Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN Rudy Insanally has launched a book documenting his experiences and thoughts on the art of diplomacy.

“Multilateral Diplomacy for Small States” draws on the ambassador’s more than 40 years at the diplomatic level to act as a guide for the eponymous countries, analysing their particular vulnerabilities and the potential for overcoming them.

“The world situation has become increasingly complex and chaotic. To the historical challenges to peace, stability and development has been added a myriad of new threats such as global warming, terrorism and other trans-boundary phenomena.

It is generally agreed however that multilateral cooperation is a sensible way to the resolution of some of our problems. The international community however is yet to summon up the political will necessary to create a stronger system of international collaboration to resolve our common difficulties,” Insanally told the audience at Friday’s launch at the Pegasus.

EU Ambassador in Georgetown Robert Kopecky peruses the book.

The potential of multilateralism, he added, remained largely untapped and he noted that its efficacy was readily evident in nearly every area of human endeavour. The UN, for example, was touted as one such multilateral effort that has borne fruit. However, Insanally posits in the book that the structures of global governance have become largely ineffective and multilateralism should be the basis for international relations going forward

“The book calls on governments of small states to be more imaginative and inventive in forging the diplomacy that best serves their needs and circumstances. Too often we try to keep up with the Joneses only to find that we can’t,” the Guyanese diplomat stated.

The book covers topics such as peace; security; democracy; human rights and the environment from the perspective of the small states.  Insanally said the book was dedicated to Ministry of Foreign Affairs which hosted Friday’s event.

His successor at the ministry, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, lauded his contribution to Guyana and international diplomacy. Insanally, who entered the foreign service in 1966, has served as Guyana's ambassador to Venezuela and Belgium and on a non-resident basis to several other countries. His international posts have included President of the UN General Assembly and Chairman of the Group of 77.

Insanally said part proceeds from the sale of the book will be used as a prize for aspiring diplomats. Copies were presented to representatives of the National Library, the University of Guyana library and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.  

Also in attendance were the envoys from the US, the UK and the EU along with other dignitaries from the local and international community.

“Multilateral Diplomacy for Small States” is on sale at Austin’s Bookstore.