______________ is an instrument of national power.

Diplomacy is recognized as an essential instrument of national power because it involves the management of relations between nations and encompasses negotiations, agreements, and communication strategies aimed at achieving national objectives without resorting to conflict. Effective diplomacy can help prevent wars, forge alliances, and promote peace and stability, which are crucial elements in advancing a nation’s interests on the global stage.

Leadership, while vital within the structure of military and civilian operations, is not classified as an instrument of national power in the same way that diplomacy is. Intelligence, though critical for informed decision-making, primarily supports diplomacy and military actions rather than acting as a direct instrument of national power. Coercion, although used in statecraft, is generally associated with force or threats and is not as broadly considered an instrument of national power as diplomacy, which emphasizes negotiation and collaboration. Therefore, the nature of diplomacy aligns closely with how nations interact to wield influence and achieve their goals peacefully.