Diplomatic talks are a form of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution that advance nation-states’ interests and can prevent armed war. They may involve traditional face-to-face meetings, informal or ‘Track II’ dialogue outside formal government sessions, or digital outreach. They are typically aimed at preventing or resolving a crisis and are governed by established protocols.
Skilled diplomats are masters of avoiding misunderstandings and maximizing leverage. They listen well, avoid sarcasm and condescension, and keep their emotions in check. They also know what topics to raise and when, keeping in mind the “hot buttons” that can escalate a conversation or conflict quickly.
A successful diplomatic negotiation can result in a treaty, an international agreement signed and ratified by the parties. Such agreements can range from simple agreements on cooperation in a specific area to multilateral and/or bilateral treaties between multiple nations.
Unlike other forms of negotiation, diplomatic negotiations often take place between or among nation-states through their representatives, rather than private businesses or other organizations. This gives them an added layer of complexity and a higher degree of moral significance.
Increasingly, digital tools are democratizing diplomatic negotiation by opening up virtual and hybrid formats for more participants. This enables individuals, groups and non-governmental organizations to engage in the negotiation process without the expense of travel, bringing diverse perspectives into global policy discussions and strengthening the legitimacy of international agreements. It can also enable back-channel negotiations to occur, providing a temporary reprieve from deal spoilers and public scrutiny—as the Israeli-Palestinian back-channel talks did in 1994-1996, or Nelson Mandela’s secret communications with Hendrik Jacobus Coetsee that helped end apartheid.
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