International Diplomatic Review Journal

My Country – Wrong or Right! Ambassador’s Note

A.H. Omari — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

No Abstract

Contemporary Security Milieu: Is it the Right Time for a New United Nations?

Mbaraka Naziad Mkeremy — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The UN was established to maintain international peace and security. In fulfilling this responsibility, the UN adopts a range of measures, including use of diplomacy, Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs), laws, sanctions, negotiations and others. This article examines whether or not it is ripe for the world to have a new institution other than the (UN), which will effectively deal with contemporary and future security challenges. The key argument is that the UN has been failing to effectively fulfil its obligations despite various reforms, which have been taking place. Throughout the discussion, structural functional and neo-functionalism theories have been employed. Data for preparations of the article were collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania by involving respondents with sufficient experience and knowledge on role of the UN in resolving conflicts. The study employed qualitative research approach in obtaining primary and secondary sources for secondary data. Purposive sampling technique was used, whereas in-depth interviews and documentary review were employed to collect data. The study found out that the current UN and its principles have not effectively beenhelpful in mitigating contemporary security challenges. It is projected that the future security environment will be highly complex and therefore, the current UN setup will not be useful in exercising its duties. Accordingly, it is recommended that the current UN needs to be replaced with a new institution.

Towards Effective Use of Digital Diplomacy in Executing Foreign Policy in Tanzania

Mayasa Hamad Mkubwa, Humphrey Mwasongwe, Abbas Abdul Mwalimu — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This article evaluates the use by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Digital Diplomacy for the execution of Tanzania foreign policy. The study used qualitative research approach in gathering data. Interviews and documentary reviews were used to collect data which was analysed through content analysis. The findings disclose that the necessary political will for employing digital diplomacy in the execution of foreign policy is there. The study found that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation is already actively using different digital platforms in its communication. Nevertheless, the government is yet to formulate a specific policy on the use of digital diplomacy, particularly social media, to pursue foreign policy goals. Even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation does not as yet have a proper desk handling digital diplomacy. This paper recommends that the government devise Digital Diplomacy Policy in order to reinforce implementation of foreign policy. In order to reach its objectives, the government should also establish a unit responsible for the management of digital aspects of foreign policy.

Disruption of Terrorist Financing in Tanzania: An Analysis of the Legal and Human Rights Framework

Abdulrahman O.J. Kaniki — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The terrorist incidents that occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s in different parts of the world brought a wakeup call to the law enforcement agencies, the intelligence community and the citizens at large on the threats that are apparent to the global peace and security. The major terrorist attacks have been perpetrated by terrorist groups like the Al Qaida and Al Shabab. Terrorism poses threats and imminent danger to the mankind globally and terrorist acts violate human rights. Some people suffer consequences through spill over effects of the attacks. In Tanzania, the August 7, 1998 terrorist attack where two massive bombs exploded simultaneously outside of the U.S. embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, killing 224 people and injuring 5,000, proved that the country wasnot free from terrorism. It is in this understanding that Tanzania, in a bid to heed an international call to all states to have counterterrorism measures has, in 2002,enacted the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Act contains provisions on disruption of terrorist financing. It is on this note that this paper analyses the legal and human rights framework on prevention of terrorism generally and disruption of terrorist financing in Tanzania in particular. The research whose methodology was secondary method of data collection, has found that those provisions are effective and human rights compliant.

Why Foreign Aid Fails to Deliver Development in African Rural Settings: The Case of Korean Aid in Tanzania

Chediel Nyirenda, Frank Mbelle — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In 2011 KOICA sponsored a model village project in Morogoro region in Tanzania. The aim was to create a prosperous village that would be a model of modern villagization to be emulated by other villages in Morogoro and finally in Tanzania in general. The project drew its philosophy from Saemaul Undong rural development strategy that had been very successful in South Korea. Agricultural equipment was supplied and strategic infrastructure was put in place. Using interviews with village leaders and reviewing village project reports, this paper reports on the performance of foreign aid in this project. Results from content analysis of the collected data shows that, once again, modernization development models like the Harrod-Domar and Nurkse‟s Vicious Circle of Poverty have failed to deliver development, contrary to the belief that what poor rural settings need is capital from outside. This is partly because some important socioeconomic and cultural factors were overlooked or underestimated when conceiving and implementing the project. The efficiency of the injected capital was seriously affected by lack of ownership, poor feasibility assessment, lack of accountability as well as wrong timing of the project. It is suggested that small business models would work better than village communal projects.

