Twentieth-Century Diplomacy
A Case Study of British Practice, 1963–1976

A case study of diplomatic practice that sheds light on the means of diplomacy rather than the ends.

John W. Young (Author)

9780521839167, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 November 2008

260 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.2 cm, 0.55 kg

'John W. Young has provided a skilled exploration of the ways in which diplomacy was actually conducted … Mr Young's original, engaging and authoritative study succeeds in the important goal of bringing diplomatic practice more to the foreground of relations between states.' Contemporary Review

In contrast to most works of international history, which dwell on particular relationships, strategies, wars or crises, the questions in this book are about how diplomacy was actually conducted. The period 1963–76 saw significant changes in diplomatic practice globally. It was particularly a time of change for Britain as the country negotiated its declining world power and joined the European Community and economic problems forced spending cuts. Looking at the reform of the British Diplomatic Service and Foreign Office as well as the role of ambassadors, the use of 'special' envoys, summits and state visits, John Young sheds light on how diplomacy was organised in order to put into effect the country's foreign policy and on how diplomatic practice changed over time to make it more effective. Drawing comparisons with other countries, especially the United States, this study focuses on the means of diplomacy rather than the ends.

Introduction
1. Policy and policy-makers
2. The diplomatic machine
3. Resident ambassadors
4. Special missions
5. Bilateral summitry
6. Multilateral diplomacy
7. State visits
8. Recognition and unconventional diplomacy
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Political science & theory [JPA], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], British & Irish history [HBJD1]