Diplomacy is a complex social process that develops over thousands of years and is a key aspect of international relations. It consists of the conduct of negotiations and dialogue to implement foreign policy interests, resolve conflicts and enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, culture and science.
It has traditionally included the formal exchange of ambassadors (although it can also include consular staff and the use of other communication channels such as telephone and email). Diplomatic relations are established by mutual consent, and severance of diplomatic ties is a discretionary act by either state. The establishment of diplomatic ties by one state implicitly acknowledges that the other has a legitimate government, which must be recognised as such in accordance with the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and good faith.
As the globalisation of the world continues to progress, so too does the number and variety of issues on which governments must come together for common purpose. These issues range from environmental problems that transcend national borders to economic cooperation and development, the resolution of disputes in a world where wars have been replaced by civil conflict and the need for preventive actions rather than responding to them after the fact.
This new dynamic requires more than just a shift in international agreements, it calls for a change in our collective consciousness – something that diplomacy can both reflect and influence. Stripping away the protocol and the ornate settings, diplomats, ambassadors and envoys are people who have families, hopes, concerns and cultures that shape their interactions with each other. Understanding this human layer of diplomacy helps to shed light on the power structures and philosophical underpinnings that make diplomatic processes unfold as they do and highlight the challenges in achieving universal agreement around global sustainability goals.