Nowadays diplomacy is closely tied with politics and this has made this concept associated mostly with diplomatic relations or international relations between states or particular politicians. However, there are lots of persuasive arguments that demonstrate that the term ‘diplomacy’ is much wider compared to how it is used within a political framework. It can be seen as an art of negotiation, a scientific discipline or a personal trait.
Indeed, Merriam-Webster defines diplomacy as “the work of maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries”. However, the second meaning is “skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings” (Merriam-Webster). According to it, a person may be seen as a diplomat, if he or she manages to maintain good relations with those who surround him or her without being related to politics. Also, sometimes the concepts of diplomacy and ethics are confused because both of them dictate the way people should behave and communicate. Diplomacy is also related to etiquette that should be observed if people want to have a good reputation. Moreover, diplomacy can be referred when science or profession is taken into account. In this case, it has little relation to diplomatic relations, because mostly concerns disciplines and expertise gained at the university. The term ‘diplomacy’ may be also used when there is a conflict situation that requires peaceful resolution by means of negotiation.
Therefore, the concept of being a diplomat or diplomatic does not necessarily requires international element. It is obvious that modern politics expansion has made its first meaning to prevail, however it varies depending on the situation. Meaning a personal characteristic, or a discipline, or an abstract concept, it is still more about human relations that the diplomatic ones.
References
Diplomacy. In the Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomacy
