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Cover of Diplomacy

Diplomacy

Theory and Practice

By: G. R. Berridge

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: 2022-01-10
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 302
ISBN: 9783030859305

About This Book

This fully revised and expanded edition of Diplomacy, written by an internationally respected researcher and teacher of the subject, is richly illustrated with examples from the worlds of health and commerce as well as high politics. The instances included are mostly contemporary, but considerable historical background to the diplomatic methods themselves is always provided. Among other features, new to this edition is a list of topics for seminar discussion or essays, as well as annotated further reading at the end of each chapter. Following a chapter on the foreign ministry, Part I of this book deals with the art of negotiation (prenegotiations, around-the-table negotiations, diplomatic momentum, packaging agreements, and following up); Part II covers conventional modes of diplomacy (embassies, telecommunications, consulates, secret intelligence by ‘legals’, conferences, summits, and public diplomacy); and Part III examines diplomacy in hostile circumstances (embassy substitutes such as representative offices and interests sections, special missions, and mediation). Students and educators of diplomacy will find much of value in the latest edition of this highly regarded and much-cited textbook.

AI Overview

Overview of "Diplomacy: Theory and Practice" by G. R. Berridge

Key Themes:

  1. Introduction to Diplomacy: The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject of diplomacy, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications.
  2. Diplomatic Processes: It covers various aspects of diplomacy, including pre-negotiations, negotiations, diplomatic momentum, packaging agreements, and following up on diplomatic efforts.
  3. Diplomatic Institutions: The book discusses different types of diplomatic institutions such as embassies, consulates, and secret intelligence services.
  4. Public Diplomacy: It explores the role of public diplomacy in modern international relations, highlighting its importance in shaping public opinion and influencing foreign policy.
  5. Historical Context: The book draws on historical cases to illustrate the evolution of diplomatic practices, including the transition from "old diplomacy" to "new diplomacy" and the "counter-revolution" in diplomatic practice.

Plot Summary: The book is structured into several chapters that cover various aspects of diplomacy. Here is a brief summary of the key chapters:

  • Chapter 1: The Foreign Ministry - An introduction to the role of foreign ministries in modern diplomacy.
  • Chapter 2: Prenegotiations - A detailed discussion on the preliminary stages of negotiations, often referred to as "preliminaries" or "talks about talks."
  • Chapter 3: ‘Around the Table’ Negotiations - A chapter focusing on the actual negotiation process.
  • Chapter 4: Diplomatic Momentum - Exploring how to maintain momentum during diplomatic efforts.
  • Chapter 5: Packaging Agreements - Discussing how agreements are structured and presented.
  • Chapter 6: Following Up - The importance of follow-up actions in ensuring the success of diplomatic efforts.
  • Chapter 7: Embassies - A detailed look at the role of embassies in modern diplomacy.
  • Chapter 8: Telecommunications - The impact of telecommunications on diplomatic practices.
  • Chapter 9: Consulates - The functions and roles of consulates.
  • Chapter 10: Secret Intelligence - The role of secret intelligence services in diplomacy.
  • Chapter 11: Conferences - Organizing and participating in international conferences.
  • Chapter 12: Summits - The significance of summits in high-level diplomacy.
  • Chapter 13: Public Diplomacy - The practice of public diplomacy and its influence on international relations.
  • Chapter 14: Embassy Substitutes - Alternative forms of diplomatic representation.
  • Chapter 15: Special Missions - Unique missions and their execution.
  • Chapter 16: Mediation - The process and importance of mediation in conflict resolution.

Critical Reception: "Diplomacy: Theory and Practice" has been widely praised for its comprehensive and engaging approach to the subject. Here are some key points from critical reviews:

  • Engaging and Accessible: The book is described as "entertainingly dramatized" and provides a shop-talk world that readers find engaging and accessible.
  • Definitive Text: It is considered a "tour de force in diplomacy scholarship" and the definitive text in the field, offering a balanced blend of theory and practice.
  • Valuable Insights: The chapter on pre-negotiations is highlighted as particularly interesting and valuable, emphasizing the importance of this stage in the negotiation process.

Overall, "Diplomacy: Theory and Practice" by G. R. Berridge is a seminal work in the field of diplomacy, offering a rich and detailed exploration of diplomatic processes, institutions, and practices. Its critical reception reflects its utility as both a teaching tool and a reference for scholars and practitioners alike.