Word from the Chair: empathy
Despite the persistent worrisome signals coming from Ukraine, it recently emerged that back room talks are taking place between Russia and the United States. There is reason for hope. While the policy trope ‘we do not talk to war criminals or terrorists’ is understandable, conflicts attain resolution at the negotiating table.
Jake Sullivan, the American national security advisor, is engaged in confidential talks with senior Russian officials to reduce risks and misunderstandings. The United States has, so far, been careful not to engage in diplomatic overtures without involving Ukraine. Still noteworthy, Washington has not denied the existence of the talks.
Talking is good. However, more would be necessary. There is increasing recognition that empathy is important in international affairs, just as in inter-personal relations.
Empathy (def.): - human emotion, as well as a process, to have the capacity to understand the feelings of others -.
Empathy is not the same as compassion, sympathy or approval, but rather focuses on the ability to listen to others and understand them. The Center for Empathy in International Affairs is an international organization which tries to promote empathy. Empathy could improve the quality of foreign policy planning and help in conflict prevention and resolution. This requires deep engagement with the ideas, beliefs, motivations, thought processes, and cultural and historical experiences of those we consider the Other. Empathy can build relationships and create trust. By working towards a common perspective on problems, a convergence of norms can emerge, which pave the way for meaningful engagement, including negotiation.
This is hugely difficult but also very necessary. Currently, a common understanding of the issues at stake, which would form a precondition for any steps towards a cease-fire, is lacking. Recently I came across a striking statistic; in the case of the United States, there are more people making music in the armed forces bands than people, simply talking to others, in its diplomatic service.*
On an individual level, empathy is also important, in particular in a world of opposites and confrontation. Simply gaining a deeper understanding of what the other person has to say, can have positive effects in the workplace and in inter-personal relationships. It leads to engagement and a culture of inclusivity. A first important step would to be to see interaction and conversation as an opportunity to learn, instead of a threat to beliefs and values. A logical first question would be; how can I understand you better?** In the International Studies program we train students to ask just these types of questions. Our alumni tell us that cultural sensitivity is one of the major things that they take away from their education. Nobody says showing empathy is easy, but it might just be worth a try.
Recommendations for further reading:
- Center for Empathy in International Affairs: https://www.centerforempathy.org/
- Individual Empathy: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/09/19/empathy-is-the-most-important-leadership-skill-according-to-research/
* https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/10/25/bidens-obsession-with-china/
** https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/books/review/i-never-thought-of-it-that-way-monica-guzman.html