Diplomacy is the art of managing international affairs by means of communication and negotiations. It is a multilateral activity between governments that seeks to avoid military conflict and find peaceful solutions to disputes. It also mediates between sites of power and influence, such as massive corporations, religious organisations and terrorist groups.
A skilled diplomat will know how to use their power in a way that promotes exchanges that improve trade, culture, wealth and knowledge. Diplomacy is a continuous process that can be employed during peacetime as well as in times of war.
While the term “diplomacy” grew out of ancient Greek letters granting royal favours and privileges, the practice is older. Records of regular contact via envoys travelling between neighbouring civilisations date back 2500 years. However, these early diplomacy efforts lacked the features of modern diplomacy such as embassies and internationally recognised protocols.
A great diplomat will always keep their ear to the ground, looking out for opportunities to engage with their foreign counterparts on the issues that matter most. They work all day and night, turning every event into a useful diplomatic engagement – meals, cocktails, sports, sight-seeing, and official meetings. They have a comfortable and disciplined style that is never overly formal or out of touch. They know exactly what points they need to raise and when. They also know how to deftly avoid offending their colleagues. Using a pleasant tone of voice, relaxed body language and neutral wording is essential to navigating delicate conversations without offending people.