Diplomacy: A Very Short Introduction - Softcover

Siracusa, Joseph M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199588503 ISBN 13: 9780199588503

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Diplomacy means different things to different people, the definitions ranging from the elegant ("the management of relations between independent states by the process of negotiations") to the jocular ("the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock"). Written by Joseph M. Siracusa, an internationally recognized expert, this lively volume introduces the subject of diplomacy from a historical perspective, providing examples from significant historical phases and episodes to illustrate the art of diplomacy in action, highlighting the milestones in its evolution. The book shows that, like war, diplomacy has been around a very long time, at least since the Bronze Age. It was primitive by today's standards, there were few rules, but it was a recognizable form of diplomacy. Since then, diplomacy has evolved greatly, to the extent that the major events of modern international diplomacy have dramatically shaped the world in which we live. Indeed, the case studies chosen here demonstrate that diplomacy was and remains a key element of statecraft, and that without skilful diplomacy political success may remain elusive.

About this title

About the Author

Joseph M. Siracusa is Professor of Human Security and International Diplomacy and Discipline Head of Global Studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology where he is also a fellow in the Human Security program. A native of Chicago and long-time resident of Australia, he is internationally known for his writings on international diplomacy, nuclear weapons and the Cold War. Professor Siracusa is also a frequent political affairs commentator in the Australian media, including ABC Radio.

Review

His multi-sources book 'Diplomacy' is aimed at the general reader but will be useful to professionals. * Gerry Woodard, Senior Fellow in Political Science at the University of Melbourne and former Austalian Ambassador in Asia * This book will astonish you. * Ian J. Bikerton, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, The University of New South Wales, Australia * It is...a superb coverage of a subject that is often seen as too convoluted or boring to figure out. * Ian J. Bikerton, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, The University of New South Wales, Australia * Joe Siracusa, in concise, lively, beautifully written prose, brings the practice of diplomacy to life with fresh new insights. * Ian J. Bikerton, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, The University of New South Wales, Australia * Siracusa presents a masterly account of diplomacy through analysing well selected issues...Ideal for an undergraduate text. * Sadao Asada, Professor Emeritus of International History, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan * Professor Siracusa provides a lively introduction to diplomacy through the perspective of history. * Gerry Woodard, Senior Fellow in Political Science at the University of Melbourne and former Australaian Ambassador in Asia * ...it will take both the young and experienced through a simple course in the history and practice of diplomacy. * Diplomat *

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0199588503
• ISBN 13: 9780199588503
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160