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The Culture of Giving and Receiving Diplomatic Gifts

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The Culture of Giving and Receiving Diplomatic Gifts

Diplomatic gifts are gifts given by politicians, diplomats, or leaders while visiting foreign

countries. The exchange of diplomatic gifts dates back to the ancient world, and there has been

competition among givers to outdo each other in the generosity of their gifts. This culture has

held countries together and made it possible to bridge the abyss of language difficulty. This

paper focuses on the culture of giving and receiving diplomatic gives in the United States,

France, Pakistan, and Japan.

United States

Giving and receiving the diplomatic gift is an essential part of diplomacy as a whole. In

the United States, diplomatic gift-giving is a long historic art considered vital by the leaders, and

thus they have to get prepared for all the circumstances. Every country has varying traditions,

thus making the exchange of diplomatic gifts one of the most challenging protocols. The United

State's breadth of cultural and institutional knowledge ensures that the diplomatic gifts generate

the right mood during the exchange. Diplomatic gifts at the U.S Department of State come in all

sizes and shapes, from woven straw baskets to precious gems (Lopez, 2020). Dignitaries and

leaders exchange gifts to cultivate, honor and welcome mutual diplomatic associations.

In the U.S Diplomacy Center's Collection, numerous gifts embody symbols of esteem

and welcome for the state secretaries while traveling to foreign countries or receiving visitors.

The exchange of diplomatic gifts takes place in the ceremonial climate of toasts, formal

greetings, speeches, and banquets. States gift always captures the nation's essence selected to

exhibit pride in the people and their unique culture. They showcase the traditions of

craftsmanship and display the wealth of the country. The U.S. secretary may select a gift that

contains a personal message. Besides, if there exists a close relationship, the United States may
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offer one kind of a gift based on the interests of the foreign dignitary. The U.S. Department of

State's Protocol Office identifies and wraps diplomatic gifts for the U.S. president and the

Secretary to exchange.

The exchange of diplomatic gifts often recognizes the standings of the United States and

other countries. It formalizes the creation of a formidable relationship between them. Besides,

the gifts serve as tangible reminders of the mutual obligations that such association entailed.

Although the U.S. might reject the gifts deemed too expensive by the law, they are rarely

rejected since they might cause embarrassment to the donor and the U.S. government. A United

States president can receive upwards of 15000 gifts. The National Archives responsible for

recording and storing the gifts call it "enduring the emblems of international cooperation and

friendship."

The United States diplomatic gifts vary from precious stones, pearl shells, and cattle. The

president and other United States leaders give a wide range of gifts incorporating ornament

objects, fine books about the United States, jewelry, or engraved silver objects (Biddle, 2014).

For instance, The US president special envoy, Donald Rumsfeld gifted Iraqi president Saddam

Hussein with spiked torture hammers. Saddam reciprocated with a Syrian soldier video

beheading snakes and stabbing puppies to death. Besides, expensive gifts cannot be given to the

recipient. The gifts worth more than $375 belong to the state and should be handed over.

However, the recipient can decide to buy them for the market value. For instance, Hillary

Clinton, the Secretary of the state, purchased a necklace of two strands of black pearls for $970

(Lopez, 2020). The necklace had been given to her in 2012 as a gift by Aung San Suu Kyi, the

opposition leader of Myanmar. However, the value of the United States' gifts to the foreign

leader is closely guarded and considered by many people as the state's secret.
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France

The culture of diplomacy through the exchange of gifts has a rich and storied history in

France. Several objects on display at the Legion of Honor in France's special exhibition represent

the highly developed culture of gift-giving used by the monarchy to strengthen its rule (Ward,

2021). It has been widely reported that gift cards are the most popular gifts requested. French

decorative diplomatic gifts played a vital role in the diplomatic exchange of gifts during the late

17th century. This was very relevant to France than any other country globally. One of the

underlying policies espoused by Louis XIV and Colbert was France's promotion as the artistic

production center and the manufacturer of luxury goods.

The most significant collections of French 18th century decorative art provide a valuable

point to explore how the Bourbon monarchy used art to bolster its diplomatic activities and

underscore its diplomatic networks (Wintour, 2018). The artistic creativity and achievement

were used to produce diplomatic gifts and thus helped France retain its position at the center of

the luxury market. In diplomacy, the ambassadors of France work together to come to an

agreement and sign treaties where they exchange gifts. The gifts help them to identify how they

feel about each other. The first official contact of the country representative is very vital. Since

gifts do not lie, we can tell a story on the relations of the countries.

