Diplomacy is a complex practice that developed over thousands of years to form a fundamental aspect of international relations. It involves the peaceful conduct of foreign policy to implement national interests and resolve international conflict. It provides a platform for the implementation of international law and international agreements and encourages international cooperation in economic, cultural and scientific issues.
Diplomacy does not just occur between countries, but can also take place between sites of power and influence such as huge corporations and religious organisations. In fact, every government on the planet uses diplomatic tools to protect its citizens, promote its national interest and settle disputes with other states.
Essentially, diplomacy is a series of actions involving bargaining between governments to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome in the pursuit of national interest. It involves a range of tactics such as mediation, negotiations and compromise to defuse tensions and prevent war. It also deals with forming, disrupting and sustaining alliances, and contriving the termination of war.
The art of diplomacy has been around for centuries and is practiced in many ways, with different cultures offering their own unique approaches to communication. However, there are some things that all great diplomats have in common.
1. Exceptional diplomacy begins with listening. Good ambassadors and their staff spend the entire day – lunch, cocktails, sports, sight-seeing and official meetings – listening closely to all the key players they meet with. They are able to see the bigger picture and understand what each party wants from the meeting. They are able to formulate and deliver their talking points without being condescending or lecturing.