Diplomacy is a framework that translates power, interests, and norms into stable expectations and binding commitments. It is the architecture that supports a world in which treaties are signed, sanctions designed and lifted, export controls negotiated, cross-border enforcement cooperation agreed, and data flows enabled or constrained. It is a system of diplomatic channels, embassies, negotiations, summits, and envoys.
It is an art, because the core of diplomacy lies in keeping personal interest in mind while promoting common interest. It is a tool that can prevent imperfect situations from escalating into full-scale war. The skills required for this task include knowing how to communicate without upsetting the other side and understanding where your own state’s interests lie.
While the concept of diplomacy is generally viewed as non-violent, it can be coercive in its approach. It may employ pressure tools such as cyber disruptions, sanctions and legal offensives, which are still regulated by the principles of diplomacy rather than by law of armed conflict.
The practice of diplomacy involves international dialogue and negotiation, primarily conducted by accredited ambassadors and other government representatives. This entails interactions with foreign governments, but also non-state actors and international organizations. The practice of diplomacy is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a larger corpus of customary and treaty law that sets the standards for a nation’s treatment of its diplomats and the sanctity of their immunity. In some cases, a foreign government may declare an individual persona non grata for conduct that violates the principle of diplomatic immunity.
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