When we talk about diplomacy, the usual images that come to mind are handshakes, negotiation tables, and carefully drafted agreements. Strategy, of course, is the backbone of every diplomatic move. Yet, there is another subtle skill that can determine success or failure in negotiations, nunchi.
Originating from Korean culture, nunchi refers to the art of reading the room, sensing unspoken cues, adjusting tone, and capturing subtle shifts in mood. In high-stakes diplomacy, where words are often layered with meaning, nunchi can be as critical as strategic planning.
Unlike strategy, which is often discussed openly and debated across think tanks and policy rooms, nunchi operates in silence. A diplomat who possesses sharp nunchi will notice when a counterpart hesitates before agreeing, when an ally’s silence signals discomfort, or when the atmosphere in a negotiation changes direction. Such observations can prevent missteps that no strategy paper could have predicted.
In global negotiations, strategy provides the “map,” but nunchi acts as the “compass.” The map outlines the possible routes. The compass ensures one is not lost in the process. Many international crises could have been avoided if negotiators had paid attention not only to what was said but how it was conveyed.
In an era where geopolitics is increasingly complex, from trade wars to climate diplomacy, so diplomats need more than sharp arguments. They need emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to sense what remains unsaid. This is where nunchi plays a decisive role.
For Indonesian diplomacy, embracing nunchi could strengthen our soft power. Indonesia’s cultural emphasis on harmony and indirect communication aligns closely with the principles of nunchi. By cultivating this skill, our diplomats can better navigate the unspoken dynamics of global forums while safeguarding national interests.
Diplomacy has always been about more than words on paper. It is about people, and people are more than what they say. That is why, today, nunchi should stand alongside strategy as an indispensable tool of diplomacy.
