Diplomacy & Foreign policy are important concepts in the international system and
they have important roles. Every independent country has engaged in diplomacy and
foreign policy in one way or another.
In an anarchical world like ours, states must be able to protect and preserve their
interests in the most peaceful way possible.
Diplomacy ensures that misunderstandings are well settled and do not escalate while
foreign policy ensures that countries are satisfied with the settlements/treaties
implemented. This research has covered the definitions of both Diplomacy and
Foreign policy.
Individuals who take part or represent countries on the international scene are called
diplomats. In most countries like Zambia, the head of state is the chief
diplomat/ambassador. Diplomats are appointed on merit by the head of state.
They make sure that their countries are well represented and their interests are well
preserved. This research will discuss in detail the concepts of diplomacy and foreign
policy.
It will discuss the different types of diplomacy as well as the determinants of foreign
policy. Thereafter, it will also discuss the link between foreign policy and
diplomacy.
What is Diplomacy?
Diplomacy is the peaceful conduct of countries in international relations. This is
usually done by the representatives of the countries, international organizations as
well as other international actors. Diplomacy is about representation; Costas gives
his definition of diplomacy by combining the concepts of representation and
communication.
, In his definition of diplomacy, Costas says; At its basic level, diplomacy is a
regulated process of communication between at least two subjects, conducted by
their representative agents over a particular object.
Diplomacy as Transnational Communication
Murthy also defines diplomacy as; the process of transnational communication
among the elites in the world arena. Diplomacy has to take place between two
different countries or international organizations.
In other words, Trans Van Dinh explains the importance of diplomacy
as; communication is to diplomacy as blood is to the human body.
He explains that when communication stops, then the body of international politics,
the process of diplomacy, is dead and the results are violent conflict or atrophy.
States need to maintain good communication as misunderstandings can bring about
unnecessary conflict.
Constantinou also describes diplomacy as the regulated process of
communication. Most diplomatic discussions are scheduled and certain individuals
are appointed to participate.
Diplomacy can also be seen as a form of negotiation. Quincy Wright states that the
art of negotiation is to achieve the maximum group of objectives with a minimum of
costs, within a system of politics in which war is a possibility.
Diplomacy involves negotiations, especially during conflict. The parties involved
have to reach a mutual agreement after several negotiations.
Diplomacy as Management of International Relations
Hendley Bulls looks at the management of international relations by
negotiations. Diplomacy should be held in an organized manner. Diplomacy
involves the agreement of countries that need to work together.