From the earliest times of recorded history and even long before a rudimentary society and government existed. When these separate governments met, they realized that they would have to interact if they wanted to get along. Usually this "getting along" involved bashing someone's head with a rock, impaling your neighbor with a spear, or bombarding them with devastating long-range artillery. On rare occasions, however, these interactions occurred through dialogue and negotiation. States and nations realized that sometimes talking to your neighbors could be more beneficial than simply raping and pillaging other people's villages. The leaders of these nation-states have come to the obvious conclusion that the average citizen or soldier who might interact with a foreigner would most likely not be qualified to negotiate with care or sensitivity. As a result of this conclusion, a class of government officials known as emissaries or ambassadors was created. These ambassadors were generally highly trained officials appointed by their leaders to navigate the treacherous and delicate waters of international relations. Centuries and millennia passed and nations rose and fell in importance until the birth of the United States. A part of the United States government known as the United States Department of State, much more commonly referred to simply as the Department of State. was formed to confront the young nation's powerful neighbors in a hostile and ever-shrinking world. What follows will be a brief discussion of the history of the State Department, its responsibilities, role in government, and some anecdotes from the State Department... middle of the paper... as they carried out their mission in Libya. All four men were killed by Islamic extremists and investigations into this attack continue to this day. International relations is an extremely complex branch of government that is also of enormous importance to the United States. At the same time, the American public's understanding is limited, to say the least. A tendency towards isolationism has taken over the opinion of lay people, as if America could hide its head in the sand like a terrified ostrich that does not want to face the dangers that surround it. The world stage is an intensely hostile place that will continue to change over time. As the winds of politics blow back and forth over the years, the State Department will continue to guide the American people through those perilous seas. Works Cited Introduction to Political Science