Diplomacy is the practice of building relationships and conducting negotiations with people using tact and mutual respect. This video explores how these skills are used at the U.S. Department of State by the diplomats it sends to other countries around the world.
Diplomatic rights and privileges, enshrined in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, protect agents and representatives of states, international organizations and businesses from arrest or prosecution while on mission in another country. This protection extends to their homes, private property and papers. Diplomats who violate these rights are declared persona non grata and may be expelled from their host country.
In addition to promoting and protecting the interests of their home nation, many diplomats work on issues that affect all nations. They facilitate international treaties, agreements and alliances. They also help shape the state they represent by advising government officials.
When disputes arise, diplomats sometimes participate in formal mediation and arbitration. This can be time consuming and expensive. It is also difficult to mediate without the full support of both parties. In this scenario, the parties might decide to appoint outsiders to lead the talks. Outside mediators can bring a sense of impartiality, and they can use incentives—like arms sales, shipments of food or even new diplomatic missions—to encourage their counterparts to reach a deal. However, the parties might resume fighting if they cannot reach a compromise, or the outsiders could lose their credibility. This is one of the biggest risks in diplomacy.