Diplomacy is conventionally understood as a set of processes by which sovereign states inform, influence and negotiate with each other to advance their relationships and pursue foreign policy objectives. Its defining features include international dialogue and negotiation, conducted by accredited ambassadors or envoys and other political leaders. Diplomacy may be coercive in some cases, but it is generally non-violent and seeks to cultivate goodwill and cooperation. It may also involve third-party mediation or arbitration, notably by the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
The etiquette and protocol that define diplomatic relations mask the human layer of these interactions: diplomats, ambassadors and envoys are individuals who bring their hopes, concerns, values and perspectives into every meeting and negotiation. They are influenced by psychology – the dynamics of trust, perception biases, and the tendency toward both cooperation and competition. Understanding this layer of complexity adds a more human dimension to the way diplomacy works.
While formal government-to-government diplomacy remains an essential aspect of the international system, it is increasingly supplemented by a broad range of other diplomatic activities that address a wide variety of issues, from trade and science to conflict resolution. These activities can take the form of “soft power,” such as the cultivation of relationships, respect or admiration for a foreign culture, or direct intervention by a third party, like the International Court of Justice at The Hague or informal commissions, agencies and mediators under the auspices of the United Nations.