When it comes to international relations, diplomacy is one of the most essential aspects. It allows governments to maximise their position without the intense risk of military engagement. As a result, while it doesn’t guarantee friendships, it is generally considered to be the safest way to manage foreign policy.
From faraway days when representatives of fighting tribes negotiated peace (thereby risking their own lives), to the endless discussions within international frameworks of our times, the common aim of diplomacy has always been persuasion. Diplomats are a masterclass in communication and tactfulness, and the better they are at it, the more likely it is that their efforts will advance the cause of the nation they represent.
In the past, diplomats would be sent from home to countries abroad with a wide range of skills and experience. Some were nobles, while others had no previous foreign experience or expectation of a diplomatic career. They were supported by a host of staff in the form of attachés, secretaries, researchers and translators. They occupied an important position in the political world, akin to a ‘bridge between cultures’.
In this book, Sir Brian Barder explores the role of diplomacy in different historical contexts. He draws on an impressive array of sources and offers a highly accessible and informative account of what is actually involved in this often mystical endeavour. While his main focus is on European diplomacy, he also includes information on non-European traditions and new trends. It is a book for diplomats, aspiring diplomats and anyone interested in what diplomats do.