Outposts of Diplomacy: A History of the Embassy

(Hardback)

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This compelling history traces the evolution of the embassy from its ancient origins to its enduring presence in the modern world. Beginning with the embassy's precursors in antiquity, Outposts of Diplomacy explores its emergence on the cusp of the Italian Renaissance, its pinnacle during the nineteenth century and its navigation through the challenges of twentieth-century conference diplomacy. G. R. Berridge investigates how this European institution adapted its staffing, architecture and communication methods to changing international landscapes, including the tumultuous wars of religion and encounters in East Asia. He also describes the expansion of the embassy's responsibilities, such as providing diplomatic cover for intelligence operations. Infused with vibrant anecdotes of remarkable individuals and influential family dynasties, this book offers a profusely illustrated exploration of the embassy's rich history.

Reviews

"Many times thought likely to disappear, the Embassy is still here! In this book Berridge condenses his masterful knowledge to offer us a vivid journey into the life of the smartest invention ever created to export sovereignty and to link peoples across the world."--Arianna Arisi Rota, professor of contemporary history, University of Pavia
"A comprehensive, beautifully paced and entertaining account of the permanent diplomatic mission, its origins in Western Europe, its adoption by states in other parts of the world, and its resilience in the face of a variety of technical, social and political challenges from the nineteenth century onwards. As Berridge persuasively argues, embassies remain essential to the effective conduct of international relations, especially in difficult times such as the one the world is currently facing."--Paul Sharp, professor of political science, University of Minnesota
"This study of resident embassies by one of the world's leading academic experts on diplomacy is not only lucid in style and based on a thorough knowledge of the subject, but rich in detail and highly impressive for its historical and geographical sweep."--John W. Young, professor emeritus in history, University of Nottingham

Author Bio

G. R. Berridge is professor emeritus of international politics at the University of Leicester and a senior fellow of the Geneva-based DiploFoundation. He was associate editor of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, to which he still contributes, and his most recent book is the sixth edition of Diplomacy: Theory and Practice.