Diplomat

Overview

A diplomat is a person appointed by a state or an international organization to conduct diplomacy with one or more other states or international organizations. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and friendly relations.

Diplomatic Roles and Functions

Diplomats represent and protect the interests of their home country in the host country. They negotiate treaties, agreements, and conventions; act as a liaison; and report on events that could affect their home country's foreign policy. Diplomats also protect the rights of their country's citizens abroad and provide necessary assistance and protection.

Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatic immunity is a form of legal immunity and a policy held between governments, which ensures that diplomats are given safe passage and are considered not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country's laws.

Diplomatic Missions

A diplomatic mission or foreign mission is a group of people from a state or an international inter-governmental organization (such as the United Nations) present in another state to represent the sending state/organization officially in the receiving state.

Diplomatic Ranks

Diplomatic ranks are the positions of diplomats with regard to their seniority and prestige in their diplomatic career. The highest rank is usually ambassador. They are often used, together with precedence, in the diplomatic protocol order of precedence.

Diplomatic Communication

Diplomatic communication is a complex process of communication between diplomats, involving a specific protocol and decorum. It includes various forms of communication, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, written communication, and electronic communication.

Diplomatic Law

Diplomatic law is a field of international law that governs permanent and temporary diplomatic missions. A fundamental concept of diplomatic law is that of diplomatic immunity, which derives from state immunity.

Diplomatic History

Diplomatic history deals with the history of international relations between states. It covers the history of diplomacy, diplomats, diplomatic missions, diplomatic services, and diplomatic documents.

See Also

• International Relations
• Foreign Policy
• United Nations
• International Law

A professional diplomat in a formal setting, engaged in a discussion with other diplomats.

A professional diplomat in a formal setting, engaged in a discussion with other diplomats.