Diplomacy

Diplomacy is the conduct of negotiations between persons, groups, or nations. Used formally, it usually refers to international diplomacy, the conduct of international relations through the intercession of (usually) professional diplomats.

Once concerned most prominently with royal dynastic marriage-alliances and questions of war and peace, diplomacy now concerns itself more with issues of trade and culture.

An ambassador is the most senior diplomatic rank. (See the list of ambassadors.)

In an informal or social sense, diplomacy often refers to the phrasing of statements in a tactful, non-confrontational, or social manner.

See also:

• Foreign policy doctrine
• Diplomatic mission
• Diplomatic immunity
• Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
• Diplomacy (game).