<P> In this operation, the intelligence, integrity, cultural understanding, and energy of individual diplomats become critical . If competent, they will have developed relationships grounded in trust and mutual understanding with influential members of the country in which they are accredited . They will have worked hard to understand the motives, thought patterns and culture of the other side . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The diplomat should be an excellent negotiator but, above all, a catalyst for peace and understanding between peoples . The diplomat's principal role is to foster peaceful relations between states . This role takes on heightened importance if war breaks out . Negotiation must necessarily continue--but within significantly altered contexts . </P>

Who is a diplomat what are his duties and functions