Diplomacy is the conduct of foreign relations by representatives of nations and other institutions or non-state actors. It involves the pursuit of a nation’s interests without the use of force, and usually in a non-coercive manner, negotiating agreements or resolving disputes between states and other entities, especially through international mediation and arbitration. Diplomacy is also a set of practices and skills, including communication, negotiation, empathy, and tact, that, when used skillfully, promote a smooth exploration of differing interests, and contribute toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
Great diplomats listen closely to their counterparts. They never raise their voice or make others feel uncomfortable. They know how to bring up difficult issues in the right setting at the right time, and they build a solid relationship that allows them to bring up sensitive topics as needed. They also know how to use their influence to further their stance in committee, through careful word choice or by seeking out allies to support their cause.
In the past, diplomacy often took the form of formal arbitrations and mediations, such as the Hay-Herbert Treaty and the Hay-Herbert-Bergen Commission. Today, diplomacy is primarily conducted by a range of diplomatic agencies, offices and organizations, often operating in coordination with one another at the regional level.
Diplomacy is also linked to espionage, with many diplomats being openly acknowledged spies for their country of assignment, and many embassies acting as bases for intelligence gathering. In addition, the term “diplomacy” is sometimes used to refer to a specific style of conducting diplomatic relations, with characteristics such as quiet, thoughtful and measured speech, and avoiding petty personal insults and attacks.