The Power of Diplomacy in Resolving Regional Disputes

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Over the years, the world has witnessed several regional conflicts that pose significant challenges to international peace and stability. Prime example of which is Ukraine crisis which started in 2014 and continues till date. 

The conflict that started between Ukraine and Russia because of a political dispute quickly escalated into a war in which many innocent lives were lost and a lot of destruction took place. 

Despite the dire circumstances, the power of diplomacy has proved to be an important instrument in resolving regional disputes.

Ukraine Crisis: What is it?

Ukraine is a nation the size of Texas sandwiched between Europe and Russia. Until 1991, it was a part of the Soviet Union, and since then it has been a less than ideal democracy with a very weak economy and a pro-Russian and pro-European foreign policy that is optional.

In 2013, President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an agreement for further integration with the European Union. This sparked widespread protests, which Yanukovych than tried to quell forcefully. Yanukovych was supported by Russia during the crisis, while the demonstrators were backed by the US and Europe.

Many significant events have taken place since then. Yanukovych was driven out of the nation in February as a result of anti-government demonstrations. The following month, Russia attacked and annexed Crimea in an effort to regain its lost influenced in Ukraine. Eastern Ukraine’s separatist militants started annexing territory in April. 

On July 17, the rebels mistakenly killed 298 people when they fired down Malaysia Airlines flight 17. As fighting between the rebels and Ukrainian forces grew more intense and the insurgents began to lose, the Russian army openly invaded eastern Ukraine to back the rebels in August. 

All of this led to the worst state of relations between the West and Russia since the end of the Cold War. The Russian economy is on the verge of recession due to sanctions, and over 2,500 people have been killed as result. 

The Role of Diplomacy in Resolving the Crisis

Ukraine Crisis was such an issue which had become very complex and military alone could not resolve this issue. Diplomacy proved to be a very important tool in resolving the crisis, with some diplomatic efforts made since the conflict began.

• The goal of a flurry of diplomatic efforts was to defuse the situation.
• The United Nations played a significant role in resolving Ukraine Crisis. The United Nations helped millions of people who left their homes, provided shelter, medical treatment and food to those people. Also, the UN was involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. 
• The Minsk process was very helpful as it intended a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Kiev and the rebels supported by Russia within Ukraine. 

Challenges to Diplomatic Efforts

There were some challenges faced to resolve the Ukraine Crisis as despite the power of diplomacy, Russia was not willing to participate in the diplomatic efforts which makes it very difficult to come to mutual terms leading the unresolved case of Ukraine Crisis. 

The second challenge was the trust issues between the parties that were indulged in the conflict. Ukraine and Russia were not trusting each other and this was resulting in the failure of conflict resolution.

The Way Forward

Despite the issues faced, the power of diplomacy remains a very significant tool in resolving the Ukraine Crisis. Diplomatic efforts are considered under-rated, but they are very helpful in resolving regional disputed. 

The International community should think about it and should continue the diplomatic efforts to stop the destruction because it is only harming people and affecting the lives of innocent people. 

Regional organizations should take part in diplomatic efforts to strengthen it. Also, the underlying economic and political issues should be addressed to strengthen the diplomatic efforts. 

Conclusion

So, do you understand how the power of diplomacy is helpful in resolving the regional disputes? International communities should consider diplomatic efforts as a helpful instrument in resolving the conflicts and saving the humans from these circumstances so that their life won’t get affected with all these issues and both the oppositions live peacefully. 

The power of Diplomacy in resolving the Ukraine Crisis was shown when the opposing countries signed the Minsk agreement and coming to a mutual terms to spread peace. This shows the power of diplomacy in resolving Regional disputes. 

Diplomacy shows how conflicts can be resolved through negotiation and come to mutual terms to spread peace. Diplomacy has the power to make two rivals talk together and come to mutual terms by exchanging ideas and other things.