Diplomatic talks are negotiations between states to advance mutual interests, resolve conflict and prevent war. In many cases these conversations result in a diplomatic agreement, the most formal of which is a treaty. But even when successful, diplomatic talks are often a difficult balancing act. Attempting to bring peace and stability to places of tension requires intense, complex and often long-lasting engagement.
Diplomats need to know everything they can about their interlocutors, including their domestic politics, who influences them inside and outside of their government, how they see their national interests, and what challenges and opportunities they face. They must develop rapport and trust, and avoid sarcasm or condescension, which may be misinterpreted as hostile or defensive, while addressing sensitive topics carefully. They must also fully listen to their interlocutors, and empathetically understand their perspectives even when they disagree. Finally, their facial expressions and body language should align with their words to prevent offence or misunderstanding.
The most common obstacles to successful diplomacy include a lack of preparation, misreading the situation and poor communication skills. High emotions can derail calm, thoughtful dialogue and exacerbate conflicts. Cultural differences and inability to adapt to diverse communication norms can also create misunderstandings and alienation. Diplomats must learn to recognize and handle “hot buttons” – those sensitive topics or triggers that could escalate an already-frozen conflict if not handled carefully.
In some cases, diplomatic talks are mediated by trusted non-state actors to help facilitate more frank discussion and explore ideas that might not emerge through official channels. This type of informal diplomacy is often called Track 2 diplomacy. In the case of Iran, it was a key part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which established a channel for dialogue between the United States and Iran despite their lack of normal diplomatic ties.