Diplomacy

by Adam Watson

In the first major assessment of diplomatic dialogue since Nicolson's Diplomacy in 1939, Adam Watson traces the changing techniques of diplomacy from ancient times through the 'diplomatic society' of Europe to the present global system. In examining the conventions and institutions which help to shape the international system the author aims not so much to preserve diplomatic order which worked well in the past but rather to identify the continuities and the new conditions which will enable the dialogue to function in the future. He pays special attention to the extension of the dialogue into new fields and to the impact of the newly independent states of the third world. This leads him to argue strongly that the world's growing interdependence has increased rather than lessened the scope of diplomacy in the nuclear age.

Genres: International Relations, Politics

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

Watson seems preoccupied with the role the new states have in the diplomatic system, worrying that their lack of experience and memories of colonialism will push them towards rash decisions. He sees the older, European states as having a duty to guide them, even as he acknowledges the importance of change.

Indeed, Watson views notes that "The central task of diplomacy is not just the management of order, but the management of change, and the maintenance by continual persuasion of order in the midst of change." (223)

He thus acknowledges the role played by both change and order. Overall I found the work extremely dated, but acknowledge the importance of the piece during the Cold War when it was released.