The Clinton Global Initiative. A Role Model for 21st Century Diplomacy?

Bachelor Thesis , 2013 , 99 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Politics - Topic: International relations

This paper has taken the discourse on changes in global diplomacy as a foundation for an in-depth case study of the Clinton Global Initiative which appeared and proved to be an excellent example for the realization of recent trends in real politics. By applying a mixed-methodology, the organizational structure and membership were investigated as to effectively be able to make statements about the initiative’s approach towards the global issue of climate change. Via a consecutive comparison to the state-centric United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, strengths and weaknesses of the Clinton Global Initiative as an international organization could be identified, and recommendations could be given as to how modern diplomacy could be designed more effectively. This research sets out to answer the following questions: 1. How does the Clinton Global Initiative address contemporary global issues, specifically climate change? 2. What lessons can other international organizations such as the UN learn from the Clinton Global Initiative for the practice of diplomacy?

Recent trends such as the communications revolution and the increasing importance of transnational non-state actors have led to increasing levels of global interdependence. At the same time, global public goods issues such as pollution, poverty, or health call for collective action at a worldwide scale. Both trends are interrelated and have led academics to recognize a development towards a “new diplomacy” that is characterized by a growing involvement of public and private actors from civil society and the business world, by flat hierarchies and inter-sectoral partnerships, by an increasing impact of individuals, and by flexible and solution-focused approaches. There is no agreed position as to whether this “new diplomacy” is to be placed in opposition to more traditional, state-centric accounts of diplomacy, or whether it rather adds to a polycentric world system.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Literature Review
  • 2.1 What is Diplomacy?
  • 2.2 “New Diplomacy” in a Multipolar World
    • 2.2.1 Global Interdependence
    • 2.2.2 Key Characteristics of “New Diplomacy”
    • 2.2.3 Partnerships, “Philanthrocapitalism” and Elite Groups
  • 2.3 Characteristics of Traditional Diplomacy
  • 2.4 Climate Change Governance
    • 2.4.1 The Global Issue of Climate Change
    • 2.4.2 State Actors and International Organizations
    • 2.4.3 Non-State Actors and Multi-Level Partnerships
• 3. Methodology
  • 3.1 Epistemological and Ontological Position
  • 3.2 Case Study Research
  • 3.3 Commitment Analysis
    • 3.3.1 Statistical Analysis
    • 3.3.2 Qualitative Content Analysis
  • 3.4 Qualitative in-depth Interviews
    • 3.4.1 Interviewees
    • 3.4.2 Themes and Questioning
    • 3.4.3 Interview Style and Technique
    • 3.4.4 Transcription and Analysis
    • 3.4.5 Ethical Considerations
  • 3.5 Comparative Analysis
• 4. Findings
  • 4.1 Statistical Analysis
    • 4.1.1 Number and Estimated Value
    • 4.1.2 Actors
    • 4.1.3 Regional Focus
    • 4.1.4 Approaches towards Climate Change
    • 4.1.5 Length
  • 4.2 Content Analysis
    • 4.2.1 Board
    • 4.2.2 Players
    • 4.2.3 Stakes
    • 4.2.4 Moves
  • 4.3 Qualitative Interviews
    • 4.3.1 Board
    • 4.3.2 Players
    • 4.3.3 Stakes
    • 4.3.4 Moves
  • 4.4 The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    • 4.4.1 Board
    • 4.4.2 Players
    • 4.4.3 Stakes
    • 4.4.4 Moves
• 5. Discussion
  • 5.1 The Clinton Global Initiative - a TOWS-Matrix
    • 5.1.1 Threats
    • 5.1.2 Opportunities
    • 5.1.3 Weaknesses
    • 5.1.4 Strengths
  • 5.2 Traditional and New Diplomacy Exemplified by CGI and UNFCCC
• 6. Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis investigates the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) as an example of “new diplomacy” and its role in addressing global issues, particularly climate change. It explores the organizational structure, membership, and approach of the CGI and compares it to the more traditional state-centric approach exemplified by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

• The evolution of diplomacy in a multipolar world
• The role of non-state actors in global governance
• The effectiveness of multi-level partnerships in addressing global issues
• The strengths and weaknesses of “new diplomacy” models
• The potential for CGI as a model for future diplomacy

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the thesis topic and outlines the research question. It discusses the contemporary context of global diplomacy and the rise of “new diplomacy.”
• Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter provides a theoretical framework for the thesis. It examines the concept of diplomacy, the characteristics of “new diplomacy,” and the challenges of climate change governance. It discusses the involvement of non-state actors and multi-level partnerships in addressing global issues.
• Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter outlines the research methodology used in the thesis. It includes a description of the epistemological and ontological position, the case study research approach, the commitment analysis method, and the qualitative in-depth interviews conducted. It also addresses ethical considerations.
• Chapter 4: Findings: This chapter presents the findings of the research. It includes statistical analysis of CGI commitments, content analysis of CGI documents, and qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with CGI participants. The chapter also includes a comparative analysis of the CGI and the UNFCCC.
• Chapter 5: Discussion: This chapter analyzes the findings and discusses their implications for understanding “new diplomacy” and the role of the CGI in addressing global issues. It considers the strengths and weaknesses of the CGI as a model for future diplomacy.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The core concepts and topics explored in this thesis include global diplomacy, “new diplomacy,” non-state actors, multi-level partnerships, climate change, the Clinton Global Initiative, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The thesis also examines the role of “philanthrocapitalism” and elite groups in addressing global issues.

• College: Sheffield Hallam University (Faculty of Development and Society)
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Sven Marschalek (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 99
• Catalog Number: V539704
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346142764
• ISBN (Book): 9783346142771
• Language: English
• Tags: Clinton Global Initiative, Bill Clinton, Diplomacy, Diplomatie, Nicht-staatliche Akteure, Public-private partnerships, International Relations, Climate Policy, Klimaschutz, UNFCCC