Diplomacy is conventionally understood as the processes by which sovereign states inform, influence, and negotiate with one another to advance their strategic interests, relationships, and foreign policy objectives. These activities, which have existed since ancient times, have undergone various historical transformations and are today primarily geared toward brokering peace, facilitating economic growth, and concluding agreements on globally significant issues like climate change. Historically narrowly defined as the preserve of ambassadors, envoys, and professional diplomats, the diplomatic sphere now encompasses a multiplicity of actors, institutions, and sectoral interests.
The first permanent representations, or embassies, were staffed by the high-ranking emissaries of specific monarchies, often close relatives of the sovereign, who traveled frequently to foreign territories. Eventually, larger countries began to establish embassies in other countries on a more formal basis, and they were staffed by specialized professionals. In time, espionage became an element of the diplomatic process, and the emergence of UNESCO in the early 20th Century provided sustained impetus to the mobilization of cultural heritage within the practice of diplomacy.
Today, almost all countries conduct diplomacy through non-resident ambassadors and missions in multilateral centres. Many smaller countries also engage in bilateral diplomacy through a variety of other means, including visits to foreign capitals and international conferences attended by heads of state. The contemporary transformations of diplomacy are evidenced by the emergence of new forms of international dialogue, such as those on food, sport, disasters, and science. These discourses are supplemented by the growing number of formally organized international commissions, tribunals, and agencies that facilitate discussions on a wide range of topics.