It is important to note that diplomacy is a dynamic field with developments happening on an ongoing basis. However, here are ten significant developments in international diplomacy that occurred in the year (2021) based on their global impact and relevance:
1. COVID-19 Vaccine Diplomacy: Countries engaged in vaccine diplomacy to provide COVID-19 vaccines to other nations, shaping geopolitical relationships and influencing global public health dynamics.
2. United States’ Return to Multilateralism: The United States under the Biden administration re-engaged with international organizations such as rejoining the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, signaling a shift towards a more multilateral approach.
3. Global Climate Diplomacy: The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow resulted in key commitments from countries to combat climate change, including revised emission reduction targets, financial pledges, and initiatives against deforestation.
4. Afghanistan Withdrawal and Evacuations: The withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan led to a rapid Taliban takeover, triggering a complex diplomatic effort to evacuate citizens and vulnerable groups, highlighting the challenges of ending lengthy conflicts.
5. Israel-Arab Diplomatic Normalization: The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, saw further diplomatic normalization between Israel and Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, leading to economic, security, and regional stability implications.
6. Indo-Pacific Relations: The Quad, comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, held its first in-person summit, affirming the group’s growing significance in shaping regional security, economic cooperation, and countering Chinese influence.
7. Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Controversy: The completion of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany sparked debates over energy security, Russian influence, and strained transatlantic relations.
8. European Union-China Investment Deal Scrapped: The European Union halted its ratification process for the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) with China, citing concerns over human rights violations, straining diplomatic relations between the two entities.
9. Myanmar Coup and International Response: The military coup in Myanmar sparked international condemnation, with diplomatic efforts focused on restoring democracy and addressing human rights violations, leading to sanctions and diplomatic efforts by various nations.
10. Crisis in Ethiopia: The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region spurred international diplomacy efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and encourage dialogue between the Ethiopian government and Tigray regional forces.
Please note that the ranking and inclusion of these developments may vary based on different perspectives and the specific time frame considered.