THE ART OF DIPLOMATIC PROTEST AND ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN THE MODERN SOCIETY

Abstract

Disputes over territorial borders or disagreements over trade and alliances between sovereign states, empires and caliphates have always been resolved through acts of protesting by emissaries and envoys. Such acts were practised from ancient and mediaeval times until now to fulfil significant purposes: deterring military intertwining, deescalating tension and reducing military activities whenever discontent or disapproval between states occurs. The objective of such practice is not only to avoid war but also to express discontent or disapproval upon sovereignty issues, human rights violations, and other sensitive disputes. Through qualitative methodology, this research offers to investigate the scope of diplomatic protest, the variety of forms of diplomatic protest and, significantly, its effectiveness in suppressing tension in modern society, especially in Malaysia in the ASEAN region. The research extends its critical argument through India-Pakistan tension over the Kashmir dispute. It is hoped that the findings of this research will achieve the benefits bestowed on modern society and Malaysia specifically. The findings are highly context-dependent and vary on a fact-by-fact basis, with power dynamics intertwined and the political will between parties to resolve the issues in a constructive dialogue.