Simone Lawson
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations, groups, or individuals to safeguard their interests and promote their political, economic, cultural, or scientific relations, while maintaining peaceful relationships. The term is derived from the ancient Greek diplōma, which means an object folded in two, reflecting the practice of sovereigns providing a folded document to confer some official privilege. Diplomacy is the primary instrument of foreign policy, which is set by political leaders and executed by diplomats, who may advise them. It is a substitute for the use of force or underhanded means in statecraft and is how comprehensive national power is applied to the peaceful adjustment of differences between states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The art, science, and means by which nations, groups, or individuals conduct their affairs |
| Synonyms | International relations, foreign policy |
| Etymology | Derived from the ancient Greek diplōma, meaning "an object folded in two" |
| History | Ancient India and Greece had a long tradition of diplomacy; modern diplomatic methods originated in 17th-century Europe and were professionalized in the early 20th century |
| Purpose | To safeguard interests and promote political, economic, cultural, or scientific relations while maintaining peace |
| Tools | International dialogue, negotiation, sanctions, foreign assistance, trade, armed force, treaties, alliances |
| Venues | Embassies, consulates, summits, conferences, the United Nations |
| Agents | Accredited envoys, ambassadors, Foreign Service members, diplomats, political leaders, military and intelligence officers |
| Immunities | Exemption from personal services, public service, military obligations, customs duties, and taxes; protection from arrest or detention; protection of diplomatic communication; immunity from civil and administrative jurisdiction |
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What You'll Learn
The history of diplomacy
The term diplomacy is derived from the 18th-century French term "diplomate", which means "diplomat" or "diplomatist". The term originated from the ancient Greek "diploma", which means "an object folded in two", reflecting the practice of sovereigns providing a folded document to confer some official privilege.
In the 14th century BCE, there was diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian court and a Hittite king, written in Akkadian on cuneiform tablets. The oldest surviving full-text treaties, from about 1280 BCE, were between Ramses II of Egypt and Hittite leaders. There is also evidence of Assyrian diplomacy in the 7th century BCE and, in the Bible, of the relations of Jewish tribes with each other and other peoples. The first records of Chinese and Indian diplomacy date from the 1st millennium BCE. By the 8th century BCE, the Chinese had leagues, missions, and an organized system of polite discourse between their many "warring states", including resident envoys who served as hostages to guarantee the good behaviour of the parties who sent them.
In the Middle Ages, diplomats were often seen as angels or messengers from heaven. After the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna of 1815 established an international system of diplomatic rank, with disputes on precedence among nations addressed at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1818. Over time, processes and procedures have evolved for handling diplomatic issues and disputes, with nations sometimes resorting to international arbitration or formal mediations by a commission of diplomats to resolve disputes.
In modern times, diplomacy is the chief instrument of foreign policy, conducted by diplomats, military and intelligence officers, who advise political leaders. It encompasses everything leaders do to advocate for their national interests, leveraging tools such as sanctions, foreign assistance, trade, and armed force. The goal of diplomacy is to affect other countries' behaviours to advance one's own national interests while maintaining peaceful relationships.
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The practice of diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art, science, and means by which nations, groups, or individuals conduct their affairs, safeguarding their interests and promoting their political, economic, cultural, or scientific relations while maintaining peaceful relationships. It is the chief instrument of foreign policy, which is set by political leaders, though diplomats, military officers, and intelligence officers may advise them.
One of the key aspects of diplomatic practice is the protection of diplomats and their work. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 established rules for the exchange and treatment of envoys between states, facilitating the development of friendly relations and ensuring diplomats can work without threats of influence from host governments. It also grants diplomats immunity from civil and administrative jurisdiction in the host state, with expulsion being the only permissible sanction under the Convention.
Another important aspect of diplomatic practice is the role of envoys or ambassadors. In the United States, the term "envoy" was initially used for representatives overseas, but in 1893, the country adopted the common diplomatic practice of upgrading its representatives to the rank of ambassador for important foreign nations. This led to the establishment of embassies in Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy.
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International law and diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art, science, and means by which nations, groups, or individuals conduct their affairs to safeguard their interests and promote their political, economic, cultural, or scientific relations while maintaining peaceful relationships. It is the chief instrument of foreign policy, which is set by political leaders, though diplomats, along with military and intelligence officers, may advise them.
International law, on the other hand, pertains to the legal framework governing states' interactions, rights, and obligations. It deals with legal norms, treaties, and principles that regulate state behaviour and resolve disputes. International law provides the legal framework within which diplomatic activities are conducted and disputes are resolved.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) codifies the rules for the exchange and treatment of envoys between states and facilitates the development of friendly relations among nations. It establishes rules for the appointment of foreign representatives, the protection of diplomats and their families from any form of arrest or detention, the protection of diplomatic communication, immunity from civil and administrative jurisdiction, and the obligation for diplomats to respect the laws of the host state.
