Diplomacy and psychology: supporting the exercise of diplomatic functions

This paper aims to examine correlation between diplomacy and psychology as two separate, independent scientific fields that have much in common. Diplomacy deals with management of relations between states, and other actors, carried out by diplomats, while psychology primarily studies individuals, their behaviour and tries to understand how mind and emotions influence this. There is much synergy between the two disciplines in the time of intensive globalisation when diplomacy entered its postmodern phase and is witnessing increased interdisciplinary research attention. We try to explore what diplomacy can gain from psychology to be more efficient in pursuing its mission that rests on implementation of diplomatic functions. We engage psychological categories of empathy as well as social and emotional intelligence. Diplomats have to possess deep understanding of the interlocutor's state of mind, emotions and other elements that determine behaviour in the international arena.