Diplomacy (international relations)

Diplomacy, in foreign policy or international relations, is a process established, by mutual consent, between nation-states, or between nation-states and international organizations. By international agreement, the basic functions of a diplomatic mission include The establishment of diplomatic relations between States, and of permanent diplomatic missions, representing the sending State in the receiving State, including negotiations, promoting friendly relations, and, within the relevant legal structure, protecting its citizens in that state. It is also understood that a normal part of diplomacy is the overt and lawful means of obtaining information on conditions in the receiving nation and reporting that information to its home government.

Accredited diplomats are entitled to diplomatic immunity. If they engage in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic role, such as conducting or leading clandestine human-source intelligence collection, the receiving government may declare them persona non grata and order them to depart.

Diplomatic departments

In governments, the primary diplomatic organization is usually called a Ministry or Department of Foreign Affairs, or, in some governments such as the U.S., a Department of State.

• U.K.: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• U.S.: U.S. Department of State