Omar Bennett
Diplomacy is an ancient practice, with the first records of diplomatic activities found in southern Iraq, dating back to 2500 BCE. The term diplomacy itself is derived from the 18th-century French word diplomate, which means diplomat or diplomatist, and is rooted in the ancient Greek word diploma, referring to a folded document conferring privileges. While the term is relatively modern, the practice of diplomacy is ancient, with records of treaties between Mesopotamian city-states dating back to 2850 BCE. Ancient India, with its kingdoms and dynasties, also had a long tradition of diplomacy, as evidenced by Arthashastra, the oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy, attributed to Kautilya, adviser to the founder of the Maurya dynasty in the 3rd century BCE.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of the term diplomacy | Derived from the 18th-century French term "diplomate" ("diplomat" or "diplomatist"), which comes from the ancient Greek "diplōma" ("folded in two") |
| Early forms of diplomacy | Tribes negotiated marriages, trade, and hunting regulations through messengers and envoys in early societies |
| First international law | Arose from intertribal relations |
| First records of diplomatic activities | Southern Iraq around 2500 BC |
| Oldest treaties with full texts | Treaties between Ramses II of Egypt and Hittite leaders, c. 1280 BCE |
| First diplomatic language | Akkadian (Babylonian), which was replaced by Aramaic |
| Oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy | Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, principal adviser to the founder of the Maurya dynasty in the 3rd century BC |
| Development of diplomacy | Two main periods: antiquity (age of absolutism) and enlightenment (age of democracy) |
| Professionalization of diplomacy | Began in the early 20th century |
| Framework for diplomatic procedures | The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, ratified by most sovereign states, provides a framework for modern diplomacy |
| Traditional methods of diplomacy | Horseback rides, face-to-face meetings |
| Impact of technology | Advancements in transportation, telecommunications, and the internet have transformed diplomatic practices |
| Role of diplomats | Advising government officials, influencing decisions and behaviour of foreign governments, and shaping foreign policy |
| Types of diplomacy | Official and unofficial diplomacy |
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What You'll Learn
The first records of diplomacy
The practice of diplomacy is said to be as old as humankind, with the qualification that this depends on one's definition of humankind, which can vary dramatically from a biblical perspective to a scientific one. The first records of diplomacy in southern Iraq are dated to around 2500 BC. The greatest knowledge of early diplomacy comes from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, China, and India. Records of treaties between Mesopotamian city-states date from about 2850 BCE. Thereafter, Akkadian (Babylonian) became the first diplomatic language, serving as the international tongue of the Middle East. A diplomatic correspondence from the 14th century BCE existed between the Egyptian court and a Hittite king on cuneiform tablets in Akkadian, which was the language of neither party. The oldest treaties of which full texts survive, from about 1280 BCE, were between Ramses II of Egypt and Hittite leaders.
Ancient India, with its kingdoms and dynasties, had a long tradition of diplomacy. The oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy, Arthashastra, is attributed to Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), who was the principal adviser to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty, which ruled in the 3rd century BC. It incorporates a theory of diplomacy, of how in a situation of mutually contesting kingdoms, the wise king builds alliances and tries to checkmate his adversaries. The envoys sent at the time to the courts of other kingdoms tended to reside for extended periods, and Arthashastra contains advice on the deportment of the envoy, including the suggestion that "he should sleep alone".
In ancient Greece, city-states occasionally dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues, such as war and peace or commercial relations, but did not have diplomatic representatives regularly posted in each other's territory. Some of the functions given to modern diplomatic representatives were instead fulfilled by a proxenos, a citizen of the host city who had friendly relations with another city, often through familial ties. In times of peace, diplomacy was even conducted with non-Hellenistic rivals such as the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. Alexander the Great of Macedon was also adept at diplomacy, realizing that the conquest of foreign cultures would be better achieved by having his Macedonian and Greek subjects intermingle and intermarry with native populations.
In late medieval Europe, there was a fanciful view that the first diplomats were angels, or messengers from heaven to earth. However, some elements of diplomacy predate recorded history. Early societies had some attributes of states, and the first international law arose from intertribal relations. Tribes negotiated marriages and regulations on trade and hunting. Messengers and envoys were accredited, sacred, and inviolable; they usually carried some emblem, such as a message stick, and were received with elaborate ceremonies. Women were often used as envoys because of their perceived mysterious sanctity and their use of “sexual wiles”. It is believed that women regularly were entrusted with the vitally important task of negotiating peace in primitive cultures.
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Diplomacy in antiquity
The history of diplomacy dates back thousands of years, with some elements predating recorded history. Early societies, including tribes, had attributes of states and engaged in intertribal relations, which led to the emergence of international law. Tribes negotiated marriages, trade regulations, and hunting rules through messengers and envoys who were considered sacred and inviolable. Women were often chosen as envoys due to their perceived mysterious sanctity.
Ancient civilisations in China, India, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas all developed diplomatic practices concurrently. The earliest records of diplomacy date back to the Middle East and Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 2850 BCE, with Akkadian becoming the first diplomatic language. In the 4th millennium BCE, the emergence of writing in Sumerian and Egyptian societies facilitated the development of diplomacy. By 1300 BCE, a fully operational writing system was in use in the late Shang dynasty in China.
Ancient India, with its kingdoms and dynasties, had a long tradition of diplomacy. The oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy, Arthashastra, is attributed to Kautilya, the principal adviser to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty in the 3rd century BCE. Arthashastra incorporates a theory of diplomacy, advising kings on building alliances and managing relations with other kingdoms.
Ancient Greek city-states also played a significant role in the development of diplomacy. While they did not have diplomatic representatives permanently posted in each other's territories, they dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues such as war, peace, and commercial relations. Proxenos, citizens of the host city with friendly relations to another city, often facilitated these interactions.
