Routledge Handbook of Diplomacy and Statecraft

by B.J.C. McKercher (Editor)

Despite post-Cold War arguments about their demise, ‘Great Powers’ not only continue to thrive, with lesser Powers they form the basis of the constellation of global politics. This topical new Handbook illustrates how and why the new international order has evolved – and is still evolving – since the end of the Cold War, through the application of diplomacy and statecraft. Including cutting edge contributions from over 40 scholars, the handbook is structured around seven Through analysis of a wide range of case studies, the Handbook assesses the diplomacy and statecraft of individual powers, offering insights into how they function, their individual perception of national interests and the roles they play in modern statecraft. The contributors also seek to evaluate the organizations and contemporary issues that continue to influence the shaping of the new international order. A comprehensive survey of diplomacy across the world, this work will be essential reading for scholars and professionals alike.

490 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[teohjitkhiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The field of diplomacy & statecraft, unregulated by any supranational legislation unlike that of actors operating under the auspices of domestic laws enforced by police & courts, resembles a prison yard populated by inmate dogs of various temperament & sizes in which most of the actors within openly or covertly subscribe to Palmerstonian principles but in the same breath pledge empty allegiances to the supposedly utopian principles of canine brotherhood.

The choice spots are often dominated by a select few Pit bulls, snarling at any newcomers, grudgingly accepting them after a round or two of sniffing & intimidating snarls. Occasionally, a daring few Pinschers would venture to play with the big boys, so to speak, and in some cases are told in no uncertain terms that they either lack the stature or merely brushed aside; but on the rare occasions are accepted so long as their presence serves the Pit bulls' interests. On the sidelines, the many & various Poodles, lacking any heft save their out-sized bark, either howl incessantly at the injustices of it all or roll-over submissively in hopes of being invited to dine at the table with the big dogs.

But of course, there are some whom refuse to play by the unspoken rules, and instead embraced the role of spoilers. Those Papillons, Pekingeses, & odd Pomeranian or two relished playing the joker & wrecking havoc; some because of their belief in a Canine Heaven that welcomes such feline behavior whilst a few does so out of cold, rational calculation that their behavior does pays off dividends in form of Friskies' treats or grudging fear from the other dogs in the jail-yard. A minority few, Lassie bless 'em, those Patterdale & Puli breeds quietly embraced their slight stature & instead of "bitchin'", chose to strive their best to leverage upon their size & its inherent advantages to serve not only their own interests, but those of others as well.

P.S. This review is in no way an attempt to impugn upon the temperament of the various breeds mentioned therein, and I have been assured by dog lovers that canines are a human's best friend, but merely to disguise the names of the various state & non-state actors.

[Pooja Tripathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of outdated in present politics