What does diplomacy really mean? In the contemporary world, the word diplomacy has assumed a broader dimension or wider use other than the classical usage. In fact, modern day diplomacy has become all-involving that we can talk about it in terms of entertainment, parade, show of power, imposition of will/hegemonic play, etc

So dynamic and dramatic has diplomacy undergone over the centuries that it has lost its original meaning both in theory and practice; it now represents power - which country or state is more powerful or influential in the international system so that every state must submit to its will. For instance US/Iraq, US/Iran, US/Cuba, EU-US/Serbia (Kosovo), US/N Korea, etc.

These days diplomacy is 'my way or no way'. There are no negotiations, only the stronger wins. Every country is led by interests; bigger countries have bigger interests, whilst smaller countries have little influence and do not stand any chance of survival. In short modern diplomacy has been used by bigger states to gain strategic advantage over other smaller states in the international system.

Multilateral diplomacy as practiced at the UN provides a forum for the exchange of experiences, conducting negotiations, exchange of thoughts in a culturally-diversified arena. Unfortunately however, the UN has not lived up to the expectations of its founding fathers.

One can easily recall the wicked and crude manipulations of the UN system by the US to get its will through eg, the US-Nato bombing of Yugoslavia, the Afghanistan war, the Iraq war and many others.

The word 'diplomat' which was once held in high esteem and admiration, these days more or less represents corruption, self-interest, scandal, abuse of power, etc. Take for instance William Jefferson 'Bill' Clinton, Marc Foley, Jacques Rene Chirac, Silvio Berlusconi, the UN-Oil for food fraud, etc. Very soon, the word diplomat will be associated with shame.

A real diplomat is a true servant of his people and country, he is a hard-working, competent person, dedicated to his work. Being a diplomat is to hold a very noble occupation, so if you are not noble don't do it. Being a diplomat and representing one's country and nation is therefore a great honour, let's not forget that.