Diplomacy is the art and practice of building and conducting relationships and negotiations with people using tact and mutual respect. It is an essential component of a state’s foreign policy and is carried out by diplomats at their posts abroad.
For most of history, diplomatic relations were bilateral—negotiations between two states or governments. This type of diplomacy continues to be the most common, but it is not the only one. Diplomacy also involves multilateral negotiation (i.e., a meeting between a group of states), which is often conducted through a specialized agency like the United Nations or the World Bank. It may also be conducted through private channels, such as business, sports, or cultural events.
The practice of diplomacy carries with it certain honor codes that must be followed. For example, a top diplomat must be treated with dignity and respect in the country to which they are sent, even during wartime. The sanctity of a diplomat’s mission is reflected in diplomatic immunity, which protects an ambassador from arrest or prosecution for actions committed at their post.
It is also a key aspect of international law, which provides the legal framework for diplomacy and the preparation of treaties and other agreements. This free resource, created by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, helps students understand the importance of diplomacy and how it works in the real world. It includes a timeline of the development of diplomacy, and offers suggestions for classroom discussion.