Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

by G. R. Berridge

Overview

This completely revised and updated edition of a leading textbook on diplomatic theory and practice offers comprehensive coverage of the main issues, from the value of the resident mission to international negotiation and new chapters on telecommunications and the ministry of foreign affairs. Diplomacy presents the most up-to-date information about the real-world practice of international relations and is essential reading for students, scholars, and professionals alike.

Author Biography: G.R. Berridge is a Professor of International Politics at the University of Leicester, and general editor of the Palgrave Studies in Diplomacy series. His recent books are International Politics, and, with Alan James, A Dictionary of Diplomac

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030859312
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date:	01/10/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	602 KB

About the Author

G. R. Berridge is Emeritus Professor of International Politics at the University of Leicester, UK, sometime Occasional Teacher at the London School of Economics & Political Science, and a Senior Fellow of DiploFoundation. He was Associate Editor for diplomatists of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

Table of Contents

List of Boxes x

Preface xii

Online Updating xiii

List of Abbreviations used in Text and Citations xiv

Introduction 1

1 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 5

The origins and growth of the MFA 5

Staffing and supporting missions abroad 9

Policy-making and implementation 10

Coordination of foreign relations 15

Dealing with foreign diplomats at home 17

Building support at home 18

Part I The Art of Negotiation

Introduction to Part I 25

2 Prenegotiations 27

Agreeing the need to negotiate 27

Agreeing the agenda 31

Agreeing procedure 33

3 'Around-the-Table' Negotiations 44

The formula stage 44

The details stage 48

4 Diplomatic Momentum 55

Deadlines 57

Metaphors of movement 63

Publicity 66

Raising the level of the talks 67

5 Packaging Agreements 70

International legal obligations at a premium 70

Signalling importance at a premium 72

Convenience at a premium 73

Saving face at a premium 77

6 Following Up 84

Early methods 85

Monitoring by experts 86

Embassies 89

Review meetings 93

Part II Diplomatic Relations

Introduction to Part II 101

7 Embassies 103

The French system of diplomacy 103

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 109

The case for euthanasia 112

Representation and friendly relations 114

Negotiating and lobbying 115

Clarifying intentions 117

Political reporting 117

Commercial diplomacy 119

Versatility and adaptability 119

8 Consulates 125

Merchants' representatives to public servants 125

Amalgamation with the diplomatic service 126

A separate activity, if not a separate service 128

Consular functions 130

Career consuls 134

Honorary consuls 136

Consular sections 139

9 Conferences 142

Origins 142

International organizations 145

Procedure 148

10 Summits 161

Origins 161

Professional anathemas 161

Case for the defence 166

11 Public Diplomacy 179

Propaganda about propaganda 179

The importance of public diplomacy 182

The role of the MFA: player and coordinator 184

The role of the embassy 186

12 Telecommunications 192

Telephone diplomacy flourishes 193

Video-conferencing stalls 199

Other means multiply 201

Part III Diplomacy without Diplomatic Relations

Introduction to Part III 207

13 Disguised Embassies 209

Interests sections 209

Consulates 215

Representative offices 218

Front missions 219

14 Special Missions 223

The advantages of special missions 223

The variety of special missions 225

To go secretly or openly? 230

15 Mediation 235

The nature of mediation 235

Different mediators and different motives 238

The ideal mediator 245

The ripe moment 249

Conclusion: the Counter-Revolution in Diplomatic Practice 253

References 257

Index 269

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This is a highly welcome update for the best general introduction to the theory and practice of diplomacy. It is clear enough to be recommended to undergraduate students, yet sufficiently thoughtful and incisive to be read with profit by practitioners and experts.” (John W. Young, Emeritus Professor of International History, University of Nottingham, UK)

"Diplomacy: Theory and Practice is a tour de force in diplomacy scholarship. Geoff Berridge has not only written the definitive text in diplomatic studies, he has done so in a lucid, accessible, and engaging way that sets the gold standard for how books should be written. Weaving together historical cases with contemporary examples, Berridge has given us essential reading for any student of international politics." (Marcus Holmes, Associate Professor of Government, College of William & Mary, USA)

Editorial Reviews

Provides an introduction to the origins and different "modes" of diplomacy within the context of international politics, giving special attention to negotiation. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

''Probably the most prolific contemporary writer on diplomacy is Professor Geoff R. Berridge [ ] Each of his many books is impeccably well written and full of insights into the fascinating formation of modern diplomacy'' Robert William Dry, New York University, USA, and Chairman of AFSA's Committee on the Foreign Service Profession and Ethics

''I discovered Geoff Berridge's book on diplomacy after serving as a diplomat for over 30 years. It is well researched, sophisticated, inspiring and, where the subject invites it, suitably ironic. I used the 4th edition with my students and will now continue working with the 5th edition.'' - Dr Max Schweizer, Head of Foreign Affairs and Applied Diplomacy, ZHAW School of Management and Law, Switzerland

''Berridge's Diplomacy is an enlightening journey that takes the student, the practitioner and the general reader from the front to the backstage of current diplomatic practice. The thoroughly updated and expanded text also enriched with a stimulating new treatment of embassies is an invaluable guide to the stratagems and outcomes, continuities and innovations, of a centuries' long process.'' Arianna Arisi Rota, Professor of History of Diplomacy at the University of Pavia, Italy

''Berridge confirms with this new edition not only his profound and panoramic knowledge of diplomacy but also his very user-friendly style. No matter the expectations, the end result is an enjoyable reading experience. As a diplomat I like to think that our profession is a beautiful one, and there is no doubt that this book makes it look even better.'' Petru Dumitriu, in a review for DiploFoundation

From the Publisher