What is diplomacy? Foreign Affairs in the language | ministries
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Blog entry | 07-06-2022 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Diplomacy is important for peace, security, human rights and prosperity in the world. But what exactly is diplomacy? What does a diplomat do? And why are diplomats inviolable? We explain.
What does diplomacy mean?
Diplomacy is the consultation between representatives of countries, to achieve a certain goal. You may quickly think of conflicts of problems. But diplomacy is also about increasing cooperation between countries. We want to stand stronger together. By consulting and making agreements, the Netherlands works with other countries on issues such as climate, security, human rights and development aid.
The Netherlands wants to achieve a goal – but does that also help another country? Or vice versa: another country has a proposal, but is that in line with our Dutch values and interests? The art of diplomacy is to find answers to such questions. And to ensure that both countries progress. And that is a profession in its own right.
Why is diplomacy necessary?
The Netherlands is highly dependent on the rest of the world. That’s because of our foreign trade, but also because there are those that we can’t handle in ourselves. Think of climate change, refugee flows from corona. Our security also often starts outside the border. Such as terrorism or cyber attacks. By collaborating and making agreements with other countries, diplomacy contributes to a better and more stable world. And therefore also a safer and more prosperous Netherlands.
Diplomats are worldwide through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the Netherlands and the Dutch. But what exactly do they do?
What does a diplomat do?
Diplomats build ties with other countries. Think of the work of an ambassador to a consul general. For the Netherlands, diplomats are also the eyes, ears and voice abroad. They are in close contact with the local government, organizations and citizens and know what is going on in the country. In this way, the Netherlands can respond to water that happens outside our borders.
The Netherlands has 150 embassies, consulates and representations worldwide: small pieces of the Netherlands abroad. They also help Dutch people abroad, for example, and issue visas to people who want to come to the Netherlands.
Diplomacy in action
Every country has different rules, interests and a different culture. A diplomat is trained and educated to take this into account. But of course a diplomat also wants to achieve something. Some examples of diplomats in action:
What is Diplomatic Immunity?
Diplomatic immunity means that diplomats cannot be threatened or prosecuted. This is agreed internationally in the Vienna Convention† Countries are obliged to protect each other’s diplomats. That’s the only way to keep in touch – even when tensions are high.
Diplomats must, of course, abide by the laws of the country where they are. Don’t they? Then that country can punish the diplomats, or even send them back. This happened, for example, during the Ukraine crisis. The Netherlands then expelled 17 Russian intelligence officers who work under a diplomatic cover.
Why is a diplomat inviolable?
Diplomats work for the interests of their own government and compatriots. Think of an ambassador who helps Dutch people when they get into trouble. From a permanent representative in the United Nations (UN) who stands up for the Netherlands. Diplomats should not take risks for things they do or say in their own country. Because only without coercion or intimidation can you arrive at fair solutions.
How do you become a diplomat?
Diplomat can be done in different ways. The most common cases are through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry has its own work and development process International Policy Officer Foreign Affairs (IBBZ)† Every year, Foreign Affairs is looking for people with different backgrounds and fields of study. From Sinologists to Arabists, from experts in the field of food security or climate to astronomers and everything in between.
On Working for the Netherlands you can read stories from the practice of international policy officers†