The **diplomatic corps** is not a single organization but the collective body of **foreign diplomats accredited to a particular country or international body**, typically based in the host nation’s capital.[2][7] It includes ambassadors, high commissioners, papal nuncios, and other heads of mission, along with senior diplomatic staff representing their governments abroad.[2][5] Historically, the concept evolved as resident embassies became standard in early modern Europe, turning scattered envoys into a semi-organized professional community at key courts and later in national capitals.[3][7] Over time, this community gained a recognizable identity and practices, including shared protocol, internal meetings, and a designated **doyen (dean)**—usually the longest-serving head of mission—who informally represents the entire corps on matters of common concern.[2][3] The diplomatic corps plays several critical roles for states and international business: - It **manages political relationships**, conveying positions, negotiating agreements, and monitoring developments in the host country.[2][3] - It acts as a **lobby for diplomatic privileges and immunities**, helping ensure consistent application of the Vienna Convention, including issues like taxation, fees, and legal protections that affect foreign missions and staff.[2][3] - It supports **protocol and state events**, assembling for inaugurations, national days, state openings of parliament, and royal ceremonies.[2][4] Host governments often maintain specialized offices to interface with the corps, handling protocol, precedence, accreditation, and logistics such as airport clearance and communications.[4][6] In many countries—especially in Africa—senior representatives of major international organizations (UN agencies, EU, ICRC, African Union bodies) are granted diplomatic corps status and enjoy similar privileges, underscoring its importance to multilateral governance and development finance.[2] Notable modern aspects include **digital diplomacy**, security coordination, and growing interaction with **