ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the practices of diplomacy to show the ways that diplomacy manifests in the world around, both in terms of institutional operations and tactics. To enhance understanding of these practices, some theoretical concepts, notably the concept of ‘power,’ are also introduced. While Morgenthau and other realists may consider power to be measured primarily by military might, diplomatic practice relies on other dimensions such as financial strength, cultural resilience, or the power of suasion, which can all go a long way towards achieving one’s goals in international politics. The discussion of diplomatic practice begins with what may be considered the most immediately obvious actors and locations: Diplomats and Embassies and Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The most powerful diplomats are Ambassadors as Chief of Mission; that is, they are the single most important individual in a diplomatic Mission, most often an Embassy.
