Diplomacy has a variety of definitions that depend on the user's perspective on the term "diplomacy". In the context of international relations, diplomacy is the negotiator's ability to conduct negotiations between representatives of nation states in a peaceful manner. The essence of negotiation is to resolve a conflict without offending others. According to Iragorri (2003), effective negotiation involves reaching mutual agreement through peaceful means. The negotiation process in diplomacy goes through five important stages: the process of preparation, discussion, proposal, negotiation and settlement (see Figure 1 in Annex 1). The first step in negotiation is preparation. This is the fundamental process of negotiation. The purpose of preparation is to identify competing interests and priorities on the issue at hand (Ya'akub, 2014). The negotiator must have the information and knowledge of the factual facts regarding the issue being discussed. In addition, it is also about ensuring that the negotiator knows the relevant information on the issue being discussed. During this stage, preparation includes defining the interests of negotiators from both parties with the aim of identifying common interests between them (Ya'akub, 2014). This is important to ensure that mutual agreement will be reached. This is because the two sides of the negotiator will have different interests in the same issue being discussed. Apart from this, preparation also includes preparing alternative options in case the initial options are rejected. For this reason, the outcome of the negotiation depends on how well the negotiator prepares for any possible change of plan. Additionally, negotiation... middle of paper ... serves as a guideline for negotiators. Indeed, negotiation is part of the problem solving method. Basically, negotiation is used to resolve a conflict or argument without offending others. Moreover, this is done peacefully. Nevertheless, negotiation in diplomacy not only has limitations in the context of international relations, but it can also be applied in our daily communication with each other. Works Cited Iraggori, AG (2003). Negotiation in international relations. Revista De Derecho, 19, 91-102. Jeremy, G.T. (1989). How to negotiate better deals. London, United Kingdom: Gold Arrow Publication Ltd. Lewicki, RJ, Saunders, D.M., & Barry, B. (2011). Negotiation Essentials (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. Ya’akub, A.N. (2014). Negotiation. [PowerPoint slides]. Faculty of Social Sciences. University of Malaysia Sarawak.