Analysing the divide between technocrats and diplomats in international organizations

Abstract

Abstract International Relations scholarship has examined how technical knowledge boosts the performance of international organizations, but has found that it could also lead to behaviour undermining their broader goals. Research has not reconciled these contrasting observations by specifying when and how technical proficiency leads to such dysfunction. Addressing these gaps, this article examines the connections among Communities of Practice (CoPs) within the organization in linking technical knowledge with other forms of knowledge, actors and tools crucial to address the larger environment, enhancing performance. To illustrate this, the article examines the role of two CoPs, namely, the technical CoP and the diplomatic CoP, in developing and deploying African Mediation Support Structures. The research uses qualitative analysis of official documents, reports, scholarly works and semi-structured expert interviews of officials, partners and analysts. It finds that disconnections among relevant CoPs foster an excessive focus on specific sets of knowledge and tools, particularly technical knowledge, at the expense of engaging others also crucial in addressing the IOs' operating environment, leading to dysfunction. Connections among CoPs promote a holistic response to the environment, enabling the organization to function according to its mandate.