Characteristics of Diplomatic Negotiations

There are no definite ways of characterizing diplomatic negotiations. However, one may use various facets to define these characteristics. For instance, they may be assessed through the different functions of diplomacy (Meerts, 2015a). The study by Meerts (2015a) states that “First, ‘diplomacy’ sometimes refers to the content of foreign affairs as a whole. Second, ‘diplomacy’ might connote the conduct of foreign policy. A third connotation of diplomacy focuses on the management of international relations by negotiation. Fourth, diplomacy may be understood as the use of diplomats in a diplomatic service. Fifth, diplomacy, and especially the adjective ‘diplomatic’, often refers to the manner in which relations are conducted” (p.58). The statement reveals that diplomatic negotiations may be characterized by five vital facets; foreign affairs, foreign policy, international relations management, and diplomatic relations. 

“Diplomatic negotiation is therefore a process of international negotiation characterized by diplomatic norms and practices that can have a positive and a negative effect on its function of coming to closure, but it is difficult to point out which characteristics will have a positive or negative impact on its outcome because of the contextual nature of the process. Turning to the question of process, this study already referred to it in the last chapter: many authors have defined process in many different ways, but in the end the differences are not substantial. It is a question of wording” (Meerts, 2015a, p.58).

Consequently, diplomatic negotiations can be assessed through a broad spectrum, thereby offering other characteristics from various viewpoints. Meerts (2015a) reveals that diplomatic practices and norms often facilitate conflict resolution. Therefore, when assessing diplomatic negotiations through conflict resolution, it may be characterized by factors such as “coexistence and reciprocity; open communication channels; shared language; commitment to peace; diplomatic immunity; and pacta sunt servanda” (Meerts, 2015a). In addition to that, through the lens of complicate conflict resolution, diplomatic negotiations may be characterized by constructive ambiguity, precedence problems, complexity, and recognition questions. These characteristics may also be defined as the effects of diplomatic practices and norms. The evaluation of these characteristics as individual factors may help further understand why diplomatic negotiations characterize them. For instance, diplomatic negotiations’ complexity is a particularly beneficial characteristic since it favours the diplomatic negotiation process by helping the parties reach a consensus. Meerts (2015a) supports this by stating that “Complexity works in favour of reaching an agreement because the inherent lack of precision in the material makes it difficult to argue effectively against an agreement. It pushes parties to adopt simplified logic and goals. Complexity strengthens the position of the negotiator back home” (p.58). In retrospect, complexity works as a motivating characteristic that ensures the efficacy of diplomatic negotiations through pushing parties to adopt simplified objectives and logics.