Carne Ross: An independent diplomat

My Journey Through Diplomacy and Disillusionment

Introduction to Themes

• The speaker's narrative revolves around war, disillusionment, death, and the rediscovery of idealism amidst chaos. This reflects on how to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

• The speaker rejects straightforward narratives, emphasizing a belief in randomness over linear cause-and-effect relationships in life and history.

Early Aspirations and Career Path

• Initially aspired to be a fighter pilot, but due to colorblindness, had to pivot towards a career in diplomacy driven by a long-standing interest in international relations.

• Fascination with global events during childhood, particularly the Cold War and various conflicts, solidified his ambition to become a diplomat. He recalls announcing this desire to his father who expressed skepticism about his capabilities.

Diplomatic Career Highlights

• Joined the British Foreign Service in 1989, entering an elite group where only 20 out of 5,000 applicants succeeded that year. His experiences included significant roles such as heading the Middle East Peace Process section.

• Engaged directly with key figures like Yasser Arafat and participated in negotiations regarding Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction while serving on the U.N. Security Council from New York City.

Experiences During Critical Times

• Describes living through dramatic diplomatic moments post-9/11 while stationed in New York City; he was involved in drafting resolutions condemning terrorist attacks shortly after they occurred. This period was marked by both high-profile diplomacy and personal enjoyment of city life as a single diplomat.

Reflection on Disillusionment

• After returning from New York, he felt exhausted and disillusioned with his work despite its excitement; this prompted him to take a sabbatical for self-reflection at the New School before transitioning into another role within the U.N., specifically focusing on Kosovo administration.

• His involvement with an official inquiry into intelligence used for justifying the Iraq War revealed critical insights: he testified that government assessments exaggerated threats posed by Iraq's WMD capabilities, highlighting systemic issues within intelligence operations leading up to war decisions.

The Crisis of Conscience: A Diplomat's Dilemma

The Decision to Resign

• The speaker reflects on the government's disregard for alternatives to war, leading to a personal crisis regarding his testimony that criticized colleagues and ministers for waging war based on falsehoods.

• He describes a pivotal moment reminiscent of a scene from "The Insider," where he felt something was fundamentally broken in his ability to serve as a diplomat.

• The discomfort of resigning is likened to jumping off a cliff; although unsettling, he finds some solace in the ongoing fall rather than standing still in uncertainty.

Reflections on Kosovo

• In Kosovo, witnessing riots in March 2004 profoundly impacted him, highlighting the chaos when authorities fail to control violence and anarchy.

• The riots were fueled by the disenfranchisement of Kosovars from their future, as they were excluded from diplomatic negotiations about their status.

Inspiration for Independent Diplomat

• The speaker emphasizes that while there were multiple reasons for the riots, one significant factor was the lack of representation for Kosovars in discussions affecting them directly.

• His wife suggested advising the Kosovar government on diplomacy since they lacked formal diplomatic support during critical negotiations known as the Final Status Process.

Establishment of Independent Diplomat

• This idea led to founding Independent Diplomat, aimed at providing diplomatic advisory services as a non-profit organization.

• After proposing his advisory role to the Kosovo prime minister over dinner, he received enthusiastic support and began working with successive governments.

Expanding Influence and Advisory Roles

• Independent Diplomat has grown significantly, now advising various political groups globally including Northern Cyprus and opposition movements in Burma and Southern Sudan.

• The organization also engages with island states concerning climate change negotiations ahead of major international summits.

Innovation in Diplomacy: A New Approach

The Influence of Business on Diplomatic Strategies

• The speaker worked at an innovation company called ?What If!, which inspired new diplomatic strategies for groups like the Kosovars and Saharawis.

• They emphasize that diplomacy should be viewed as a problem-solving business, contrasting it with traditional methods that often resist innovation.

• Independent Diplomat incorporates innovative practices learned from ?What If!, such as collaborative brainstorming and utilizing diverse expertise to tackle complex issues.

Lessons from Personal Experience

• The speaker shares a personal lesson about taking risks, suggesting that "falling off a cliff" can lead to transformative experiences.

• They highlight a broader trend of fragmentation in global power dynamics, where state authority is declining and non-state actors are gaining influence.

Responsibility in a Fragmented World

• As states become less effective in addressing global issues, individuals must take greater responsibility for international affairs.

• The interconnectedness of global events means that ignoring international relations is no longer viable; everyone has a role to play.

Challenges within Traditional Institutions

• The U.N. Security Council's focus has shifted from interstate conflicts to internal conflicts involving non-state actors, reflecting current global realities.

• Despite recognizing the need for inclusion of affected parties in discussions, efforts to institutionalize this practice have largely failed.

Innovative Solutions by Independent Diplomat

• Frustrated with traditional lobbying failures, Independent Diplomat aims to facilitate direct meetings between the U.N. Security Council and conflict parties.

• These meetings will allow affected groups to present their perspectives directly to decision-makers, fostering dialogue that has historically been absent.

Political Challenges and the Importance of Action

The Complexity of Political Change

• Acknowledges the difficulty of political endeavors, emphasizing that while the chances of failure are high, success is impossible without effort.

• Reflects on a fundamental shift in personal political views from diplomatic roles to current perspectives, highlighting an evolution in understanding.

• Stresses that outcomes are more significant than processes or technology in achieving political goals.

• Critiques the focus on technology by referencing individuals involved in Iranian demonstrations who face severe consequences, underscoring real-world implications over theoretical discussions.