- ETIQUETTE IN DETAILS -

🌍 Diplomatic Protocol: Who Shakes Hands First?

Have you ever wondered who should extend their hand first during a high-level political meeting, and why a single gesture can cause a diplomatic scandal?

In the world of international relations, a handshake is never just a greeting; it is a strict declaration of status. According to diplomatic protocol, the person of higher rank or status must always be the first to initiate the handshake. For instance, a head of state extends their hand to an ambassador, and a host official welcomes a guest official. Passing the initiative to a lower-ranking person is considered a serious breach of etiquette.

An interesting exception:
While in corporate or social etiquette gender often plays a key role (traditionally, a woman extends her hand first), diplomatic protocol is strictly gender-neutral. In international politics, rank entirely overrides gender. A female diplomat will wait for a male head of state to initiate the greeting, as his political status takes absolute precedence.

What other hidden rules of political communication surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Yours, Etiquette Club ✨