Jonah Patel
Diplomacy is the art, science, and means by which nations, groups, or individuals conduct their affairs, influencing the decisions and behaviours of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. It is the principal substitute for the use of force or underhanded means in statecraft. Bilateral diplomacy, a key building block of international relations, involves foreign ministries and heads of state, with other government departments increasingly engaged in bilateral negotiations and cooperation. Relations with each capital are dominated by calculations of what competing powers are doing and how to get optimal results from those crosscurrents. Bilateral diplomacy is based on consent and within the norms of international law, with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) of 1961 providing a central pillar of reciprocity, where countries extend diplomatic privileges and immunities based on receiving the same benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A method to influence the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples | Negotiation, dialogue, and other peaceful tactics |
| Established method of influencing the actions of foreign governments | Communication, persuasion, compromise, and coercion |
| A tool to strengthen the state, nation, or organization it serves | Maximizing a group's advantages without the risk and expense of using force |
| A means to advance interests and resolve issues | Developing goodwill and nurturing relations with foreign states |
| A way to protect a country | Preventing international crime and terrorism |
| A tool to address global challenges | Supporting justice reform in post-conflict societies |
| A way to build relationships | Dialogue, summits, and other international conferences |
| A way to manage foreign relations | Consent, within the norms of international law |
| A way to represent a country | Embassies, ambassadors, social media, and NGOs |
| A way to promote a country's interests | Public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and advocacy |
| A way to achieve specific goals | Bilateral and multilateral relations |
| A way to address complex issues | Communication, negotiation, and mediation |
| A way to ensure a country's goals are addressed | International cooperation |
| A way to address transnationally relevant issues | Climate crisis, migration, and promotion of smart technology |
| A way to address conflicts | Appeasement and peaceful resolution |
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What You'll Learn
- Bilateral diplomacy: The traditional form of diplomacy involving two countries, their foreign ministries, and heads of state
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR): A convention focused on bilateral diplomacy, with reciprocity as its central pillar
- Dialogue and negotiation: The primary tools of diplomacy, used to peacefully adjust differences between states
- Diplomatic relations: The recognition of another state, which can be withdrawn as an expression of disapproval
- Diplomatic sanctions: A tool used in negotiations when one side refuses to compromise, involving the reduction or removal of embassy staff
Bilateral diplomacy: The traditional form of diplomacy involving two countries, their foreign ministries, and heads of state
Bilateral diplomacy is the traditional form of diplomacy involving two countries, their foreign ministries, and heads of state. It is a complex process that has evolved over time, with the basic goal of strengthening a nation's position in the world by advancing its interests and maximizing its advantages without resorting to force or causing resentment.
Diplomats are the primary practitioners of bilateral diplomacy, and they use their words, backed by the power of their nation, to negotiate and adjust relations between states. Bilateral diplomacy often involves foreign ministries and heads of state, but other government departments, such as trade, culture, and defence, are increasingly engaged in bilateral negotiations and cooperation.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, ratified by 193 states, provides guidelines for diplomatic relations and outlines the functions of diplomatic missions. These functions include the representation of the sending state, the protection of its interests and citizens, the negotiation and signing of agreements, the gathering of information, and the promotion of friendly relations and economic, commercial, cultural, and scientific cooperation.
Bilateral diplomacy is essential for small states, which may have limited resources, to ensure their goals are addressed in the global arena and to navigate challenges such as climate change, water security, and shifts in the global economy. It is also crucial in maintaining diplomatic relations with approximately 180 countries, as in the case of the United States, and in dealing with transnational threats such as international narcotics production and trafficking, terrorism, and environmental degradation.
The practice of bilateral diplomacy has evolved with advancements in travel, trade, and technology, making the world more interconnected. Today, bilateral diplomacy may involve summits and other meetings between heads of state, as well as the use of non-resident ambassadors or missions in multilateral centres by smaller countries.
