Introduction:
Diplomacy is the application of strategy and intelligence in government-level relations between independent states. Apart from this, the implementation of foreign policy by professional and experienced staff through negotiation is also called diplomacy. Diplomacy is a method of maintaining relations between different states by sending representatives and negotiating in cases of conflict.
Foreign policy is the policy to achieve the highest goals of the state and diplomacy is the implementation of that policy by professional and experienced staff. The more complex the world’s problems are in the current world order, the more important diplomacy becomes. Diplomacy is the only way to solve the complex problems of the world. And by this the foreign policy of all countries is effective. After reading this article your concept will be clear about What Is Diplomacy in International Relations, for sure.
Meaning and Definition of Diplomacy:
The English equivalent of diplomacy ‘Diplomacy’ originated in ancient times. In ancient Greece, when a representative of a state traveled from one state to another, he would hand over a piece of wood carved with his identity to the head of the receiving state. This piece of wood was called ‘Diplom’, it is believed that the word Diplomacy is derived from this word ‘Diplom’.
Diplomacy is a governmental activity aimed at the peaceful implementation of the foreign policy of a state. The process by which foreign policy is negotiated is called diplomacy.
According to Hans J. Morgenthau, “Diplomacy is the employment of tact to gain strategic advantage or to find mutually acceptable solutions to a common challenge.”
Padelford and Lincoln said Diplomacy may be defined as the process of representation by which states customarily deal with the governments of independent states.
Origin and Development of Diplomacy:
Diplomacy has a long history. Diplomacy can also be considered one of the oldest arts in the world. It originated as a method of establishing relations between different states in the early days of diplomacy.
- Indian Diplomacy: Diplomacy in ancient India was called Arthasastra. Kautil (also known as Chanakya), chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, originally introduced this Artha Shastra. Arthasastra is the principle of state administration detailing the processes and means of influencing one side over the other in wartime.
- Diplomacy of the Greeks: Modern diplomacy originated in the ancient Greek city-states. Ancient Greek city-states exchanged diplomats with each other for their own needs. According to Professor Nicholson, “Diplomacy existed in the Greek city-states to establish friendships, resolve problems, negotiate agreements, and establish peace.” That is why they used to appoint wise, competent, and respectable people as diplomats.
Iran attacks Israel Israeli. - Roman Diplomacy: The ancient Romans’ contribution to jurisprudence is paramount. They make laws for foreign diplomats. However, the Romans contributed little to the beginnings of diplomacy. However, diplomacy was practiced to some extent in the Eastern Roman Empire. The emperors of the region successfully used the information sent by the permanent representative abroad against the enemy. Roman diplomats at that time were called Nunti or Orators.
- Diplomacy of the Italians: The Italian period is considered the third stage of the origin of diplomacy. Byzantine diplomacy began after the fall of the Roman Empire. They opened a separate department for foreign relations and employed professional diplomats. In Italy at this time foreign diplomats were given a guard of honor by the secret police.
What Is Diplomacy in International Relations - Diplomacy in the Middle Ages: Although the importance of diplomats declined somewhat in the Middle Ages, the possibility of establishing permanent diplomatic missions arose after the formation of independent city-states in Italy in the fourteenth century. It was at this stage that diplomacy took on a new form through the thought of Machiavelli. In this regard, his famous book “The Prince” can be mentioned. Diplomacy was originally established in the seventeenth century as an established profession and method of managing relations between states. The diplomacy of this century is also called “Court Diplomacy”. In the 16th century the Italian city-states, London, Paris, and the Holy Roman Empire employed permanent diplomats.
- Diplomacy in the Seventeenth Century: In the seventeenth century Europe developed a distinct diplomatic system. However, the vagueness of those regulations led to confusion in many cases. Violent activities raised questions about the status, honor, and power of diplomatic representatives. It must be said, however, that in the seventeenth century diplomacy was established as an established profession and a method of conducting relations between states.
Economic Power - Diplomacy in the Eighteenth Century: The late eighteenth century ushered in a new chapter in the history of diplomacy with the Industrial Revolution, the American War of Independence, and the French Revolution. This led to the beginning of democratic diplomacy. With the encouragement of various states in the international balance of the time, an opportunity was created to develop an integrated and unified structure in terms of diplomatic procedures and various rules. The role of the people in world politics gained importance in the eighteenth century. As a result, diplomats gradually became representatives of the people.
Foreign Policy Definition - 19th Century Diplomacy: In the 19th century, diplomacy evolved with new methods. At this time the need for new methods and personnel in diplomacy became inevitable. Diplomatic procedures and regulations were formalized in the Congress of Aix-La-Chapelle following the end of the war under Napoleon in this century. The historic Vienna Conference took special steps to reorganize diplomacy. This conference introduced some rules of diplomacy which are still followed by almost every country.
