Isabella Carter
Diplomacy is the main instrument of foreign policy, representing a state's broader goals and strategies in its interactions with the rest of the world. The term 'diplomacy' is derived from the ancient Greek 'diploma', which means 'an object folded in two', reflecting the practice of providing a folded document to confer an official privilege. While the origins of diplomacy can be traced back to ancient civilisations like Greece and India, the modern diplomatic system is a product of post-Renaissance Europe. The oldest treatise on diplomacy, Arthashastra, is attributed to Kautilya, the principal adviser to the founder of the Maurya dynasty in the 3rd century BC. However, the title 'Father of Diplomacy' is often bestowed upon either Richelieu or Guicciardini, whose principles of the diplomatic code of conduct continue to influence modern diplomacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Richelieu and Guicciardini |
| Known for | Fathers of Modern Diplomacy |
| Influence | Strong influence on modern diplomatic code of conduct |
| Time Period | Post-Renaissance |
| Profession | N/A |
| Area of Expertise | Diplomacy, Foreign Policy |
| Notable Works | N/A |
| Key Contributions | Secrecy, Propaganda, Influence of Domestic Politics on Foreign Policy |
| Historical Focus | Power Struggle, Resident Ambassadors, Modern Sovereign State System |
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What You'll Learn
Ancient Greek diplōma
The term 'diplomacy' is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek word 'δῐ́πλωμᾰ' (diplōma), which is composed of 'diplo' (folded in two) and the suffix '-ma' (object). The folded document granted privileges to the bearer, often as a permit to travel. Later, the term 'diploma' was borrowed by Latin to refer to any official document. The ancient Greeks also contributed significantly to the development of diplomacy as a practice.
Ancient Greek city-states, or 'polis', were independent yet interdependent, creating a dynamic environment for diplomacy. The main characteristic of ancient Greek diplomacy was public negotiation, a stark contrast to modern diplomacy. They ratified treaties by exchanging solemn public oaths, and their diplomacy was influenced by the social and cultural contexts of the time.
The Greek god Hermes, known for his role as a negotiator between warring parties and other gods, was also believed to have guardianship over diplomatic representatives. This association with Hermes, who symbolised charm, trickery, and cunningness, may have contributed to certain suspicions about Greek diplomats.
The ancient Greeks also had the concept of 'proxenos', similar to an honorary consul, who facilitated diplomatic relations between city-states. Additionally, 'heralds' were messengers who relayed messages from leaders to other city-states, requiring a strong voice and excellent memory.
Ancient Greek diplomacy had a significant influence on modern international relations. The idea of 'common peace' from ancient Greek diplomacy, for example, was a founding principle of the League of Nations and the United Nations Charter. Furthermore, ancient Greek philosophers and scientists developed comparative testing methods that laid the groundwork for modern sciences.
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Arthashastra
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, politics, economics, military strategy, and social organisation. It is attributed to the philosopher and prime minister Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta. Born around the 4th century BCE to a Brahman family, Kautilya was a polymath and scholar at Takshashila University. He was the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Kautilya's Arthashastra is a comprehensive manual for rulers and administrators, offering detailed guidelines on how to govern a kingdom effectively. The text covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of government, law, civil and criminal court systems, ethics, economics, markets and trade, diplomacy, theories on war, and the duties and obligations of a king. It reflects both Hindu and Charvaka (materialistic) philosophies, advocating for a practical and results-oriented approach to political concerns.
The work is composed of books, with one legally recognising eight types of marriage. For instance, the bride is given maximum property inheritance rights when her parents select the groom and she consents, but minimal rights if she marries secretly as a lover without parental approval. The Arthashastra also states that forests should be protected and that the state treasury should be used to feed old, sick, or injured animals. Additionally, it explores issues of social welfare and collective ethics, advising the king to initiate public projects in times of famine, epidemic, or war.
The Arthashastra is considered a foundational text of classical Indian political thought and has been compared to Machiavelli's "The Prince" in the Western tradition. It is known for its rational presentation of statecraft and its argument for a strong leader whose primary duty is the good of the people. The work is considered a cornerstone in the study of ancient Indian political thought and has left an indelible mark on Indian history and socio-political thought.
