Diplomacy

/dɪˈpləʊməsi/ noun

Definition

Diplomacy is the practice of managing relationships between countries or people through negotiation and careful communication instead of fighting. It involves finding peaceful solutions and compromises.

Etymology

From French 'diplomatie', based on Greek 'diplōma' meaning 'folded paper' or 'document', originally referring to official papers carried by envoys. Over time, it came to mean the whole art of managing international relations.

Kelly Says

Diplomacy started with pieces of paper—literally the documents that messengers carried between rulers. Today, it’s still about messages, but now it’s more about what you say and how you say it than about the paper itself.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Diplomacy has historically been dominated by men, and women were often excluded from formal diplomatic roles or confined to informal influence through hosting and social networks. Their contributions were frequently minimized or framed as mere "soft" skills.

Inclusive Usage

Acknowledge both formal and informal diplomatic work, and avoid assuming diplomats or negotiators are male by default.

Empowerment Note

Highlight women diplomats, negotiators, and peacebuilders whose work has shaped international relations, especially in conflict resolution and grassroots peace movements.

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