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Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR): A convention focused on bilateral diplomacy, with reciprocity as its central pillar
Diplomacy is the established method of influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. Diplomats are specialists in carrying messages and negotiating adjustments in relations and the resolution of quarrels between states and peoples. Bilateral diplomacy, which typically involves foreign ministries and heads of state, is the official conduct of relations between two sovereign states.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) of 1961 is a cornerstone of modern international relations and international law. It is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. The VCDR was signed in Vienna on 18 April 1961 and entered into force on 24 April 1964. It has been ratified by almost all UN member states and is considered one of the most successful legal instruments drafted under the United Nations.
The VCDR provides a comprehensive framework for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of diplomatic relations based on consent between independent sovereign states. It codifies the longstanding custom of diplomatic immunity, granting diplomatic missions privileges that enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country. The convention also includes provisions for the protection of family members of diplomats living in the host country.
The central pillar of the VCDR is reciprocity, with countries extending diplomatic privileges and immunities to others based on receiving the same benefits themselves. This focus on bilateral diplomacy is evident in the convention's provisions for protecting the interests of the sending state and its nationals within the receiving state, negotiating with the receiving state's government, ascertaining conditions and developments in the receiving state, and promoting friendly relations and developing economic, cultural, and scientific relations between the two states.
The VCDR's preamble reflects the concept of diplomacy, exhibiting a drive for peace, security, and the promotion of friendly relations among nations. It establishes a clear and firm legal background for diplomatic activities, characterised by respect, mutual consent, and ethics.
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Dialogue and negotiation: The primary tools of diplomacy, used to peacefully adjust differences between states
Diplomacy is the art of creating and managing relationships among nations. It is the principal substitute for the use of force or underhanded means in statecraft. Its primary tools are international dialogue and negotiation, conducted by accredited envoys and other political leaders.
Dialogue and negotiation are the primary tools of diplomacy, used to peacefully adjust differences between states. They are the primary means by which diplomats, as specialists in carrying messages and negotiating adjustments in relations, resolve quarrels between states and peoples. Diplomats help leaders to understand the attitudes and actions of foreigners and to develop strategies and tactics that will shape the behaviour of foreigners, especially foreign governments.
Dialogue and negotiation are used to influence the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples. Dialogue and negotiation are also used to negotiate treaties, accords, and conventions, which are voluntary agreements that countries enter into instead of a treaty or while they try to work out the terms of a treaty. Treaties are negotiated through the executive branch, which includes the U.S. Department of State. Accords often end hostilities, such as the Dayton Peace Accords of 1995. Conventions are less formal than treaties and often include many countries as signatories.
To be successful, diplomats must enter discussions with a clear goal and strategy of what can be exchanged to reach an agreement. They also have to listen carefully to what their counterparts say and find ways to agree or compromise. In negotiating, diplomats often use rewards—such as the promise of a new trade deal, an arms sale, or shipments of food—to encourage an agreement. When diplomatic interests collide and a deadlock ensues, negotiators might threaten sanctions such as restricting travel or halting financial assistance.
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Diplomatic relations: The recognition of another state, which can be withdrawn as an expression of disapproval
Diplomacy is the established method of influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. It is the conduct of official (usually bilateral) relations between sovereign states.
Bilateral diplomacy involves foreign ministries and heads of state, as well as other government departments, such as trade, culture, and defence, which are increasingly engaged in bilateral negotiations and cooperation. Countries maintain their bilateral relations via summits and other meetings of heads of state. Bilateral diplomacy is complex, and almost all bilateral dealings are with the home country's 'first circle' of priorities – a group of countries that are 'vital' to its interests.
Diplomatic recognition in international law is a unilateral political act with domestic and international legal consequences, whereby a state acknowledges an act or status of another state or government in control of a state. Recognition can be accorded either de facto or de jure. Recognition can be a declaration to that effect by the recognizing government, or an act of recognition such as entering into a treaty with the other state. A vote by a country in the United Nations in favour of the membership of another country is an implicit recognition of that country by the country so voting, as only states may be members of the UN.
