Faith Based Diplomacy

Faith Based Diplomacy-The Challenge to Development is not just another book on diplomacy. It is a book in its own class. Concisely written and imbued with pragmatism, it outlines a vision of hope to poverty-stricken people making a concerted effort to improve their situations. Based on practical experience and influenced by faith, Ambassador James John Chikago’s book is useful reading for those possessing faith based values; specifically, people believing that God created the Universe before creating mankind and those sensitive individuals aware that poverty is not a permanent condition relegated to any specific ethnic identity. Beginning with the early pages, Chikago defines 'diplomacy' as statesmanship, disavowing the assumption that diplomacy is a new invention by modern states. Instead, the author shows how the Holy Bible makes references to diplomacy in the books of 2 Samuel 10:2, 2 Corinthians 5:20, and Ephesians 6:20 With the consolidation of democratic regimes and the flowering of democracy worldwide, the author explores the problems diplomatic missions from developing countries face in the world’s new political environment. For instance, he extols those ordinary citizens in developing countries who courageously question the status quo of resident diplomatic missions in search for something better, but also deplores public anger for performance improvements at diplomatic missions explaining that such anger is misdirected because diplomatic missions are not independent entities. The author contends that governments in developing countries have acted responsibly by implementing development diplomacy as a strategy for improving the performance at diplomatic missions. While the change to development diplomacy has aroused a sense of optimism among some citizens, the author cautions that many unwisely place too much hope in political systems and man-made solutions alone. Ambassador Chikago reminds readers of the prophet’s promise in Isaiah 44:2a; 'He who made you will help you'. He also notes that Pastor/author Rick Warren(Purpose Driven Life) has stated that no person was born by mistake, and that God has a purpose for all of us ; God plans who will be born and when. In other words, while adopting development diplomacy is a positive step, it is not a silver bullet and it means little without God’s blessings. The resolution of poverty in developing countries will be realized through prayers and by asking God for an awakening to correct value systems. Faith Based Diplomacy- The Challenge to Development is a thoughtful and stimulating discussion for politicians, the diplomatic community, bureaucrats and students of diplomacy everywhere.