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Checkbook diplomacy is the use of economic power as a political tool to cultivate favor with specific nations or contribute to global diplomacy. It can take many forms, from financial support for military actions to low-interest loan agreements. China and Taiwan have used checkbook diplomacy to be recognized by foreign powers. Some see it as an attempt to buy diplomatic favors, while others use it to strengthen diplomatic ties. Critics believe nations should provide physical effort to build relationships instead of relying on money.
Checkbook diplomacy involves using economic clout as a political tool, to cultivate favor with specific nations, or to contribute in some way to global diplomacy. This type of diplomacy can take many forms, ranging from offers of financial support for military actions to special low-interest loan agreements for developing countries. Some nations have been criticized for their use of checkbook diplomacy, perhaps most notably the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China, which rules the island of Taiwan.
In the case of China and Taiwan, both nations have spent large sums of money to be officially recognized by other foreign powers. They contributed foreign aid, invested in other nations, and cultivated powerful trade deals with potential allies. Both nations hoped to use money as a tool, essentially buying the respect of the international community; in the case of the ROC, checkbook diplomacy appeared to work, with several governments officially recognizing the ROC after its extensive campaign.
Checkbook diplomacy can take other forms as well. For example, both Japan and Germany reduced military capabilities as part of their terms of surrender after World War II. As a result, these nations have historically had difficulty supporting international military efforts. However, both have healthy economies and have provided substantial funding to military efforts and policing around the world so as to demonstrate a desire to cooperate internationally.
As can be seen from the above two examples, sometimes checkbook diplomacy looks suspiciously like an attempt to buy diplomatic favors, while other times it is simply used to strengthen diplomatic ties. Many nations engage in checkbook diplomacy to varying degrees, using their economic power to provide aid to disaster victims, negotiate trade relations, and support international organizations. Increased economic cooperation around the world is often cited as a positive, especially when aid reaches badly needed developing nations.
Some critics of checkbook diplomacy believe it is too far away and that nations should instead roll up their sleeves and help the international community. For example, after a major disaster, funds certainly come in handy, but so are doctors, engineers, and a wide variety of other personnel. These critics sometimes liken checkbook diplomacy to an absent parent trying to bribe a neglected child with toys, rather than putting in the physical effort necessary to build a strong relationship.
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