Philosophical and psychological determinants of trust and constructive diplomatic interaction

Abstract

Background . In the context of transforming international relations, military and political tension, and the digitalization of diplomatic communication, the importance of trust and conflict-free diplomatic interaction has become increasingly evident. Diplomatic etiquette is considered not only as a system of protocol norms but also as a mechanism for expressing respect, recognizing the dignity and subjectivity of the other party,
reducing communicative tension, and maintaining constructive dialogue. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the philosophical and psychological determinants of trust formation and conflict-free interaction in the system of diplomatic etiquette.
Methods . The study was conducted using theoretical methods: analysis and synthesis – to reveal the content of the concepts of diplomatic etiquette, trust, respect, and conflict-free interaction; comparative analysis – to compare philosophical and psychological approaches to communication; content analysis of scientific sources – to identify leading approaches to etiquette, trust, dialogue, and social perception; generalization, systematization, and theoretical modelling – to determine the relationship between etiquette norms, predictability of behaviour, trust, and conflict reduction.

Results . The findings indicate that diplomatic etiquette performs value-normative and socio-psychological functions. Its philosophical determinants include respect for the Other, recognition of dignity, reciprocity, responsibility, and readiness for dialogue. Its psychological determinants include trust, social perception, empathy, emotional self-regulation, predictability of behaviour, and communicative competence. It is substantiated that etiquette norms reduce uncertainty, symbolically express respect, regulate emotional tension, and prevent communicative escalation.
Conclusions . In contemporary communication, diplomatic etiquette is not only a protocol procedure but also a tool for humanizing international interaction, building trust, and preventing conflict. Its effectiveness is ensured by combining the values of dignity, mutual recognition, and responsibility with the psychological mechanisms of empathy, self-regulation, predictability, and trust.