia’s leaders can adopt a similar approach, using assertive yet respectful diplomacy to advocate for their nation’s interests while fostering partnerships grounded in mutual respect.
Caroline Kennedy urges calm on Donald Trump in farewell address as US ambassador to Australia.
The outgoing US ambassador Caroline Kennedy has tried to reassure Australia about the implications of a second Trump presidency, while declaring that the Albanese government's nuclear-powered submarine plan4 is an "existential investment in Australia's sovereignty." The ambassador also criticized the vaccine scepticism embraced by her cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr, who Donald Trump has tapped to be the head of the US health agency, labelling her cousin's views "dangerous".
Leveraging Global and Regional Partnerships
Somalia’s engagement with global partnerships, including the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), has been instrumental in countering terrorism and stabilizing the country. The recent diplomatic initiatives surrounding the AUKUS pact, highlighted by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, underscore the significance of alliances in safeguarding sovereignty and achieving national goals. For Somalia, forging alliances with countries that share its developmental aspirations and security concerns can amplify its voice in international platforms.
Somalia can chart a path toward becoming a respected member of the international community. Addressing its diplomatic deficit, practicing strategic restraint, and fostering global partnerships are essential steps in this journey. By adopting a visionary approach to diplomacy, Somalia can transcend its troubled past, secure its sovereignty, and contribute meaningfully to global peace and development. In doing so, Somalia not only reclaims its place on the global stage but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of diplomacy.
The above is personal view on Somalia’s progress in the global scene, purely for academic reasons. Comments, feedback as always welcome. Saty tuned for the forthcoming book of Hussien Mohamoud, a former Somali diplomat and I on this subject. Hussain and I are fans of JFK, Caroline and Robert F. Kennedy, we spent a lot of time at the USIS library in Shangani. See also this and this.
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs 101 for Somalia. How many Somali Ambassadors are out there? Appointed by whom? Ambassadors at Large, etc.?
F. B. Jevons, A History Of Greek Literature: From The Earliest Period To The Death Of Demosthenes , see also “Diplomacy: the art of restraining power.” – Henry Kissinger, 56th U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. National Security Advisor and winner of the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize.
“Part of diplomacy is to open different definitions of self-interest.”- Hillary Clinton, 67th U.S. Secretary of State, former New York senator and former First Lady.
“Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions.”- Winston Churchill, U.K. Prime Minister during World War II, and recipient of the 1953 Nobel Prize for Literature.
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”- Sun Tzu, Chinese general and author of “The Art of War”.
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