The MA in Diplomacy and International Law offered by AUP Graduate is a dynamic degree that allows students to benefit from both disciplines. The program provides a solid grounding in international relations theory and practice, as well as the analytical tools for legal advocacy. It offers a range of cross-disciplinary courses in international relations, law, global ethics, conflict resolution, and human rights. The program also includes professional modules, such as the Hague Practicum and the Summer Institute for Human Rights, which provide students with practical experience and extensive contacts in the field.
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The impact of diplomacy on everyday life
Diplomacy is the management of relationships between countries and the ability to control challenging situations without upsetting anyone. It is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations, requiring skill and tact to handle affairs without arousing hostility. While diplomacy is often associated with international relations and foreign policy, it also plays a significant role in our everyday lives.
In our daily interactions, we navigate complex interpersonal, social, and cultural dynamics. Respect, active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental attitudes are essential elements that form the foundation of emotional intelligence and effective communication. These qualities enable us to build stronger connections, foster mutual understanding, and resolve conflicts peacefully. By embracing curiosity and openness, we can transcend biases and tribalism, creating an environment of inclusivity and harmony in our communities.
Interpersonal diplomacy, for instance, encourages respectful dialogue even when individuals hold opposing views. Through active listening and empathy, individuals can feel valued and understood, leading to consensus-building and the integration of diverse perspectives. This approach promotes transformative change and a more harmonious society.
On a broader scale, diplomacy impacts our everyday lives by shaping international relations and global agreements. Diplomatic efforts prevent conflicts, encourage the adoption of international resolutions, and promote discussion and dialogue between nations. For example, the United Nations (UN) serves as a venue for diplomacy, providing a platform for negotiations and the exchange of ideas. The work of diplomats and international civil servants contributes to finding common ground and reaching agreements that affect global policies and, consequently, our daily lives.
In conclusion, diplomacy is not limited to international relations alone. It permeates our personal interactions and shapes the global landscape in which we live. By embracing diplomatic principles in our everyday lives, we can foster deeper connections, create inclusive communities, and contribute to a more peaceful and cooperative world.
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The challenges of diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art, science, and means by which nations, groups, or individuals conduct their affairs, safeguarding their interests and promoting their political, economic, cultural, or scientific relations, while maintaining peaceful relationships. It is the chief instrument of foreign policy, which is set by political leaders, though diplomats, military and intelligence officers may advise them.
Diplomacy has changed drastically over the past several decades, with the return of great power rivalry, the emergence of new technologies, and the rise of other important developments. One of the challenges of diplomacy in the 21st century is adapting to new technologies and their implications for international relations. For instance, China is attempting to dominate the commanding heights of 21st-century technology, and wants authoritarian norms to govern the digital world and emerging technologies. The United States and its allies must adapt their diplomatic strategies to prevent China from surpassing them as the world's premier economic and military power.
Another challenge of diplomacy is managing the tension between coercive foreign policy tools and peaceful negotiation. While diplomacy is overtly nonviolent, it may be coercive, backed by the threat to apply punitive measures or to use force. Its primary tools are international dialogue and negotiation, which rely on communication, cooperation, and compromise between countries. However, foreign policy may also employ secret agents, subversion, war, or other forms of violence to achieve its objectives. Deciding which tools to use and how much of each tool to use in a given scenario is a significant challenge in diplomacy.
Furthermore, mediation carries certain risks. Parties can lose respect for a mediator who fails to facilitate a deal, and they may resume conflict if compromise appears impossible. Time spent mediating one conflict is also time taken away from addressing other important issues. Negotiations cannot always solve crises, and the goal in diplomacy is often not to solve something but rather to prevent an imperfect situation from getting worse.
Finally, diplomacy must navigate the challenges posed by the global balance of power. For instance, the United States must navigate threats from Russia and rogue states, as well as China's power and influence across different domains. However, the United States benefits from a vast network of alliances and partnerships that strengthen its ability to project power worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Diplomacy is the art, science and practice of conducting negotiations between nations, groups or individuals to safeguard their interests and promote their political, economic, cultural or scientific relations, while maintaining peaceful relationships.
The term diplomacy is derived from the 18th-century French term "diplomate" ("diplomat" or "diplomatist"), which itself is based on the ancient Greek "diplo" ("folded in two") and the suffix "-ma" ("an object"). The term originally referred to a folded document that conferred privileges, such as permission to travel.
Diplomacy is a non-violent process that relies on international dialogue and negotiation. It is conducted by accredited envoys and other political leaders, and is usually confidential. Diplomacy is the main instrument of foreign policy, which is set by political leaders. The goal of diplomacy is to influence other countries' behaviour to advance one's own national interests.
