- management of relations between sovereign entities through negotiation, dialogue, and protocol
- instruments: embassies, ambassadors, consulates, summits, back-channel communications
- functions: representation, information gathering, negotiation, protection of nationals abroad
- diplomatic immunity: legal protection for diplomats in host states (Vienna Convention, 1961)
- types
- bilateral diplomacy: direct state-to-state relations
- multilateral diplomacy: within international organizations (UN, WTO, NATO)
- track-two diplomacy: unofficial channels, academics, NGOs
- digital diplomacy: social media, cyber-ambassador roles in network state communities
- cyberia requires diplomatic engagement with legacy states for territorial recognition and legal frameworks
- inter-chain governance operates as a form of protocol diplomacy: coordinating upgrades, resolving disputes, managing shared resources
- see also treaty, sovereignty, international law, federation