21 October 2024

Political Dialogue Stories: Political Leadership in an Age of Turmoil

Chiara Rosselli, Head of the Open European Dialogue, Executive Director, APROPOS
Rebecca Farulli, Program Manager of the Open European Dialogue, Associate and R&D Lead, APROPOS


At the end of September, in Zagreb, 47 policymakers from different levels of governance, from the local to the EU level, representing 23 different countries, and 37 parties across the political spectrum, came together to discuss political leadership in times of heightened societal tensions and conflict at the IX Open European Dialogue: “The Age of Turmoil.

Against the backdrop of rising political aggression, escalating international conflicts, and deepening societal divides over fundamental democratic questions, politicians across Europe had a chance to identify, dissect and confront what is emerging as a pivotal collective challenge for politicians today: that of having to inhabit, navigate and constructively channel an increasingly polarized and extremism-prone political landscape.

Notwithstanding the unique challenges that today’s political environment may present, the intellectual enquiry fostered by this political encounter, allowed for the emergence of a deeper reflection on the legitimate role that conflict plays – and must play – within a functioning democracy.

It also offered a space to examine the kind of political leadership needed to move society forward, while simultaneously restoring our understanding of opposing political factions as rivals rather than enemies. Despite the alarmism that often seeks to equate conflictual positions in our political debates with the breakdown of the democratic system, today’s landscape offers the opportunity to view conflict not only as a threat but also as a relevant indicator of real tensions in society and a unique prompt to reflect on the postures and strategies that politicians can adopt to responsibly and effectively navigate an era of heightened division.

Engaging in an exercise of collective diagnosis and reflection, participating politicians in the IX Annual Policymakers’ Dialogue put together The Parliamentarian Code of Conducta set of heartfelt principles and practical recommendations by politicians and for politicians seeking to operate strategically in an age of turmoil.  


The Parliamentarian Code of Conduct: Political Leadership in Times of Heightened Conflict


>> POLITICAL
POSTURE <<

  • Keep an open mind – approach issues with a spirit of enquiry and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
  • Be honest – explain your decisions clearly and transparently, yet be honest in acknowledging the justifiability of other positions. 
  • Lead with respect – avoid using shame or humiliation as tactics in political discourse. 
  • Show empathy – rehumanize the debate and maintain rivals not enemies. 
  • Nurture human relationships and dialogue – gather with others across party lines and find opportunities to talk openly. 
  • Don’t be afraid to say sorry – admit mistakes and apologize when necessary, learn from the successes and failures of other politicians as well as your own. 
  • Listen deeply – focus on hearing others fully before speaking. 


>> PRINCIPLES OF RESPONSIBILITY <<

  • Do the research – ensure your facts are accurate, and stay open to changing your mind when new information emerges. 
  • Embrace conflict – as a natural and essential part of democracy. The desire to eliminate conflict is deeply undemocratic. 
  • Structure debates thoughtfully – in a complex world, ordering debates and discussions is a public service. 
  • Keep your promises – say what you’ll do, and do what you say. Don’t promise things you know you can’t deliver. 


>> STRATEGIES FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT <<

  • Focus on solutions, not problems – aim for compromise by thinking about problems with a solution-oriented mindset. 
  • Target issues, not individuals – stick to advancing your positive agenda rather than reacting to others’ negative agendas. 
  • Know your counterpart – take time to understand how they think and the values that shape their positions. 
  • Allow others to save face – when navigating conflict, give people the space to maintain their sense of dignity. 
  • Avoid binary positions – steer clear of encouraging the entrenchment of rigid, either/or positions and inject nuance into the debate. 
  • Take a 360° view – sit with all stakeholders and engage them in conversation before making decisions. 
  • Use process and moderation as tools – these are effective methods to advance discussion and make progress on stale debates. 
  • Pick your battles – avoid creating unnecessary enemies by picking conflicts that truly matter. 


>> RESOURCE YOURSELF <<

  • Take breaks when negotiating – recharge, a calm mind and body will help you negotiate more effectively. 
  • Stand firm in your position – embody it fully, but don’t take conflict and disagreements personally. 
  • Lead with vision – know where you want to go, but be flexible in how you get there. Never lose sight of your purpose and the people you work to serve, and remember, if you won’t do it, who will? 

 


Disclaimer: The Open European Dialogue is a politically neutral cross-party, cross-country dialogue platform for European politicians. This piece represents the perspectives of the author(s) and does not necessarily portray the views of the Open European Dialogue, its partners, or all of its participants.  


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