Diplomacy is the art and practice of building rapport with people using tact, respect and compromise. While this skill is often viewed as a tool for foreign policy, it can be a valuable asset in everyday interactions as well. Whether navigating group projects at school, workplace disagreements or familial issues, a diplomatic approach can help you get through any challenging situation.
Many people have a misconception of what diplomats do: they live in nice apartments at government expense, attend fancy international conferences in exotic locations, and spend the majority of their time making deals between governments. The reality is much more complex. Diplomats may drive nice cars and attend fancy international conferences at government expense, but they also spend the majority of their time bargaining between different governments, trying to come to a mutually beneficial agreement in which both sides get something out of the deal.
This bargaining is usually done in secret, though in modern times it often takes the form of a formal arbitration or mediation. These can be conducted by the United Nations or any number of formal commissions, agencies and tribunals.
While the ultimate goal of diplomacy is to avoid war, it can be used in the midst of war, helping to resolve disputes and facilitate peace. In the long run, diplomacy helps to create an international order that fosters nonviolent resolution of conflict and expanded cooperation between states.
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