- Diplomacy in the 20th Century: The 20th century saw changes in the field of diplomacy due to the rapid development of communication systems, the growing awareness of the importance of public opinion, etc. During this time, the changes that were achieved in the field of diplomacy are noteworthy.
- democratic diplomacy;
- open diplomacy instead of secret diplomacy;
- All-out diplomacy;
- conference diplomacy; And
- Personal diplomacy etc.
In the 20th century, everything besides politics has come under the purview of diplomats.
Recent Trends in Diplomacy in 2024:
Over time, new trends have been introduced in world politics, which have had an impact on diplomacy. Recent remarkable improvements in communication have greatly reduced the importance of diplomats and opened up much easier avenues for international communication. Heads of State or Foreign Ministers can now avoid the bureaucratic tasks of diplomats through direct communication.
During World War II, Winston Churchill and Roosevelt kept in touch with each other by telephone. Conference diplomacy and many other forms of diplomacy gradually became popular. Lord Vancitus said, “Though the number of high-ranking diplomats has increased more than ever before, they have lost their former importance and are increasingly becoming mere spokesmen. But diplomacy is not necessary, it cannot be said. So in the present age, in addition to political functions, diplomats are social, economic, and cultural. He is also playing an important role in the field.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN POLICY:
An independent state maintains diplomatic relations with other independent states and tries to preserve its interests with their help and cooperation, as far as possible. Diplomacy and foreign policy are closely related. Every state formulates its foreign policy in terms of national strength and international situation considering its security, economic development, and other needs. Diplomacy is resorted to to make that policy successful. Diplomacy is one of the main ways to make foreign policy successful. Determining foreign policy is not a function of diplomacy; The purpose of diplomacy is to make foreign policy worthwhile. The deep relationship between diplomacy and foreign policy is discussed in detail below:
Firstly, various individuals and institutions, such as heads of state and government, foreign ministers, legislatures, etc., play a role in determining the content of international relations as well as foreign policy and strategy. The experienced, skilled, and skilled person required to carry out this formulated policy is called a diplomat. Thus both policy making and policy implementation are inextricably linked with diplomacy. That’s why Palmer and Perkins said – Diplomacy provides the machinery and the personnel by which foreign policy is executed one is substance; the other is a method.”
Second, every country prepares its foreign policy keeping in view the national interest. However, ideology also has an effect in this case. So foreign policy is a goal. And there are many ways to reach the goal. Diplomacy is only one of those paths. But in terms of importance, diplomacy stands at the top of those paths. Diplomacy creates a harmonious relationship between different states through exchange, negotiation, and reconciliation of divergent interests.
Third, diplomacy plays a special role in dealing with foreign policy crises. However, two types of statements can be noted among international relations theorists. Nicholson in his book “The Congress of Vienna” states, “Diplomacy in times of peace engages in various means to achieve objectives.” This means that diplomacy can solve problems only in an amicable environment. Diplomacy loses its effectiveness during unusual situations or conflicts.
So many disagreed with the statement of the theorist Nicholson. Palmer & Perkins’s opinion is significant in this regard. They said, ‘It is misleading to suggest that diplomacy ceases to function when major international crises wise, especially if they lead to war.’ So since protecting national interest and security is one of the main goals of any country’s foreign policy, it has to play a role in facing national security crisis during war. Note that the roles of diplomats are not the same in times of war and peace.
Fourth, diplomacy works under the Foreign Office. That is, diplomacy is not an independent agency. But it is independent as it is headed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Minister of State the Prime Minister, or the Head of State himself. Diplomacy, on the other hand, is a subordinate agency, which cannot act of its own accord.
Fifth, there is an important relationship between foreign policy and diplomacy. But if the Foreign Office is concerned with policy formulation, diplomacy is concerned with the execution of that policy. Diplomats work under the Foreign Office. Indeed, foreign policy is the policy to achieve the highest goals of the state, and diplomacy is the implementation of that policy by professional and experienced staff. So Professor Nicholson wrote:
“Diplomacy is not an end but a means; not a purpose but a method. It seeks, by the use of reason, conciliation, and the exchange of interests, to prevent major conflicts arising between sovereign states. It is the agency through which foreign policy seeks to attain its purpose by agreement rather than by war.”
Conclusion:
From the above discussion, it can be said that diplomacy is a special means of preserving national interests in world politics. Diplomacy is a particularly prestigious profession in modern times. Therefore, among the changes that have been initiated in the field of diplomacy in the 20th century due to the needs of the era, the initiative to be increasingly dependent on the media to achieve the goals of diplomacy through public diplomacy conferences can be mentioned. Therefore, it can be said that the role of diplomats in developing relations between different states is particularly important.