Diplomacy is the practice of communication and negotiation between actors in the international system with the aim of achieving political goals and resolving disputes. It encompasses everything that leaders do to advocate for their national interests in a global context, and it leverages an extensive array of foreign policy tools, including sanctions, trade, aid and military power.
Traditionally, diplomacy was bilateral in nature, with countries exchanging envoys and ambassadors for negotiations on specific issues or to establish formal relations. It also encompasses multilateral diplomacy, which involves the engagement of more than two actors or parties in international dialogue and negotiation that aims to establish and sustain an international order conducive to nonviolent resolution of conflicts and expanded cooperation between states.
The development of diplomacy has reflected the expansion and transformation of the modern world, with its interconnectedness and growing importance to all nations. In addition to bilateral interactions, there are now dozens of multilateral diplomacy initiatives, such as the United Nations Security Council and its subcommittees; international forums, such as the G-20; regional organizations like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; and non-governmental organizations, such as NGOs and think tanks.
In addition to their diplomatic duties, diplomats are often tasked with carrying out covert activities, such as the gathering of intelligence. The intelligence gathered by diplomats may be shared with their home country or used to carry out espionage. While this is usually a matter of discretion, it is possible for diplomats to be declared persona non grata (unwanted persons) in the event that they commit serious crimes in their host country.
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