ISAS Working Papers

On the face of it, ̳military‘ and ̳diplomacy‘ belong to two very different realms. Diplomacy is peaceful interaction between nations aimed at resolving differences and promoting cooperation. If diplomacy is the first line of engagement between states, military is seen as the last and i nvolves use of force. The connection between diplomacy and use of force, however, should not be seen as two ends of a spectrum. States have long used demonstration of military capabilities and threats of use of force as instruments to boost negotiating le verage with other states. ̳Gunboat diplomacy‘ is a well - established tradition in modern statecraft.