What is Diplomacy and How Does it Work?

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Diplomacy is the art and practice of building and maintaining relationships and conducting negotiations with people using tact and mutual respect.

Through a hypothetical example, we explore how diplomacy is conducted at the U.S. Department of State by its diplomats around the world. This process requires diplomats to use the skills of diplomacy, as defined by the National Museum of American Diplomacy.

Learn how diplomats might demonstrate these skills in the field in this video.

Discussion Questions 

Use the following discussion questions to guide your classroom conversations about this video. Refer to the timestamps to find the answers to these questions.

  1. How many countries are there in the world and why do diplomats from those countries meet with each other? (start – 0:30)
  2. Explain what this quote means: “Is there any leverage…that can be used to motivate or incentivize a negotiation [of a treaty]?” (2:00 – 2:15)
  3. Describe how diplomats prepare for a meeting with diplomats from another country. (2:00 – 3:30)
  4. Describe what can happen in a negotiation. (3:30 – 4:30)
  5. What are some possible outcomes to this example from the video: “Diplomats innovate by creating opportunities that appeal to each country?” How might diplomats be innovative in their work? (4:30 – 5:15)
  6. What do diplomats do after a negotiation with their counterparts? (5:15 – end)
  7. How does diplomacy use relationship-building skills? (0:30 – 3:00)
  8. Describe some negotiations the United States is currently involved in with other countries.
  9. What is one thing you learned from the video that you found interesting, surprising, or confusing?
  10. Summarize diplomacy and how it works.

Video Vocabulary

The following terms are referenced in this video. 

  • Diplomacy – The art and practice of building and maintaining relationships and conducting negotiations with people using tact and mutual respect.
  • Analysis – A detailed examination.
  • Awareness – Being perceptive and informed.
  • Communication – Giving and receiving information.
  • Collaboration – Working together towards a goal.
  • Leadership – Guiding or leading a group of people.
  • Composure – Being calm and in control of oneself.
  • Advocacy – Support for something.
  • Innovation – Creating something new.
  • Management – The way something is organized and run.

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