Diplomacy is the art, the science, and the means by which nations, groups, or individuals conduct their affairs, in ways to safeguard their interests and promote their political, economic, cultural or scientific relations, while maintaining peaceful relationships. The word diplomacy originally came from the ancient Greek term (a paper folded double, a licence, a chart), referring to a document allowing someone to travel or to have privileges. From the term we later had the Latin term diploma (a state paper, an official document). The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) codifies the rules for the exchange and treatment of envoys between states, and facilitates the development of friendly relations among nations, irrespective of their differing constitutional and social systems. It has become fundamental to the conduct of foreign relations, and ensures that diplomats can work without threats of influence by the host government.