The Amarna tablets, discovered in Egypt in 1887, provide valuable insights into ancient international relations. These cuneiform tablets from the 14th century BCE record diplomatic communications between the pharaohs and various kingdoms in the Near East, including Syria-Palestine, Babylonia, and Assyria.
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The evolution of diplomacy
Moving forward in time, we see the development of diplomacy in antiquity or the age of absolutism, where diplomats enjoyed extraordinary powers and plenipotentiary status, even having the authority to declare war. This period, marked by the emergence of the resident ambassador, relied heavily on the gathering and assessment of information about foreign societies and governments. The Middle Ages saw diplomats traversing lands on horseback to deliver messages, an image that has endured in our cultural memory.
The evolution of technology played a pivotal role in the transformation of diplomacy. The first industrial revolution, originating in 18th-19th century Great Britain, brought about new means of communication, such as the telegraph and, later, the internet and social media. The advent of modern transportation, including cars, ships, and airplanes, also reduced the time and distance constraints faced by diplomats, allowing for more efficient diplomacy.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of "new diplomacy," a shift from bilateral alliances to a universal association of states pledged to comply with international law and abandon "power politics." This period was marked by attempts to establish international security through organisations like the League of Nations. The concept of diplomacy became more professionalised, with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations providing a framework for diplomatic procedures that was ratified by most sovereign states.
Today, diplomacy is conducted by accredited officials, such as envoys and ambassadors, through dedicated foreign affairs offices. While the role of diplomacy in AI geopolitics remains a topic of discussion, the influence of technology on diplomatic practices continues to evolve, with Zoom and other virtual platforms becoming essential tools in the conduct of diplomacy.
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The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
The history of diplomacy dates back to ancient times, with records of treaties between Mesopotamian city-states from around 2850 BCE. The term "diplomacy" itself, however, is derived from the 18th-century French term "diplomate", which comes from the ancient Greek "diplōma", meaning a document folded in two.
Modern diplomatic methods, practices, and principles, on the other hand, originated largely from 17th-century European customs. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, adopted in 1961, is a significant milestone in the evolution of diplomacy. This international treaty provides a framework for diplomatic procedures, methods, and conduct, and has been ratified by almost all sovereign states.
Article 9 of the VCDR, for example, states that the host nation can, at any time and for any reason, declare a member of the diplomatic staff persona non grata. In such cases, the sending state must recall the individual within a reasonable period to avoid the risk of losing their diplomatic immunity. Additionally, Article 37 of the VCDR extends protections similar to those of diplomatic agents to the family members of diplomats residing in the host country.
The VCDR also includes optional protocols that countries may ratify separately from the main treaty. These optional agreements concern the acquisition of nationality and the compulsory settlement of disputes. As of June 2020, 193 states are parties to the Vienna Convention, including all UN member and observer states except for Palau, South Sudan, the Holy See, and the State of Palestine.
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The future of diplomacy
The history of diplomacy is a long and fascinating one, with the practice being as old as recorded history, if not older. From ancient India and Greece to the present day, diplomacy has evolved and adapted to the changing landscape of international relations. So, what does the future hold for this ancient art?
The Impact of Technology
Diplomacy has already been significantly impacted by advancements in technology. The first industrial revolution brought new means of communication, such as the telegraph and, later, the internet and social media. This evolution has only accelerated in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing diplomats to rely even more heavily on digital tools such as Zoom and other video conferencing platforms to conduct their work. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that diplomacy will become increasingly digital, with virtual meetings and negotiations becoming the norm rather than the exception. This may have implications for the traditional diplomatic mission, as face-to-face interactions and relationship-building may take on new forms.
The Changing Nature of Diplomatic Representation
The traditional role of the diplomat has been changing for some time. In the past, diplomats were seen as "extraordinary" and "plenipotentiary," with broad powers to represent their sovereigns. Today, however, the role has become more restricted, with diplomats often seen as mere "mouthpieces" of their sending authorities. This shift is likely to continue, with diplomats needing to adapt to the changing nature of international relations and the increasing complexity of global issues. The future diplomat may need to be more of a specialist, with expertise in a particular field, such as climate change or cybersecurity, in addition to their traditional skills in negotiation and relationship-building.
The Rise of New Diplomatic Actors
In addition to changes in the role of the diplomat, we may also see the emergence of new diplomatic actors. Non-state actors, such as multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, and even individuals with significant online followings, are already playing a role in international relations. As global issues become more complex and interconnected, we may see these actors taking on more formal diplomatic roles, working alongside traditional diplomats to address these challenges.
The Future of International Organizations
International organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, have long been forums for diplomacy and international cooperation. However, these organizations have also faced challenges and criticisms, particularly in recent years. As the world becomes increasingly multipolar, with the rise of new powers such as China, India, and Brazil, we may see a shift in the structure and focus of these organizations to reflect this new reality. Additionally, the rise of regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, may lead to a more decentralized approach to diplomacy, with a greater emphasis on regional solutions to global challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
Diplomacy is said to be as old as humankind, with the first records of diplomatic activities in southern Iraq around 2,500 BC.
The oldest known treaty dates back to around 2850 BCE and was between Mesopotamian city-states.
The oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy is Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, the principal adviser to Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya dynasty, in the 3rd century BC.
Diplomacy became professionalized in the early 20th century, with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations providing a framework for diplomatic procedures, methods, and conduct.
Technology has transformed the conduct of diplomacy, with the first industrial revolution, the advent of the internet, and the emergence of social media all playing a role in changing how diplomats operate and communicate.
