“But one fact has always remained constant: The Chiss must be approached from a position of strength and respect. One must have strength, for the Chiss will deal only with those capable of keeping their promises. One must have respect, for the Chiss must believe that those promises will be kept.“
Foreign policy has changed for the Chiss over recent years. For a long time the Chiss Ascendancy favored a more libertarian approach in how it conducted itself in galactic affairs, embracing a philosophy of strict non-interventionism and peaceful diplomacy. Although military service was an important component of Chiss culture and heritage, the very notions of conquest and aggressive expansionism were almost universally disdained by society, and such actions would be in fundamental defiance of military protocol. Despite not believing in the preliminary initiation of force, the Chiss supported going to war in the event that the Ascendancy fell under attack by external forces. Still, official military policy was to do everything possible to avoid a pre-emptive attack against a possible enemy.
Modern Era
In modern times the Ascendancy has had to change its views and policies to become more adaptable as a government. Having been under the administrative control of foreign governments, the ability for the Chiss to have their own foreign policy has been restricted. With the emergence of the 7th Ascendency and its controlling interests restored, the Ascendency has a Foreign Ministry to handle diplomatic and commercial agreements on behalf of the Ascendency.
Currently this role is maintain by the Grand Syndic.