Not all diplomatic gifts harbor an elite force of soldiers to overthrow a particular city. It

is well known that France gifted Americans the Statue of Liberty in 1886 (Ward, 2021). The gift

was given to America since it inspired France to revolt against their monarchy after winning

their independence from Britain. The American Revolution changed the shape of the Western

world. It made France commemorate the monumental uprising that contributed to their freedom.

The French customs of giving gifts has both an old and modern approach. It is more subtle and
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thoughtful than the casual gift-giving in the United States because they have very personal and

traditional connotations unless it is for a specific function. France has no specific gift-giving

ritual, and the gifts are mostly filled with sentimental value rather than monetary value.

The type of France’s diplomatic gifts are mostly the decorative arts. Therefore, good taste

is important when exchanging gifts in France. Besides, timing is very vital. French rarely give

gifts during the first meeting. Gifts in France reflect an appreciation of knowledge and the arts

and are deemed not to insult the intelligence of the French associates. Flowers are considered

appropriate when invited to someone's place, but red roses and chrysanthemums should be

avoided since they are for specific occasions (Wintour, 2018). Other appropriate gifts include

champagne or chocolate. Gifting is an integral part of the French culture, and the cost of the gift

is not considered. The French people consider someone having fewer manners to show up as a

guest while empty-handed. The art of gift-giving in the French culture is built in the French style,

etiquette, and savoir-vivre.

Pakistan

During independence from the British, Pakistan inherited its administrative system that

molded on keeping the subjects under strict control. The new political line of the newly born

country did not motivate Pakistan to formulate an original mode of governance (Bukhari, 2020).

Therefore, Pakistan adopted a process left to them by the colonizers. The main issue of this topic

pertains to the laws regarding what to be done and not to be done regarding diplomatic gifts.

Pakistan mainly gifts mangoes to other countries as proof of their growing relations. The

past reveals that the Indian company officials were forbidden from taking diplomatic gifts under

British rule. Certain conventions were needed for the gifts to be accepted by the company

officials, a move which Pakistan adopted. Countries across the world had such repositories to
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store diplomatic gifts. However, the two categories of official recipients of diplomatic gifts in

Pakistan include members of the military services with whom the government servants rule and

which strictly prohibits them and their dependents from receiving any diplomatic gifts. In a

situation where the rejection could be offensive, the gifts would have to be deposited in

Toshakhana. The value of the gift is evaluated by the cabinet division and the monetary

limitations, as well as the conditions subject to which the diplomatic gifts can be allowed to be

taken by the recipient.

The other category comprises the elected public officeholders. The conduct of these

individuals is held by Holders of Representative Offices' Order which is exceptionally stringent

in accordance with their activities (Bukhari, 2020). The law in Pakistan prohibits any public

officer such as the president from receiving any diplomatic gifts either for themselves or the

dependents. The law declares such an act as the committal of the misconduct offense. In the

United States, the market price has to be paid upfront if the president wants to keep a particular

gift. However, nothing of this sort exists in Pakistan. Gifts cannot be retained at any cost.

For foreign relations, Pakistan mostly offers mangoes as its main diplomatic gift to other

countries. Pakistan frequently makes gifts to promote relations with foreign countries (Jha,

2021). The culture of providing gifts in Pakistan has stringent restrictions. For instance, it is not

suitable for men to offer gifts to women in a more conservative setting. Therefore, the gift

offered on behalf of a female family member should have a message like "my wife gave me this

for you." Besides, alcoholic gifts are not allowed in the Muslim setting. All edible gifts should be

prepared to the standards of halal. Gifts offered in illegal acts not endorsed by the law were

prohibited and could not be accepted. For instance, most expensive gifts are considered

malpractice and irregularity that should be avoided.

Japan

The exchange of gifts in Japan is a device of cross-cultural diplomacy and the mirror of

economic values, aesthetic tastes, and ritual protocols. In Japan, gift-giving is deeply rooted in

the tradition of gifts exchange. The gift-giving in Japan can be intricate. It is customary to offer

your host a gift or when coming to special occasions (Oliver, 2020). Diplomatic exchange of

gifts in Japan afford the country a glimpse into the commensurability of shared foreign relations

and practices across the world. Political mediators, performers of the diplomatic rituals, cultural

agents, and Japanese diplomats profoundly impact the gift exchange pattern. Therefore, a lavish

display of gifting and the ceremony for receiving the audience and the way of representation

comprises a vital component of exchanging gifts that enhance the efficacy of its symbolic

significance.

