Micronational Diplomacy and MicroCon

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock"
(Attributed to Will Rogers, among others)

Micronations are still nations of a sort, and where nations meet is the stuff of diplomacy (Will Rogers notwithstanding). Diplomacy is how international relations are managed, through means such as dialogue, negotiation, and communication, rather than by force or the threat of force. (Again, micronational war is dumb, and anyone who threatens or proposes it is also dumb.)

A lot of new micronations seem to think that diplomacy means signing treaties. There really isn't a point in signing treaties, though - treaties are generally focused on trade or mutual defense, but micronational trade is virtually nonexistent and micronational defense is sort of, well, pointless - see my previous comment about micronational war.

According to Saaida (2023), there are four core principles of diplomacy, including negotiation, communication, building relationships, and promoting interests. Saaida further states that these "serve as the foundation for effective diplomatic interactions."

Does MicroCon serve as a venue for fostering diplomatic relations? Using the four core principles of diplomacy outlined by Saaida (2023), I argue here that a strong case can be made that it does. (Note that I'm focusing on MicroCon since that's the event that I'm familiar with, but most similar events will bring similar attributes.)

The attendees of MicroCon 2025

First, we have negotiation. While MicroCon is not inherently a negotiating body, the face-to-face opportunities presented by MicroCon help to "put a face to a name", which is helpful in reaching agreement.

Next, we have communication. MicroCon facilitates communication in several ways, including the presentations and the socializing opportunities before and after the conference.

After that, we have building relationships. I can personally attest to the value of MicroCon in this regard, having formed multiple lasting friendships through this event.

Finally, we have promoting interests. Here, again, MicroCon offers multiple opportunities to do so, including doing a presentation on whatever your interest is as well as using your table display - every MicroCon since the first has provided space (usually a half-table's length) for displays. I've been lucky that at the last several MicroCon gatherings I've been able to have a separate display area for MEDALS, one of my own pet projects.

"Behind the scenes" - setting up the
MEDALS display at MicroCon 2025

So, in summary, I would argue that a micronation interested in diplomacy would do well to attend MicroCon (or similar events).

"So if you meet me, have some courtesy
Have some sympathy, and some taste
Use all your well-learned politeness
Or I'll lay your soul to waste"

(Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones - Lyrics by Mick Jagger and Keith Richard) 

References

Saaida, M. B. E. (2023). The Four Core Principles of Diplomacy. Science for All Publications, 1(1), 1-12. Link.