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Modern diplomatic practices
Diplomacy is the main instrument of foreign policy, representing a state's broader goals and strategies in its interactions with the world. It involves influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. The primary purpose of a diplomat, which was originally a negotiator, has evolved into representing an autonomous state in all aspects of political affairs.
Most diplomacy is now conducted by accredited officials, such as envoys and ambassadors, through dedicated foreign affairs offices. Diplomats operate through diplomatic missions, most commonly consulates and embassies, and rely on a number of support staff. The term "diplomat" is sometimes used broadly to refer to diplomatic and consular personnel and foreign ministry officials.
Diplomatic immunity is a key aspect of modern diplomatic practice, ensuring the safety and freedom of diplomatic agents and their families, even in wartime. Their homes are also considered inviolable, and they are generally exempt from the criminal and civil laws of the host state.
The UN Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and Immunities in 1961 adopted the Vienna Convention, which specifies three classes of heads of mission: ambassadors or nuncios, envoys, ministers, and internuncios, and chargés d’affaires. The senior ambassador, known as the doyen, convenes and speaks for the local diplomatic corps.
Direct criticism of a host government or its leading figures by a diplomat may result in the diplomat being asked to leave. Host states generally seek to maintain an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and restrain the use of insulting language by diplomatic representatives.
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Fathers of Modern Diplomacy
Modern diplomatic practices are a product of the post-Renaissance European state system. The term diplomacy is derived from the 18th-century French term "diplomate", which means "diplomat" or "diplomatist". The ancient Greeks dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues, such as war and peace or commercial relations, and ancient India had a long tradition of diplomacy. However, modern diplomatic methods, practices, and principles originated largely from 17th-century European customs.
There have been many influential figures in the history of diplomacy, but one source identifies Cardinal Richelieu and Francesco Guicciardini as the "Fathers of Modern Diplomacy". Aun Ali, the author of the article "Richelieu and Guicciardini: Fathers of Modern Diplomacy", argues that there is a strong influence of Guicciardini's and Richelieu's principles of diplomatic code of conduct in modern diplomacy.
Another important figure in the history of diplomacy is the German historian Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886), who is credited with codifying the modern form of diplomatic history. Ranke wrote extensively on the history of Early Modern Europe, using diplomatic archives to construct a detailed understanding of European history. In the 20th century, prominent diplomatic historians such as Charles Webster, Harold Temperley, and Bernadotte Everly Schmitt focused on great European events, especially wars and peace conferences.
Diplomacy has continued to evolve, and in the 20th century, it became professionalized. The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, ratified by most of the world's sovereign states, provided a framework for diplomatic procedures, methods, and conduct.
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Diplomatic history
The study of diplomatic history focuses on the foreign policy of a single state and its interactions with other states. It is distinct from international relations, which deals with relations between two or more states and focuses more on current events and creating models to explain international politics. Diplomatic history, on the other hand, is concerned with the history of diplomacy and how it has shaped historical events.
Diplomacy has a long history, with ancient civilisations such as the Greek city-states, the Byzantine Empire, and ancient India employing diplomatic practices. The ancient Greeks used the term "diplomacy" to refer to folded documents that conferred privileges or permits, and they sometimes dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues. The ancient Indian treatise Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, offers advice on envoy deportment and provides a theory of diplomacy for kings in a situation of competing kingdoms. The Byzantine Empire, lacking a formal legal structure, maintained its imperial status through its relations with its neighbours.
Modern diplomatic practices, however, are largely a product of the post-Renaissance European state system. By the 20th century, these practices had been adopted worldwide, and diplomacy had expanded to include summit meetings, international conferences, and the work of international civil servants. The term "diplomat" emerged in the 18th century to refer to those authorised to negotiate on behalf of a state, and the profession became increasingly professionalised in the early 20th century. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 provided a framework for diplomatic procedures and conduct, which was ratified by most sovereign states.
The study of diplomatic history has evolved over time as well. In the early 20th century, prominent diplomatic historians focused on major European events, such as wars and peace conferences. Leopold von Ranke, a leading 19th-century German historian, is credited with codifying the modern form of diplomatic history, using the archives of European powers to construct a detailed understanding of Early Modern Europe. In the U.S., diplomatic history has become more integrated with mainstream historiography since the 1980s, with scholars influenced by studies of Orientalism, globalism, gender, race, and national identity. The discipline has been particularly relevant in understanding America's superpower status and its foreign relations.
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