diplomacy

Diplomacy is the practice of conducting negotiations and managing relations between governments, international organizations, and other political actors. It aims to advance policy objectives, resolve disputes, protect citizens, and foster peaceful cooperation. Diplomats and their offices represent their governments, use dialogue and negotiation as primary tools, and work through official channels such as embassies, consulates, and foreign ministries. Diplomacy seeks to influence outcomes without recourse to force.

Core methods include bilateral negotiations between two states and multilateral diplomacy within international organizations. Other forms include economic diplomacy, aimed at trade and investment; cultural and public diplomacy, seeking legitimacy and soft power; and digital diplomacy, which uses online tools to communicate and persuade. Instruments range from treaties, agreements, mediation, and arbitration to sanctions, incentives, and confidence-building measures. Diplomatic success depends on credibility, leverage, domestic support, and the ability to build durable relationships.

Historically, diplomacy has evolved from ad hoc message exchanges among courts to professional ministries and permanent missions. The early modern period saw resident ambassadors; the 20th century expanded to multilateral forums, such as the League of Nations and the United Nations, and to global trade agreements. In contemporary practice, diplomacy often emphasizes conflict prevention, human rights, development, and environmental cooperation, and increasingly incorporates public diplomacy and digital communication.

In practice, diplomacy is constrained by power dynamics, domestic politics, and international law.