diplomacy – Diplomacy – DIPLOMACY

diplomacy – Diplomacy – DIPLOMACY: the three different ways of writing this word illustrate three different ways in which diplomacy is perceived today.

diplomacy – written in lower-case letters – reflects our daily experience. At home, at work, and on the street, we deal with conflicts through negotiations, engagement, and ultimately, compromise. In addition, we represent our family, our communities, and our companies. We often speak on behalf of others. This is what diplomacy is about. Most people would not use the term ‘diplomacy’ to describe these activities. Yet, these activities are at the core of diplomacy.

Diplomacy – with a capital ‘D’ – is what we see in the headlines. It’s a profession, a formal system that represents states and manages international relations. This is the world of embassies, treaties, and delicate negotiations carried out by professional diplomats in foreign ministries and international organisations. Much has been written about this form of Diplomacy, and it’s the one that usually gets the spotlight. If you’re curious, Diplo’s website is full of insights on this fascinating profession.

Then there’s DIPLOMACY – in all caps. This is how most people imagine diplomacy: the grandeur of flags waving in the wind, sleek black limousines, receptions with fine champagne, strict protocols. It’s glamorous, aristocratic—the kind of imagery you’d find in a movie. This perception harks back to the days when diplomacy was an exclusive club for aristocrats, a far-off world that most people only glimpsed from the outside.

But times have changed. Modern diplomacy is just another—though still crucial—profession. The days of aristocratic grandeur are largely gone, yet the image of DIPLOMACY as an elitist pursuit persists. For instance, many hotels worldwide are named ‘Diplomat’ or ‘Ambassador’ to lend a sense of prestige. The title ‘Ambassador’ is often used by corporate or charity representatives to evoke influence and authority. And yet, it’s rare to find streets named after notable diplomats, even in the capitals they once served.

This perception gap becomes especially evident when we consider how history is remembered. Grand military victories and acts of national bravery are celebrated far more than the painstaking diplomacy that builds peace. DIPLOMACY is glamorous, but actual diplomacy—the one that painstakingly crafts compromise—often goes unappreciated.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to understand these three perceptions of diplomacy In our interconnected digital world, interdependence demands diplomatic solutions. We need persuasion and engagement more than force, as seen in recent diplomatic breakthroughs—like the Iran nuclear deal, Cuba’s re-engagement with the world, and Kosovo’s path toward stability. Negotiation is no longer reserved for grand global summits; it’s happening everywhere, from boardrooms to city councils to family kitchens.

Traditional diplomacy must evolve to meet the demands of today’s world. The monopoly on managing international relations no longer belongs to diplomats alone. Cities, local communities, civil society, and businesses have all stepped into the diplomatic arena. And the role of professional diplomats has shifted—they must now work alongside an increasingly diverse group of actors, from mayors to CEOs to grassroots organisers.

The public, too, must see diplomacy as something within reach—not as a distant, exclusive realm. Diplomacy, at its heart, is about conflict resolution while respecting others. It’s not just for the powerful; it’s a tool that all of us can use. And as the world becomes more interconnected, this approach is becoming indispensable, helping us navigate differences and build bridges in a complex, modern society.