The purpose of diplomacy is to conduct international relations through dialogue and negotiation to advance constructive relations between states. It secures a cooperative agreement in which each party has its interests addressed in the best way. It has evolved from a secret deal-making and conspiring system under monarchical authority to a transparent democracy and a bewildering array of domestic and international politics.

In modern-day diplomacy, international organizations and non-governmental initiatives are also included with state governments. Today, successful international and transnational alliance building is the most essential requirement of effective diplomacy.

Define Diplomacy

Diplomacy is defined as the art and practice of negotiation and conducting dialogues through different measures between states, groups, or people to influence the international system’s decisions, events, and behaviors. It is undertaken to promote peace among nations and avoid a state of war or violence.

In ancient times, diplomacy referred to the conduct of formal (often bilateral) ties between sovereign governments. By the 20th century, European diplomatic practices had spread throughout the globe, and the definition of diplomacy had expanded to include summit meetings, international conferences, multilateralism, the international endeavors of supranational and subnational organizations, unofficial diplomacy by nongovernmental actors, and the performance of international civil servants.

Functions of Diplomacy

Diplomacy is conducted by diplomats. All the functions of diplomacy are performed by them. The functions of diplomacy include the state’s representation and negotiation, the gathering of  information, and the promotion of peaceful ties between nations. The following are the functions of diplomacy, and how are these performed;

1) Negotiation and State Representation

The most crucial functions of diplomacy are negotiations and state representation. Representing the interests of a state and leading negotiations or discussions that aim to highlight areas of agreement and disagreement between the parties in order to achieve the state’s objectives and prevent conflict is the major purpose of diplomacy. In order to reach successful negotiation, finding a common interest between states is also a vital part of diplomacy.

2) Gathering and Evaluation of Information

The gathering of information to identify and access the objectives of the foreign policy of receiving state by all lawful means constitutes an important function of diplomacy. When the data is sent back to their home nation, the Foreign Ministry evaluates it and decides what foreign policy should be implemented. Diplomatic missions are concerned with obtaining information. Then, political leaders decide which course of action is best for their country.

3) Economic, Political, and Cultural Relations

Another important function of diplomacy is the development of economic, political, and cultural relations between two nations to promote friendly relations among nations. For instance, after World War Two, the United States and Britain focused their foreign policy on containing communism.

4) Facilitates the Implementation of International Law

Diplomacy plays an important role in enforcing or facilitating the implementation of international law. The role of the diplomat is to advance the nation’s interests and maintain friendly relations with foreign nations.

How Does Diplomacy Work?

Diplomacy is carried out through bargaining or negotiations. Each party in a negotiation generally wants more than they anticipate receiving. Then, in order to reach a compromise or an agreement, they give up some of what they initially wanted. A  foreign diplomat assists in the talks. For instance, Martti Ahtisaari, a UN official from Finland, assisted Namibia in 1990 in gaining independence from South Africa.

As a result of the successful negotiations, the parties signed the Diplomatic Agreement. The formal type of this agreement is called a Treaty which is a written contract between states or nations. For example; the signing of the Treaty of Versailles ended the First World War officially.

In some negotiations, one side does not agree to compromise and refuses to act upon the common agenda set between two parties. In such cases, the third parties involved in the process of negotiation put diplomatic sanctions on the state which refuses to be a part of negotiations.

This led to diplomatic tensions among states and the reduction and expulsion of the diplomatic staff from the offending nation as part of diplomatic sanctions. It may also include the president’s refusal to meet the leaders of an offending country or visit that particular country. For example, in 2010, Nicaragua suspended all diplomatic ties with Israel.

Types of Diplomacy

Modern-day diplomacy is open and transparent diplomacy as compared to secretive and covert traditional diplomacy. With the revolution in time, diplomacy has evolved into different kinds and types. There are many types of diplomacy, some of which are mentioned below:

• Public Diplomacy
• Economic Diplomacy
• Cultural Diplomacy
• Science Diplomacy
• Cyber Diplomacy
• Energy Diplomacy
• Regional Diplomacy
• Education Diplomacy
• Health Diplomacy
• Sport Diplomacy

1) Public Diplomacy

Public diplomacy is a type of diplomacy that emphasizes interacting with foreign citizens in order to develop bonds and influence the opinion of the public. It is a type of soft power that involves fostering ties and understanding between nations through cultural, economic, and educational exchanges. Public diplomacy can also involve reaching out to foreign audiences through the media and other kinds of communication.

2) Economic Diplomacy

Economic diplomacy is using the entire spectrum of a state’s economic resources to advance its national interests. It entails advancing a nation’s interests abroad by employing economic means like trade, investment, finance, and development assistance. Economic diplomacy is used to encourage global cooperation, job creation, and economic prosperity. It can also be used to settle conflicts and improve diplomatic ties between nations.

3) Cultural Diplomacy

Cultural diplomacy is the sharing of ideas, art, data and information, and other elements of culture among nations and their inhabitants in order to improve mutual understanding. The goal of cultural diplomacy is to increase public support for political and economic objectives by helping citizens of a foreign country become familiar with its principles and institutions.

Cultural diplomacy, in essence, reveals the character of a nation which in turn generates influence. Despite being frequently disregarded, cultural diplomacy can and does contribute significantly to attaining national security objectives.

4) Science Diplomacy

Science diplomacy is the use of science and technology to foster international collaboration and create bridges between nations. It includes tackling global issues like food security, climate change, and pandemics, utilizing scientific research, technology, and expertise. Moreover, science diplomacy encourages international scientific cooperation and the exchange of information and resources.

5) Cyber Diplomacy

Cyber diplomacy refers to the use of electronic communication and technology to advance diplomacy and foreign affairs.  It includes using technological tools like social media, websites, and other online platforms to conduct diplomatic debates, develop connections, and advance global collaboration. Global challenges like data privacy, cyber security, and digital infrastructure can be addressed through cyber diplomacy.

6) Energy Diplomacy

Energy diplomacy is the use of diplomatic relationships to advance and defend nations’ interests in the energy industry.  It entails both the negotiation of international treaties on energy-related matters and the management of national energy policy. Promoting energy security, lowering energy poverty, and fostering sustainable energy development are all part of energy diplomacy.

7) Regional Diplomacy

Regional diplomacy is the conduct of relations between nations that are part of a specific geographical area. Regional diplomacy is now a significant player in world affairs. All states understand the importance and value of neighborhood interaction due to interdependence and globalization.

8) Education Diplomacy