Recognition of a state or government can be problematic, particularly when a new government comes to power by illegal means, such as a coup d'état, or when an existing government stays in power by fixing an election. Many states no longer follow the practice of recognizing both the government of a state and the state itself. However, if diplomatic relations are to be maintained, there must be a government with which to engage.
A state may withdraw diplomatic recognition of another state or refuse to deal with that country, which is a severe act of disapproval. This can be done by withdrawing from all diplomatic relations with that country, such as embassies and consulates, and requiring the other country to do the same. The Stimson Doctrine, which has become more important since the Second World War, is the doctrine of non-recognition of illegal or immoral situations, like territorial gains achieved by force.
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Diplomatic sanctions: A tool used in negotiations when one side refuses to compromise, involving the reduction or removal of embassy staff
Diplomacy is the established method of influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. The purpose of diplomacy is to strengthen the state, nation, or organisation it serves in relation to others by advancing its interests. Diplomats are specialists in carrying messages and negotiating adjustments in relations and the resolution of quarrels between states and peoples. Bilateral diplomacy involves foreign ministries and heads of state, but increasingly, other government departments are also engaged in bilateral negotiations and cooperation.
Diplomatic sanctions are a tool used in negotiations when one side refuses to compromise. They are political measures taken to express disapproval or displeasure at a certain action through diplomatic and political means, rather than economic or military relations. Diplomatic sanctions can include the reduction or removal of diplomatic ties, such as embassies, and the withdrawal of ambassadors or diplomatic staff. They are intended to isolate the target country or entity from the international community and can have significant diplomatic, political, and economic consequences, leading to increased pressure for behavioural change or compliance with international norms.
While diplomatic sanctions are widely used, they are controversial due to their potential unintended humanitarian consequences, limited effectiveness, and unintended political or economic implications. Critics argue that sanctions can cause more harm to the general population than the target regimes, promote nationalistic values, and diminish the culture of a state. Supporters, however, claim that they are necessary to protect national security interests, international law, and international peace and security.
To ensure the effectiveness of diplomatic sanctions, precise target selection, careful implementation, and continuous evaluation are crucial. Combining diplomatic sanctions with dialogue and engagement can contribute to sustainable, peaceful outcomes. Alternatives to sanctions include diplomatic negotiations, mediation, peacebuilding initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and engagement through dialogue, which can lead to long-term reconciliation, compromise, and sustainable solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Diplomacy is a method that governments use to influence the actions of foreign governments through peaceful tactics such as negotiation and dialogue. It is the process and practice of communication and negotiation between actors in the international system.
Bilateral diplomacy is a key building block of international relations, covering relationships between the home country and individual foreign states, one at a time. It is the core of managing foreign relations. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) is an international treaty that provides guidelines for diplomatic relations. It has been ratified by 193 states globally and outlines the functions of diplomatic missions, including the protection of the interests of the sending state and its nationals, negotiation and signing of agreements, and the promotion of friendly relations.
There are various types of diplomacy, including public, economic, cultural, migration, nuclear, and city diplomacy. Public diplomacy involves public strategies that serve to paint a country in a positive light, such as positioning interventions as spreading democracy. Economic diplomacy uses aid or other economic policies to achieve diplomatic agendas. Migration diplomacy uses human migration as a tool in foreign policy. Nuclear diplomacy focuses on preventing nuclear proliferation and war. City diplomacy refers to cities engaging with other actors on the international stage to represent their interests.
The purpose of diplomacy is to strengthen the state or nation it serves and advance its interests. It aims to maximize a group's advantages without resorting to force or causing resentment. Diplomacy helps resolve conflicts, promote interests, and address global challenges through cooperation.
Diplomats are the primary practitioners of diplomacy. They are specialists in carrying messages, negotiating adjustments in relations, and resolving disputes between states. They help leaders understand and shape the behavior of foreign governments.
