Diplomacy is the process of influencing the decisions and actions of foreign governments and peoples through communication and negotiation rather than war or force. It’s a powerful—but often overlooked—tool of international relations.
The earliest evidence of diplomatic activities is found in Mesopotamia, Egypt and ancient China, where treaties were documented on clay tablets. More formal diplomatic practices arose in early Greece and Rome, with envoys being exchanged and ambassadors appointed. These diplomats were supported by staff at their embassies.
Today, the world is dominated by state power and most diplomatic activities occur within this system. The rules of diplomacy are codified in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and diplomats work for government departments and agencies. Occasionally, these diplomats are given the opportunity to brief or make statements that reach the public or they participate in critical international issues that draw high-ranking officials in to high-profile negotiations.
Great diplomats know how to communicate their points in a way that is respectful, yet authoritative and disciplined. They also understand the importance of listening to their counterparts to understand their concerns and interests.
They are also aware that their superiors want them to send them home with usable information about meetings with foreign leaders and they craft memos that lay out the discussion results for policymakers. They also avoid making political points that will only confuse their colleagues back at headquarters. The worst diplomats are the ones who bore their audiences and hammer away at their same talking points over and over again. Such diplomats can easily be spotted by a superior and should be removed from the field of diplomacy.
