When animosity between two conflicting parties escalates beyond rhetoric to the threat of war, rational persons remind them of the importance of dialogue in order to restore normalcy. However, a number of conditions need to be fulfilled for holding a successful dialogue. Looking at the contemporary world, one may recall those conditions.

Relevance of dialogue: Historical, geographical and cultural aspects are quite important for holding peaceful negotiations. In a larger context, it can be said that the West has become such a strong and aggressive civilisation in the last five centuries that people living in any part of the world, irrespective of their language, religion, civilisation and culture, have to interact with the West on any given issue. On the other hand, the dialogue between an Asian country and a Latin American country shall be based mainly on curiosity and goodwill.

Willingness to hold a dialogue: Dialogue requires willingness or warmth. In the era of fake news, people often prefer to get involved in an armed conflict with their enemies, instead of resolving the issue through peaceful negotiation.

Types of dialogue: It is necessary to have some knowledge about whom to talk to and how the words should be used. In other words, one has to be aware of the other’s culture, knowledge, politeness and mannerism in order to exchange ideas. The outcome of discussions depends on the style of conversation.

Dialogue is basically based on trust and credibility. If the two parties cannot trust each other, the dialogue would not progress. Hence, it is important to gain others’ trust before holding talks. And, it is quite difficult to gain trust in an atmosphere of hatred. It is also not possible to hold talks with a person (or group) having vested interest or a particular motive. In fact, gaining trust is a process and there is no guarantee that the process would be a successful one. Anyone willing to engage in dialogue even in hostile conditions must keep in mind that there would always be a possibility of misunderstanding. Therefore, starting a dialogue means taking a risk without which there would be no dialogue. Diplomats are well aware of the fact that dialogue is not a safe process.

Dialogue also requires open mindedness, as well as mutual respect. However, it is difficult to keep our mind open. Once, Martin Heidegger (September 26, 1889 – May 26, 1976) stated: “Both talking and hearing are based upon understanding. And understanding arises neither through talking at length (vieles Reden) nor through busily hearing something ‘all around’. Only he who already understands can listen (zuhören).” (Being and Time; 1927) According to the German philosopher, it is important “to hear that which I do not already understand“. Unfortunately, Heidegger did not explain how one could prepare her/himself to hear something which seems familiar to her/him, but is actually unfamiliar.

Hatred is another factor that could be responsible for communication failure. There may be grievances towards one another, but hatred can destroy the atmosphere of discussions. The most difficult condition for effective dialogue is to overcome hatred and very few people can do that.

As these conditions are not met, conflicts are going on in different parts of the globe. The international community has failed to address a number of important, as well as sensitive, issues because of their arrogant attitude in the 21st Century. From diplomats to leaders of World Powers, decision-makers would have to understand the importance of dialogue and to use the right words at the right place and at the right time.

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Published by Koushik Das

Koushik Das (born on May 16, 1976 in Kolkata) is a career journalist. Based in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Koushik writes mainly about foreign policies and current geopolitical issues, and rarely about other topics. His own political ideas are highly influenced by Antonio Gramsci, Louis Althusser, Michel Foucault, Michael Oakeshott and others. English philosopher and political theorist Oakeshott (Dec 11, 1901-Dec 19, 1990) says that “in political activity, men sail a boundless and bottomless sea. There is neither harbour for shelter nor floor for anchorage, neither starting-place, nor appointed destination. But we have to keep afloat”. (Rationalism in Politics, 1962) As a student of Political Science, Koushik loves to share his views on issues, which have great impacts on his thought process (and also on India, South Asia and of course on the global community), with his readers through his website – Boundless Ocean of Politics. By doing so, he tries to keep himself afloat. You will find some of his articles in https://inserbia.info/today/ (https://inserbia.info/today/author/kou_das13_i/), as he has been trying to assess the global geopolitics since 2003. You can also mail him at kousdas@gmail.com View all posts by Koushik Das