Diplomacy is a process of international dialogue and negotiation conducted by accredited envoys (or diplomats) and political leaders. It can be coercive but is generally nonviolent and always attempts to find common ground. It can be bilateral or multilateral, and it can involve the export of cultural or historical artifacts or scientific information. The most skillful diplomats know when to lean on personal rapport and when to maintain professional detachment. Striking this balance is the essence of the delicate diplomatic dance, and it was one of my greatest challenges as consul in Thailand, deputy chief of mission in Sierra Leone, ambassador to Cambodia, and ambassador to Zimbabwe.
The roots of modern diplomacy go back far into history: treaties between cities in Mesopotamia in 2850 B.C.E., for example, and writings on the walls of ancient Mayan buildings that suggest the exchange of letters. Diplomatic relations were formalized in the mid-17th century, and the Vienna Convention of 1961 protects diplomats from prosecution while they are on official assignments.
Many of the classic tools of diplomacy are still in use today. Informal conversations over coffee or on the golf course, invitations to family celebrations and mutual support at life’s milestones can dissolve barriers, helping a nation to de-escalate tensions or clarify misunderstandings. At a larger scale, diplomatic relations can also take the form of large, international conferences that bring together heads-of-state and other national leaders to address issues like the global atmosphere, the vast oceans or migratory paths for wildlife.