Diplomatic talks are conversations between governments to advance mutual interests, resolve conflict and prevent war. They are often complicated, and their outcome is difficult to predict. They can take place between sovereign nations or within international organizations, and they may be bilateral or multilateral. They can focus on a single issue, such as an arms race or nuclear disarmament, or they may aim to plow new ground by establishing cooperative or regulatory institutions or ending hostilities. In either case, their success depends on leverage, reciprocity and negotiating skill.
Effective diplomats learn as much as possible about their interlocutors and the issues at hand. They consider where they are coming from and how that shapes their perspectives, beliefs and fears. They also study the domestic politics of their interlocutor’s government and who influences their decision-making. In addition, they practice their own communication skills to avoid sarcasm or condescension that could be misinterpreted as hostile or defensive and ensure that their facial expressions align with their words.
In a negotiation, it’s important for diplomats to have a clear idea of what they are trying to accomplish and how they plan to do it. They should also set realistic expectations, and be prepared to compromise. Ideally, the negotiated results are written down, and both sides should leave the table feeling that they have gained something in return for their time. They should also agree on how they will address any unresolved issues before resuming negotiations.
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