Contesting Diplomacy: Global Tensions in the Midst of War In an increasingly connected world, diplomacy has become an important tool in creating peace and stability. However, global tensions continue to increase, especially with the many regional-scale conflicts that threaten international security. One significant example is war between major powers involving complex geopolitical strategies and economic influence. These tensions are not only related to military power, but are also rooted in issues such as trade, resources, and political alliances. Countries such as the US, Russia, and China are engaged in intensive, mutually influencing power games. This uncertainty forces small and medium-sized countries to review their foreign policies, in order to survive in a dynamic geopolitical climate. One policy that has attracted attention is “pandemic diplomacy,” in which countries seek to improve their international reputation through handling the global health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic shows how important multidimensional collaboration is, involving various actors, from governments to international institutions. Creating a collaborative network can reduce tensions while creating communication channels to avoid misunderstandings. Each country is also trying to secure their position on the world stage by strengthening strategic alliances. NATO and ASEAN, for example, are important platforms for creating understanding and preventing conflict. This diplomacy, although sometimes colored by national interests, remains an important step to create stability. In this context, the media also plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion around issues of global tension. Geopolitical news, analysis and commentary can speed up or slow down the diplomatic process between countries in conflict. For example, the spread of inaccurate information can inflame emotions and generate distrust. Agreements obtained through diplomatic negotiations have long-term impacts. Agreements, whether addressing trade or disarmament issues, form the foundation for bilateral relations and multilateralism. However, the need to maintain a balance of power among major powers may create reluctance in reaching an agreement. This is often seen in climate change negotiations, where short-term economic interests versus long-term environmental interests are important considerations. Furthermore, information technology and social media have changed the way diplomacy occurs. Countries are now using digital platforms to build their image and convey their messages directly. This makes diplomacy more open, but also more complex due to the higher risk of misinformation. As a result, diplomats must have high adaptability to communicate effectively in the digital era. From an academic perspective, the importance of relations between countries in a global context has been widely discussed, especially in studies of international security, international relations and peace studies. Good knowledge of the history, culture and economy of other countries can bring many benefits in strengthening diplomacy. The increasing tensions in various parts of the world show that diplomacy is not an easy solution. It requires commitment, cooperation and political will from all parties. Effective diplomacy must not only face current challenges but must also pay attention to future projections, where new problems such as climate change and social injustice could trigger further conflict. ÉContinuous diplomatic evaluation and adaptation to change are key for countries to navigate challenging paths in the global political arena.
