DIPLOMACY AND A DIPLOMAT

The word diplomacy originally came from the ancient Greek term diplōma meaning “an
object folded in two”. This referred to a document allowing one to travel or be permitted
special privileges, often tied to the role of a diplomat. As time went on, diplomacy became
more concerned with international relations. The 18th-century French
term “diplomate” referred to someone who acted as a negotiator for their country. This is
more in line with the current definition of modern diplomacy.

Diplomats work to protect their home country’s citizens, repair relationships between nations,
and create lasting bonds that help them shape foreign policy. They often engage in complex
dialogues and negotiations with international representatives in order to protect their nation’s
interests abroad, including economic, political, social, or cultural views.

Diplomacy is a method that governments use to influence the actions of foreign governments
through peaceful tactics such as negotiation and dialogue. It’s typically carried out by a
countries representatives abroad, but a diplomat’s actions will be largely controlled by the
government they serve.

WHAT SITUATION SHOULD A DIPLOMAT HANDLE NICELY

The main function of diplomacy is to ensure peaceful relations between countries. This might
include:
 Negotiating Trade and Economic deals: A diplomat must be skillful in determining
smooth running of economic affairs between his country and the country of his abode as
any impairment in handling this may result in bad relationship between the two nations.
 Discussing mutual problems: A diplomat must tactically look into proffering solution
to mutual problems that may arise between the two nations in the cause of their
relationship. Since the two nations will most likely have different cultural practices, there
will be need areas of conflicting views which has to be resolved amicably. Also, the
process of settling immigrants may cause problems that will require the technical skills
of a diplomat to handle correctly.
 Implementing new policies: The service of diplomats are required in the formulation
and implementation of new policies especially as it relates to and affects neighboring
nations.
 Tackling Disputes: Handling and managing disputes is one of the most important duties
of the diplomats, hence, when there are matter of dispute between citizens of the two
nations and/or the nations themselves, diplomats are sent to reconcile the matter.
 Managing Cultural Issues: Diplomats specializes in educating, presenting and
upholding of cultural norms and values both of their home country and their host country
ensuring that violation is avoided. They do this by opening libraries abroad, offering
language courses, and granting educational scholarships. Practices like this can ease
tensions between countries by improving a country’s image and developing cultural links
 Managing International relations regarding peace deals
 Human rights activities
 Negotiating treaties and international agreements