In Diplomats Without Borders, we speak with Jorge Heine, a Research Professor and Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer Range Future. Heine, a prominent figure in international relations and a founding board member of the organization, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his current roles. With an extensive background as a former ambassador to China, India, and South Africa, Heine offers valuable insights into global diplomacy. In this interview, we delve into his perspectives on multilateralism, the concept of active non-alignment in Latin America, and the vital role that Diplomats Without Borders plays in addressing global challenges.
From Law to International Relations
Heine's passion for international affairs was ignited during his law school years at the University of Chile. A chance encounter with the Institute of International Studies, modeled after London's Chatham House, exposed him to discussions on global crises, dependency theory, and Cold War dynamics. This experience proved far more captivating than his law studies, setting the stage for his future career in diplomacy.
Active Non-Alignment: A New Approach for Latin America
In response to the challenges faced by Latin American countries, Heine co-authored a book proposing "active non-alignment" as a foreign policy strategy. This approach emerged from the region's struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crises, and increasing U.S.-China tensions. The concept encourages Latin American nations to adopt a more independent stance in international affairs.
Diplomats Without Borders: Leveraging Diplomatic Expertise
As a founding board member of Diplomats Without Borders (DWB), Jorge Heine demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing global challenges through diplomatic means. His involvement with the organization spans several key areas, reflecting his dedication to its mission and growth. One of Heine's primary contributions has been in membership recruitment. He took on the task of expanding DWB's network, successfully helping to grow the organization to around 80 members. This expansion has significantly enhanced DWB's capacity to pursue its objectives and undertake various initiatives.
Heine has also been actively involved in fundraising efforts for the organization. Currently, Heine is focusing on exploring potential collaborations between DWB and CARICOM (Caribbean Community). He sees significant opportunities for DWB to assist the Caribbean region, which faces numerous challenges. This aligns with his experience in diplomatic training with Caribbean nations.
Heine strongly believes in the importance of DWB's mission, especially in the current global context characterized by multiple crises. He views the organization as a valuable platform for leveraging the extensive experience of former diplomats and international civil servants, giving them the opportunity to significantly contribute to international relations and conflict resolution, even after their formal diplomatic careers have concluded. In his perspective, this collective expertise can be instrumental in working towards building a more peaceful world.
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