Ambassador Faily on Diplomacy Beyond the Nation-State

Diplomacy Beyond the Nation-State

June 29, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC – The Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security welcomed the Ambassador of Iraq, His Excellency Lukman Faily, at a roundtable discussion with fellow ambassadors from Chile, Czech Republic, Morocco and Singapore to discuss diplomacy beyond the nation-state with regards to the 2015 QDDR (Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review). Joining them in the discussion chaired by Atlantic Council President & CEO, Frederick Kempe was Hon. Paula Dobriansky and the Special Representative for the QDDR, Hon. Thomas Perriello.

QDDR provides forward thinking solutions towards advancing America’s interests in global security, bilateral prosperity, and the interests of human value and freedom. QDDR identifies major global and operational trends that constitute threats or opportunities, identifies priorities and strategic reforms, to ensure our civilian institutions are in the strongest position to shape and respond to a rapidly globalizing world.

Ambassador Faily discussed the multitude of global challenges that nations face today. Most notably, Ambassador Faily cited the need for inter-connectivity and agility that the state must display with the influx of information. He explained that non-state actors have shown to be much quicker at adapting to cyber advancements and innovations – a responsibility that nations are notorious for failing to improve. Consequently, governments should adapt their institutional structures to leverage, teach, and create innovation.

Ambassador Faily also highlighted the importance of cyber technology’s integration into state diplomacy moving forward. “Technological advancements tell me, that I need to be efficient and for the United States need to be more informal. The world we live in operates in real time,” said the Ambassador.

With regards to Iraq and the challenges it faces beyond nation-states, is of course the global threat of Daesh. Ambassador Faily thanked the United States and international allies for their help in the past 12 years and their continued assistance in fighting terrorism in Iraq. The citizens of Iraq are courageous and resilient throughout their struggle with terrorism. However, the Ambassador stressed the need to increase dialogue with fellow countries to defeat threats from rogue actors such as Daesh.

Ambassador Faily explained that Daesh tries to replicate itself as a state actor without assuming the responsibility for citizens. The populace occupied by Daesh suffers but through the efficient and cost effective integration of modern technology, Daesh has been deflecting that crisis. Iraq and the international community must adapt and seek innovative ways to combat Daesh.