The credit for the establishment of modern diplomacy is often attributed to the Italian city-states, particularly during the Renaissance. The practice of diplomacy evolved significantly during this period, incorporating formal negotiations, the establishment of permanent missions, and the idea of a diplomatic corps. Italian diplomats, such as those from Venice and Florence, developed systems of envoy exchanges and laid the groundwork for the modern diplomatic etiquette and protocol that are still in use today. This advancement helped formalize international relations and fostered a new level of engagement between states, ultimately influencing global diplomatic practices.