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Diplomacy Simulation Introduction

2025

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Three Branches of the U.S. Federal Government

Executive Branch

Legislative Branch

Judicial Branch

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The Executive Branch: Led by the President

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U.S. Department of State

Leads U.S. relations with foreign governments, international organizations and the citizens of other countries.

Represents the foreign policy of the U.S. President, who is the nation’s chief diplomat.

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What is Diplomacy?

Diplomacy is the art and practice of building and maintaining relationships and conducting negotiations with people using tact and mutual respect.

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How is Diplomacy Carried Out?

American diplomats use the tools (what) and skills (how)

of diplomacy to advance U.S. foreign policy goals

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The Skills of Diplomacy are how we frame the work of diplomats and the skills they try to embody in their work. These are skills that may also be already employed in daily life.

Relational Skills:

Collaboration- Incorporate the ideas of others and find common ground
Leadership- Take action and make decisions using the available information. Keep the big picture in mind and take steps to improve their team’s overall position and fill in knowledge gaps
Composure- Work with others in a professional manner and learn to calmly deal with a range of attitudes and behaviors exhibited by counterparts, difficult partners, and adversaries

Informational Skills:

Analysis- Study the scenario, research, and think critically about the situation
Awareness- Respect different cultures and customs represented at the table. Recognize when situations and circumstances are changing and adapt to meet that change. Develop an awareness of what they do not know or understand.
Communication- Articulate their position and listen openly to the other country’s positions. Listen for where interests overlap, confirm positions, and use language to avoid misunderstandings.

Operational Skills:

Advocacy- Speak on behalf of the organization or nation which they represent and pursue the goals and missions of that organization.
Innovation- Formulate alternatives and be flexible in their response to unanticipated circumstances. Take cues from those around the table when formulating responses and activities.
Management- Use the skills and strengths of their team members. Know what tools and resources their team has available, which will help them meet their country’s goals and agenda.

These 8 tools of diplomacy are in a diplomats toolbox. They can be used in conjunction with one another, and may be framed as incentives and disincentives.

Communications- official information sent from one nation or its representative to another nation or its representative. Examples: translations, cable, press briefing.
Meetings- a gathering of officials from two or more countries or organizations. Examples: summit, photo op.
Trade- the exchange of goods and services between countries. Examples: tariffs, credits, embargo.
Knowledge Exchange- the process of sharing ideas, data, expertise, and experiences that benefit and increase the understanding of a particular topic. Examples: training opportunities, cultural exchange.
Formal Agreement- official document signed by a nation and at least one other party that states a mutual agreement. Examples: treaty, memorandum of understanding.
Military Cooperation- partnership between two nation’s military forces. Examples: intelligence sharing, joint exercises.
Assistance and Aid- Money, services, or goods given from one nation to another that supports, stabilizes, or provides relief. Examples: economic assistance, humanitarian aid.
Travel- Movement of people from one country to another, made possible and authorized by diplomatic officials and protocol. Examples: open borders, travel restrictions, visas.

What other examples of Tools of Diplomacy can you think of?
Looking back at the previous images, what tools of diplomacy do you see in use?

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You Are the Diplomat!

You will work with others to achieve a peaceful solution

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Diplomacy Simulation

Goals

Experience the complexity of a diplomat’s job.

Appreciate the nuances of negotiations.

Practice the skills of diplomacy

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Stakeholder Groups

[insert stakeholder group names here]

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Structure - Three Moves

Stakeholder Meetings: Determine goals, strategize actions, and prepare statements within your stakeholder group.

Formal Negotiations: Present opening and closing statements and discuss proposed solutions.

Informal Meetings: Work with counterparts in small groups to advance your stakeholder group’s goals and seek solutions.

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Agenda

10 minutes: Introduction

10 minutes: Stakeholder Meetings - Draft opening statement, determine negotiation strategy

10 minutes: Formal Negotiation I - Opening Statements

15 minutes: Informal Meetings I - Negotiate initial proposals

10 minutes: Formal Negotiation II - Discuss initial proposals

15 minutes: Informal Meetings II - Negotiate final proposals

10 minutes: Formal Negotiation III - Final proposals, closing statements

10 minutes: Debrief

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Stakeholder Groups Should…

Select spokesperson who will deliver 1-minute opening statement and closing statement explaining your position.

Prepare to form alliances among groups to create progress.

Negotiate with other groups to find solutions to the problem.

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Your Must Determine…

Action: What is your priority action?

Resources: What do you need to accomplish this action? Money? Human resources? Supplies?

Partners: What other stakeholder needs to help you?

Timeline: When can/should this action commence?

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Possible Solutions

[Some simulations have a list of possible solutions in the materials. You may also want to give possible solutions you want students to consider. Insert solutions here.]

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Negotiation Tips

Know your strengths and weaknesses: Be clear on what you bring to the table.

Know and implement incentives and disincentives (the carrot and the stick).

Know your friends and your adversaries: Use your relationships to help you.

Know all the options: Weigh different perspectives.

Know all the angles: Think strategically.

Know when to concede: Look for common ground. It’s OK to give something up.

Know your timeframe: Be sensitive to the point when the situation turns into a crisis.

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Simulation Tasks

Read materials
Prepare for negotiations
Deliver formal statements
Negotiate with others:

Build alliances
Compromise
Reach an agreement!

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Thank you

diplomacy.state.gov

@NMADmuseum