Constructive Ambiguity

I must confess that when I first heard of this "expression" last week, I rushed into thinking that this is just another linguistic joggling act of our over-exposed media figure of these days, our Greek MoF, in an attempt to impress the international press with verbalistic innovation. However, later on I decided to "google" the expression to see whether this was indeed intellectual property attributable to Mr. Varoufakis, or whether it was just another simple case of copy-catting existing diplomatic jargon. And here is what I actually found on Wikipedia:

"Constructive ambiguity is a term generally credited to Henry Kissinger, said to be the foremost exponent of the negotiating tactic it designates. It refers to the deliberate use of ambiguous language on a sensitive issue in order to advance some political purpose. Constructive ambiguity is often disparaged as fudging. It might be employed in a negotiation, both to disguise an inability to resolve a contentious issue on which the parties remain far apart and to do so in a manner that enables each to claim obtaining some concession on it.

It warrants further hopes that the ensuing postponement of resolution on this particular point, in a way that causes neither side excessive discomfort, will enable them to make real progress on other matters. If this progress takes place, the unresolved question might be revisited at a later date, if not voided altogether by the passage of time. On the other hand, since ambiguity in agreements can generate subsequent controversy, the likelihood of its employment proving constructive in comparison to further attempts to negotiate the point in question in clear terms is a question best left for historians."

With the above in mind, this is probably the first time where I feel obliged to extend kudos to Mr. Varoufakis, who despite the fact that he is not a Diplomat by profession, just an "acting one" by opportunity is familiar with such "sui generis" political strategies perceived by the "Master Himself" Mr. Henry Kissinger.

Post by Theodore Patsellis - PRP Law

tpatsellis@prp-law.com

Corporate Law and International Taxation Attorney with substantial international experience in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Baltic Region. High premium in providing preemptive legal and support in Greek, English or German. Additional focus on contract drafting, corporate and statutory compliance, corporate Governance and effective tax planning.