Diplomacy is the established method of influencing foreign governments and peoples through negotiation and other measures short of war or violence. It’s a delicate art that fosters understanding and minimizes conflict, a practice called aurea mediocritas (the golden mean). Diplomacy involves many different activities, such as public diplomacy and track II diplomacy, which are ways to engage with foreign citizens. It includes back-channel conversations and secret communications between countries, negotiations with foreign governments, summits and other international conferences, parliamentary diplomacy, and the work of diplomats and other officials at embassies and consulates around the world.
It is a vital tool for leaders to advocate for their national interests and secure the peace and prosperity of their peoples in the face of a global landscape marked by conflict, division and inequality. Achieving diplomatic outcomes requires a deep sense of empathy and an ability to see things from your counterpart’s perspective. This can be a hard-won skill.
For example, when Jimmy Carter was negotiating with Menachem Begin to end the Cold War, he carefully read the CIA’s reports on him and was able to empathize with his plight as a single father raising eight grandchildren. This approach led to a successful outcome for both sides.
In an era of political hyper-partisanship and the decline of civil discourse, it’s more important than ever to support the efforts of diplomats and all who contribute to the art of diplomacy. By promoting mutual understanding and finding common ground, diplomacy can bridge gaps, reduce conflict, and create meaningful connections that lead to lasting change for our global society.
About the Author
