Diplomacy is an art of tact and strategic communication that fosters understanding, minimizes conflict and seeks mutually beneficial solutions. It is the heart of international relations and the soul of negotiation. It enables nations to protect their foreign policy interests and cooperate on issues like trade, culture and science. In a globalized world, it is a necessary skill for all leaders.
The practice of diplomacy dates back to ancient times. Written documents have been found that record treaties between cities in Mesopotamia in 2850 B.C.E. Later, diplomatic contact between nations developed in Italy, where the first embassy was established in 1455. It wasn’t until the 16th century, however, that permanent diplomatic missions became standard. These diplomatic missions, often staffed by diplomats (who are known as ambassadors), are located in countries other than their home state and are called embassies.
For centuries diplomats have been given special treatment – including immunity from jurisdiction and inviolability of their persons and property – by the states they represent. This is a basic principle of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which was signed in 1961. It codifies the sanctity of diplomatic privileges.
Successful diplomacy requires a high degree of intelligence and a willingness to compromise and sacrifice one’s own ego for the sake of an agreement. It also requires the courage to break from established patterns, as Anwar Sadat did in his negotiations with Israel and Henry Kissinger did in working with Zhou Enlai on opening to China.