Diplomatic Theory of International Relations

This book seeks to identify a body or tradition of diplomatic thinking and construct a diplomatic theory of international relations from it.

Paul Sharp (Author)

9780521757553, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 September 2009

352 pages
22.4 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.64 kg

'… an exquisite style … This book will be considered necessary reading for some time to come for the international relations specialist considering the concept of diplomacy. … Highly recommended.' S. R. Silverburg, Choice

Diplomacy does not take place simply between states but wherever people live in different groups. Paul Sharp argues that the demand for diplomacy, and the need for the insights of diplomatic theory, are on the rise. In contrast to conventional texts which use international relations theories to make sense of what diplomacy and diplomats do, this book explores what diplomacy and diplomats can contribute to the big theoretical and practical debates in international relations today. Sharp identifies a diplomatic tradition of international thought premised on the way people live in groups, the differences between intra- and inter-group relations, and the perspectives which those who handle inter-group relations develop about the sorts of international disputes which occur. He argues that the lessons of diplomacy are that we should be reluctant to judge, ready to appease, and alert to the partial grounds on which most universal claims about human beings are made.

Introduction
Part I. Traditions of International Thought and the Disappointment of Diplomacy: 1. Diplomacy and diplomats in the radical tradition
2. Diplomacy and diplomats in the rational tradition
3. Diplomacy and diplomats in the realist tradition
Part II. Elements of a Diplomatic Tradition of International Thought: 4. The diplomatic tradition: conditions and relations of separateness
5. The diplomatic tradition: diplomacy, diplomats and international relations
Part III. Diplomatic Understanding and International Societies: 6. Using the international society idea
7. Integration-disintegration
8. Expansion-contraction
9. Concentration-diffusion
Part IV. Thinking Diplomatically about International Issues: 10. Rogue state diplomacy
11. Greedy company diplomacy
12. Crazy religion diplomacy
13. Dumb public diplomacy
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Diplomacy [JPSD], International relations [JPS], Politics & government [JP]