Diplomacy is a complex practice that involves the negotiations and communication between countries. The practice seeks to prevent conflict, encourage discussion and dialogue between nations, promote trade and commerce, and find common ground for cooperation. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that draws upon the fields of political science, history, law and international relations for critical context, as well as the scholarly disciplines of sociology, anthropology and psychology to understand how cultural differences affect communication and negotiation styles.
For most of its history, diplomatic relations were primarily bilateral, involving negotiations between two countries or regions. The profession of diplomats has been a vital part of the international system from ancient times. Diplomatic treaties were negotiated by the leaders of the cities of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Canaan as early as 2850 B.C.E. Diplomacy has evolved as a result of changing world systems and needs, but the essentials remain.
The core function of diplomacy is to advance the interests in an ambassador’s charge through international negotiation. Negotiation is a complicated process that typically results in the compromise of both sides’ goals. Diplomats are entrusted with negotiating strategies from their foreign ministries, and are expected to adhere to strict rules regarding the handling of confidential information. Diplomats may also use a variety of tactics in their negotiations, including indirection, lulling the other party and bluffing. Many of these techniques are derived from psychological and behavioral research, while others draw on the broader intellectual toolbox of a diplomatist, incorporating the theories of alliances, deterrence and international institutions. At the same time, international interactions often reflect underlying philosophical differences — differing views on the role of the state, for example, or varying worldviews concerning human rights and nature’s intrinsic value.