What is Diplomacy?

The most important and valuable instrument of foreign policy is diplomacy. Diplomacy is the applied side of the foreign policy. It is the management of international relations by negotiations; a method by which these relations are carefully and intelligently regulated and maintained. The term ‘diplomacy’ is originated from a Greek word ‘Diploun’, meaning ‘to fold’.

[i]

Diplomacy is the core of the international relation because it establishes the relationship between two nations effectively. It is through diplomacy that each nation seeks to secure the goals of its national interest. Manu in his work, Manusmriti, recognized, “Peace and war among states depend upon the role of ambassadors.”

Definition and meaning:

In the words of Sir Ernest M. Satow, “Diplomacy is the application of intelligence and tact to the conduct of official relations between the governments of independent states.”[ii]

The Oxford English Dictionary defines diplomacy as “the method by which international relations are adjusted and managed.”

Diplomacy is often described as the art of telling lies on the behalf of the nation and as such an instrument for employing deceit and duplicity in international relations. In general sense, diplomacy can be described as the art of negotiations and conduct of foreign relations or the means for implementing foreign policy.

The following implications may be drawn from the meaning of diplomacy:

It is the art of conducting negotiations with foreign states to settle the disagreements and misunderstandings to maintain good relations with the world.
These negotiations are used to protect and promote ‘national interest’.
The purpose of diplomacy is to avoid conflict or war as far as possible. Peace with keeping the interest of the nation is the is objective of diplomacy.
Diplomacy is the applied form of foreign policy.
Modern diplomacy has been influenced by the non-state agencies and organisations which has resulted into a new term as ‘quasi-official’ diplomacy.

Nature of Diplomacy:

Unlike the popular view, diplomacy is not immoral. There is nothing like immoral practices in diplomacy.
Diplomacy has changed its form with dynamics of international relations. Prior to the WW II it worked in bilateral form but with the growth of conferences, regional arrangements, international organisations, it has now become multilateral.
It works both at war as well as at peace.
Diplomacy operates in an environment in which both conflict and cooperation are simultaneously present. Diplomacy becomes ineffective and irrelevant when there are all agreements, likewise, it becomes ineffective when there are all disagreements. Thus, the existence of cooperation as well as a conflict is essential for the working of diplomacy.
Diplomacy works for securing the national interests of the nation it represents.
It is an instrument of international relation.

Role of Diplomacy:

It is mostly through diplomatic negotiations that nations try to resolve their disputes or arrive at a consensus regarding international issues. It helps in conflict-management in international relations. A nation having the services of a well organized and effective diplomacy alone can effectively and successfully exercise its power over other nations. It is a traditional practice, rather one of the most ancient practices of international, which today stands accepted as the key instrument for the promotion of national interest as well as international peace.

[i] Harold Nicolson, Diplomacy (New York: Oxford University Press, 1963), III Ed., pp. 26-27

[ii] Satow, A Guide to Diplomatic Practice (London: Longmas, 1957), p. 1