Diplomacy in Times of Conflict

Diplomacy is an art mastered by a few. It is the practice of negotiating with

representatives of other countries in order to achieve the goals of ones own
country. In times of conflicts, it is the onus of diplomats to come up with a solution
that is non-confrontational in nature and acceptable by both parties. It is during
conflicts that the mettle of diplomats is in fact, tested. Diplomacy is one of the main
pillars of the foreign policy of any nation, and is given such importance for good
reasons.
We all prefer peaceful means to violent ones. This is because violence always
comes at a cost that is mostly unacceptable. Enough has been said about the ill-
effects of using violence to further ones interests. The importance given to peaceful
means of conflict resolution is due to the results it has brought about. Take for
instance, the resolution of the Vietnam War. After years of violence, it was but a
treaty that was reached after peaceful negotiations that helped end the conflict to a
large extent.
A recent case where diplomacy helped in softening a blow is the issue of Devyani
Khorbragade. After Indian diplomat Khorbragade was strip searched in violation of
her status as a diplomat, India reacted strongly, albeit in diplomatic terms.
Diplomacy has helped India deliver a message in strong, yet peaceful terms. It
withdrew several liberties that it had granted to US diplomats in New Delhi.
Through negotiation the two countries are now trying to repair the cracks in their
relations.
It is only through diplomatic intervention that we may hope to see the end of
ongoing conflicts as well. After several years of cold, non-existential ties, Iran and
USA are also trying to get some semblance of diplomatic relations. Clearly, both
countries are trying to improve their diplomatic ties because they realize that stand
offs help no one and only compound ongoing issues as well.

Finally, one can realize the importance of diplomacy without looking too far away.
Whenever we enter into conflicts, be it with friends, coworkers or even our parents,
at the end of the day, everyone employs diplomatic means to ease issues that may
otherwise remain unresolved. Diplomacy is a universal tool used not just by
countries to further their own interests, but also by each of us, in all our dealings
with persons other than ourselves., and most importantly, in times of conflict.