The evolution of diplomacy

The evolution of diplomacy

Diplomacy as in instrument of communication between states existed also in ancient times and some authors, such as Melissen, argue that history of diplomacy goes back to 2500 BC.

However, one of the first written records about diplomats is in Homeric poems ‘Illiada and Odyssea’. Homer wrote about diplomatic mission of two Greek kings – Odysseus and Menelaus. Before the war with Troy they visited this ancient town to require returning Menelaus’s wife Helen, kidnapped by Troyan prince Paris.

Nicolson pointed out that each of them delivered his own set speech to the Assembly of the Trojans. (Nicolson,1954, 4).

The next step in evolution of diplomacy is possible to find in ancient Rome.

Nicolson points out: “Their ambassadors, who were called either nuntii or oratores, were appointed by the Senate, by whom they were provided with credentials and instructions.” (Nicolson, 1954, 17).

Although diplomacy has existed thousands of years, the ambassadors and diplomats had not a permanent residency. Since 15^th century when was established first embassies is possible to say about diplomacy comparable with present.

Hamilton points out: “By the time diplomacy succeeded war as the principal buttress of security after 1454, it was firmly in place.  The title of ambassador came to be generally used to describe the resident, his accreditation became definite and his instructions carefully composed.

The most important transition was the exportation of the resident ambassador. From 1494, it was no longer possible, even with all the accumulated skills and experience of Italian diplomats and rulers, for the small states lying between Rome and the Alps to remain free from external interference.”(Hamilton and Langhorne, 2000, 35).

In the evolution of diplomacy very important factor is technological development. Faster communications and technological inventions such as telephone, the press, fax and the Internet change way of diplomacy.

However, the most significant change in the nature of diplomacy was necessity of new approaches.

White argues that the failure of diplomacy to prevent the First World War and, for some indeed, its role in actually causing that war led to a widespread belief that a new form of diplomacy was needed.

What was new in diplomacy emerged from two important ideas:

First, there was a demand that diplomacy should be more open to public scrutiny and control.

The second idea related to the importance of establishing an international organization – which initially took the form of the League of Nations – that would act both as an international forum for the peaceful settlement of disputes and as a deterrent against another world war. (White, 2005, 391).

References:

White, B in Baylis & Smith (2005).The Globalization of World Politics,3^rd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford

Hamilton,K. and Langhorne,R. (1995). The Practice of Diplomacy: Its Evolution, Theory and Administration, Routledge, Oxon

Nicolson,H. (1954). The Evolution of Diplomatic Method, Constable and Company Ltd, London