Abstract
The existence of mankind at a reasonable level of civilization is practically impossible without peace, trade and social relations between nation-states and these things depended upon diplomacy, upon the representation of states and the adjustments of their contacts. Modern diplomacy as an organized profession arose in Italy in the late middle ages, the rivalries of the Italian city-states and the methods which their rulers used to promote their interests. Although it is known that diplomacy has a long history, on the other hand, it is a method that regulates the economic and cultural relations of states in general. The expansion of the international community has affected style, procedures, substance and scope of diplomacy. It has brought with it divergent regimes and ideologies. This paper aimed at examining the various ways diplomacy has been viewed, its origin, history and theory. This paper adopted the doctrinal method where the relevant primary and secondary sources were employed. It was found that the ability to practice diplomacy is one of the defining elements of a state, and diplomacy has been practiced since the formation of the first city-states. Originally diplomats were sent only for specific negotiations, and would return immediately after their mission concluded. It was also found out that the endemic nature of conflict in the international system makes it imperative for states and other international actors to device ways of ameliorating its consequences. Diplomacy lubricates the international system and is used to advance the interest of all actors, state and non-state. Diplomacy is a pretty essential part of international relations. It concluded that throughout the course of history diplomacy has been a paramount element in the upkeep of peace and in the creation of positive change. Without diplomacy much of the world’s affairs would not exist. If diplomacy were not in existence, international organizations would not exist. The world would be at a constant state of war and war would in fact never end because they normally end with diplomatic negotiations.
Keywords: Diplomacy, Theory, Origin