Diplomacy is the practice of influencing world events through communication, negotiation and mediation. Whether it is helping to resolve international crises, building alliances or establishing new countries, diplomacy aims to advance the interests of its clients and protect their security. It is the instrument of foreign policy and the main platform that creates global order. Every international treaty, Security Council or General Assembly resolution, world summit, and law are shaped by diplomacy.
The art of diplomacy stretches back centuries. The first recorded diplomatic exchanges — sending and receiving messages between rulers of different cities in Mesopotamia — took place around 2850 B.C.E. Diplomatic correspondence was a significant factor in the rise of the Roman Empire. The emperors of Rome and other ancient cultures used letters to build relationships with foreign states, and they also signed agreements with them, which were called treaties.
Throughout the centuries, the diplomacy process developed and diversified. During the medieval and modern eras, it was influenced by political, religious, economic and other developments that shaped the global landscape and its players.
Today, the challenges and opportunities of diplomacy are vast and complex. From cybersecurity threats and misinformation to global humanitarian crises, the world needs skilled diplomats who can mobilize resources, broker trade deals and find solutions through negotiation and dialogue. At the Knowledge & Learning Commons, we aim to provide environments and avenues for diplomacy professionals to learn from experts and each other to navigate these new challenges and opportunities.
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