Diplomacy: GCSE History Definition

What is diplomacy?

In GCSE History, diplomacy is the act of communication between countries. Diplomatic talks can centre on agreements such as treaties or economic arrangements such as trade deals. 

When a country has a friendly foreign policy, international diplomacy is good. An example of this is the League of Nations work in the 1920s. When a country has an aggressive foreign policy, they do not want to make compromises. This affects diplomacy. An example of when diplomacy breaks down is the relationship between the USA and Cuba after the Cuban Revolution. The breakdown in diplomacy between two aggressive nations can have significant consequences for world peace. For example, the diplomatic relationship between Mussolini and Hitler was one of the causes of the Second World War:

Diplomacy requires finding solutions to issues that occur between countries. Every country has diplomats who are specifically trained in skills such as negotiation and sensitivity. A special type of diplomat is called an ambassador. An ambassador lives and works in a foreign country to improve communication between their country of origin and the foreign country. When diplomatic relations severely break down, ambassadors are often targeted. They are ordered to leave the foreign country or, in extreme cases, are physically attacked.

Diplomacy Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

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