The Role of Social Media Platforms in Transforming Diplomatic Correspondence

Symphrosa Chacha, Janeth Malleo — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study focused on examining the role of social media in transforming diplomatic practices. The study used a qualitative research design whereby in-depth interviews (IDI) and secondary data were used in data collection. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample of five diplomatic missions and international organizations engaged in the study. Content analysis was used to analyse data gathered for this study. The study findings revealed that Facebook and Twitter were the most used social media platforms for communicating and interacting with the diplomatic community. Findings unveiled that there is a clear indication that the usage of social media platforms in executing diplomatic functions among institutions has brought some useful results. The study concludes that social media has become an important component that plays a significant role for diplomats to obtain relevant information on different aspects of economic, political and social development. The study recommends that despite its importance, there is a need for embassies, international organizations and honorary consulates to have an understanding of the influence of social media on enhancing interactions between states and non-state actors in international relations and diplomacy.

Impact of Non-Tariff Barriers on Regional Trade: A Case of Namanga One Stop Border Post

Latifah A. Omary, Lenny M. Mwijarubi — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study highlights the impact of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) on trade in East Africa. It examines the impact of non-tariff barriers on intra-regional trade. The study focuses on the Tanzania and Kenya border, specifically the Namanga One Stop Border Post (OSBP). Regional economic theory was used as the basis of the study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches where primary and secondary data where used. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample which involved 60 respondents. Using content analysis, data was transcribed and the study discovered several NTBs that impede trade. These include import bans, multiple quality checks and weighbridges, police roadblocks, and standards of packaging. The study recommends the upgrade of the network system and revision of NTB laws in order to address the effects NTBs are having on trade in the EAC in general and between Tanzania and Kenya specifically.

Possibility of Democratic Peace in Africa: A Lesson Drawn from Botswana

Godwin Gonde Amani — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Starting with a general understanding and application of the term democracy, specifically Western Liberal Democracy, this paper uses the case of Botswana as an example of a possibility of peaceful transition of government in Africa. The paper majors on the views of Robert Dahl, particularly on what democracy is and how democratic societies and their governments should be formed and behave. The paper also sets the foundation of its arguments on what has been termed „democratic peace‟. The paper then uses this background to assess the behaviour of the state of Botswana in terms of democratic peace theory and the views of Robert Dahl to gauge out the political possibilities of peaceful transition of political power in Africa through democratic elections. The paper concludes that democracy can be a factor for peaceful transition of political power, taking lessons from Botswana‟s history of political stability and peaceful elections over 40 years.

Impact of Telecommunications Technology on Human Security: A Case of Tanzania

Einot Zablon Mose, Darius Mukiza, Albert Memba — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the impact of telecommunications technology to human security of Tanzania. The study employed a cross- sectional research design, and the sample size of the study was 120 respondents. Data were collected through open and close-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews administered to staff from Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the police, selected mobile operators as well as mobile phone subscribers. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied for quantitative data while content analysis was adopted for qualitative data. Results revealed that identity theft, terrorism, money laundering, online money theft, human trafficking and drug trafficking were security threats aggravated by telecommunications technology. Also, the motivation factors for committing cybercrimes include poverty (financial gain), religious and political ideologies, and violent extremism. It is concluded that telecommunications technology aggravates security challenges, and it is suggested that the government should take institutional measures in developing cyber security culture in the fight against security threats.

Professor Honest Prosper Ngowi: In Memorium

Chris Maina Peter — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

No Abstract