Diplomacy is the art of managing relations between governments, nations and peoples, in a way that nurtures goodwill toward one’s own state and its citizens while respecting foreign law and culture. This includes the pursuit of peace and the negotiation of treaties, trade agreements, and cultural or scientific exchanges. Diplomacy also tends to and sustains coalitions that deter war, negotiates peace’s termination, and builds and manages the international institutions that support global cooperation and prosperity.
The practice of diplomacy has evolved and diversified since ancient times, when treaties between different cities in Mesopotamia date to 2850 B.C.E. The spread of various religions and ideologies, as well as the discovery and colonization of parts of the world, further shaped diplomacy.
In modern times, diplomats must be proficient at communication, which involves expressing ideas and opinions while listening actively to others. This is particularly true during multilateral negotiations, where the number of actors or parties increases the need for effective and flexible problem-solving. Diplomats must be able to communicate complex issues in ways that appeal to the intelligence and motivations of all participants, and to adapt their tactics to differing conditions.
While most diplomacy is conducted between states, other sites of power and influence are often subject to diplomacy, including enormous corporations, religious organisations, and NGOs. These institutions may be subject to diplomatic pressures from their own constituents, as well as from foreign governments seeking to exert political influence or control over them. Coercive diplomacy, such as the threat of military action, is sometimes used in diplomacy, but this is usually done only when it is considered necessary and not as a substitute for negotiating.
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