The easiest way to understand it is to start by seeing it as a system of structured communication between two or more parties. And, in the modern era, diplomacy is conducted not only between nation-states, but also by a range of non-state actors such as the European Union and the United Nations.ĭiplomacy has probably existed for as long as civilisation has. In fact, unlike in centuries gone by when war was common, diplomacy is what we understand today as the normal state of affairs governing international relations. And, their work is often far less expensive, far more effective and much more predictable a strategy than war. These are typically the actions of diplomats. But, his words also indicated that actions short of war are available to help states achieve their objectives. When military theorist Carl von Clausewitz remarked in the early 1800s that war was the continuation of policy by other means, he sought to normalise the idea of war in modern politics. On the other hand, despite its importance, diplomacy rarely gains much attention. War compels and focuses public attention, leaves a clear mark on human life, and is responsible for shaping our world. This is an excerpt from International Relations – an E-IR Foundations beginner’s textbook.
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