"The art of gift-giving is one of civilization's oldest and most universal rituals practiced by many nations. From early tribal exchanges to modern acts of corporate diplomacy, the practice of gift-giving has long served as a social exchange that projects respect, gratitude, and affiliation between parties. It functions not merely as an exchange of gifts but as a symbolic language of emotion, status, and connection."
"In international relations and business, gift-giving is very strategic and has been well documented. Choosing a carefully selected gift can often achieve what formal negotiations alone may not; it can also reduce tension, communicate goodwill, and lay the groundwork for cooperation. For example, in October 2025, South Korea gifted Donald Trump a replica of a gold crown excavated from an ancient royal tomb in Gyeongju,"
Gift-giving is a universal ritual that communicates respect, gratitude, affiliation, status, and emotional connection across societies. In diplomacy and business, carefully chosen gifts reduce tension, signal goodwill, and can achieve outcomes formal negotiations may not. Cultural context, particularly in many Asian traditions, gives gifts ritual significance and emphasizes harmony and relationships. Personalization and cultural sensitivity increase effectiveness, while extravagant or insensitive offerings can offend, create mistrust, pose conflicts of interest, and raise legal or security concerns. Notable diplomatic gifts have reflected shared interests and respect. Underlying psychological mechanisms include reciprocity, obligation, status signaling, and trust-building.
Read at Psychology Today
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