The exchange of gifts underpins and embodies the formation of coercion and dominance

of unequal relations simultaneously as they could subtly subvert and change such relationships.

The offering and receiving of diplomatic gifts constitute highly significant events in structuring

associations between the leaders or government dignitaries (Tremml-Werner et al., 2020). The

exchange of gifts between Japan and other foreign states serves as a lubricant that greases the

relations. Gift exchange features as a symbol of amity are widely preferred as a medium for

establishing trust and cross-cultural friendship.

The presentation of gifts in Japanese culture is as essential as the gift itself. The country

has many customs and rules, particularly in wrapping the gift, which plays a crucial part in the

custom of gift-giving. Often, the Japanese use fabrics to wrap their gifts. Besides, they go so far

as to imply their feelings towards the person receiving the gift. When humility is not needed,

gift-giving can be extravagant and prestigious. Large sums of money can be spent on gifts to
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please their recipients until they feel a sense of competition. The exchange of diplomatic gifts

goes beyond simply recognizing foreign countries and ideas are not the sole principal driving

forces in shaping the early modern dynamics of diplomatic interactions.

While giving diplomatic gifts, a portrayal of foreign envoys with exotic features and

costumes bearing local animals and goods does not represent the actual event. However, it

articulates the rhetoric of the cultural tribute system. The visual representations demonstrate how

the Japanese people use this rhetoric to promote their curiosity about other foreign cultures and

promote their political agendas to the world (Yasuka, 2020). Whether it is for business meetings,

weddings, or foreign trips, the culture of gift-giving in Japan is most prevalent globally. It is

essential to understand certain Japanese traditions while presenting gifts. The Japan diplomatic

gifts mostly comprise of arms and armour. It is customary to present gifts in wrappings that can

be re-used. Besides, the color of a gift's presentation is vital, like how the gift is presented. Pastel

colors are considered the best. A diplomatic way is often sought to return gifts that are

considered inappropriate and thus not accepted. Color and symbolism are vital while presenting

gifts in Japan. For instance, the number four is linked to death, while number two is considered

lucky. Cultural consideration such as the cost is vital since too expensive gifts can be rejected.
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References

Bukhari, H. (2020, September 21). The tale of diplomatic gifts. Daily Times.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/668959/the-tale-of-diplomatic-gifts/.

Jha, A. (2021, June 12). Pakistan 'mango diplomacy' attempts fall flat this year as many

countries decline the SWEET GIFT. NEWS9 LIVE. https://www.news9live.com/opinion-

blogs/pakistan-mango-diplomacy-falls-flat-37501.html.

Ward, L. (2021, July 23). The biggest & Oddest Gifts exchanged between countries. The Fact

Site. https://www.thefactsite.com/oddest-gifts-exchanged/.

Wintour, P. (2018, January 17). Emmanuel Macron: A modern master of the diplomatic gesture.

The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/17/emmanuel-macron-

proves-modern-master-diplomatic-gesture.

Oliver, R. (2020, November 2). Japanese gifting Etiquette: Learn about the gift giving ritual.

Truly Experiences Blog. https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/japanese-gifting-etiquette/.

Tremml-Werner, B., Hellman, L., & Meersbergen, G. van. (2020, December 21). Introduction.

gift and tribute in early modern diplomacy: Afro-eurasian perspectives. Brill.

https://brill.com/view/journals/dipl/2/2/article-p185_185.xml.

Yasuka, A. (2020, November 6). The tradition of gift giving in Japan: KCP international

language school. KCP International. https://www.kcpinternational.com/2017/10/gift-

giving/.
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Lopez, B. (2020, May 19). Why do DIPLOMATS Give Gifts? - National Museum of American

diplomacy. U.S. Department of State. https://diplomacy.state.gov/diplomacy/why-do-

diplomats-give-gifts/.

Biddle, J. (2014, December 25). Here's what happens to the 15,000 gifts the president receives

each year. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/afp-the-art-and-pitfalls-of-

diplomatic-gift-giving-2014-12?r=US&IR=T.