History of diplomacy
Latest updates
04 Mar, 2023
Science diplomacy of Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire engaged in science diplomacy, utilizing scientists and intellectuals as key figures in diplomatic efforts. These individuals served ... Read more
Learning from the past, looking to the future [A historical journey #11]
21 Dec 21 - 21 Dec 21Online
#Diplomacy: Internet and social media [A historical journey #10]
25 Nov 21 - 25 Nov 21Online
Telephone diplomacy: Dialling the ‘red line’ [A historical journey #8]
30 Sep 21 - 30 Sep 21Online
The telegraph: How it changed diplomacy [A historical journey #7]
26 Aug 21 - 26 Aug 21online
Renaissance diplomacy: Compromise as a solution to conflict [A historical journey #6]
24 Jun 21 - 24 Jun 21online
Byzantine diplomacy: The elixir of longevity [A historical journey #5]
27 May 21 - 27 May 21Online
Ancient Greek diplomacy: Politics, new tools, and negotiation [A historical journey #4]
29 Apr 21 - 29 Apr 21online
Ancient Diplomacy: What can it teach us? [A historical journey #3]
25 Mar 21 - 25 Mar 21Online
Prehistory: The birth of diplomacy and early ‘technologies’ [A historical journey #2]
25 Feb 21 - 25 Feb 21Online
Masterclass on History of Diplomacy and Technology
28 Jan 21 - 28 Jan 21online
[Webinar-2014] Diplomacy and the invention of telephony and wireless communication
01 Oct 14 - 01 Oct 14online
Triumph of diplomacy: The Cuban missile crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis pushed humanity to the edge of catastrophe—but it also revealed the quiet strength of diplomacy. In a tense standoff between superpowers, backchannel negotiations and mutual[...]
17 Apr, 2025
The evolution of diplomacy: From personal ties to institutional networks
Once, diplomacy was a game of kings, queens, and marriages. Now, it's a world of sub-federal actors, corporations, NGOs, and diasporas. The ambassador is no longer the sole conduit of statecraft – j[...]
27 Feb, 2025
Why did the 21st century start on 20 January 2025?
The 21st century is considered to have started on 20 January 2025, marked by two significant events: Donald Trump's return to power and the launch of DeepSeek, a transformative open-source AI. Trump's[...]
31 Jan, 2025
Astropolitics and the militarisation of space: The new arms race?
As technological advancements lower the barriers to space access, the militarisation of space has become an undeniable reality, with nations integrating space assets into their defence strategies. How[...]
20 Jan, 2025
Diplomacy: The art of the impossible
'Out of a hundred good solutions, only one is implementable.' Diplomacy is more than just foreign policy implementation – it's about addressing conflicts and finding solutions within historical con[...]
17 Apr, 2024
Zheng He (1371–1433): China’s masterful mariner and diplomat
Admiral Zheng He's fleet of 250 ships left an enduring mark on China's trade, diplomacy, and wealth. Uncover the secrets of this 14th-century genius.[...]
24 Sep, 2023
EspriTech de Genève: Nexus between technology and humanity
We introduce "EspriTech de Genève," highlighting the synergy between technology and humanity, inspired by Geneva's unique blend of philosophical and technological heritage. This approach advocates fo[...]
28 Aug, 2023
Ubuntu Ethos: African Insights for Ethical AIÂ
As negotiations on AI governance unfold, Africa's participation is pivotal. The continent could contribute its Ubuntu etho-philosophy to the global shaping of AI rules. Ubuntu, deeply ingrained in Afr[...]
18 Aug, 2023
From the Parthenon to Patterns: Ancient Greek philosophy for the AI Era
Exploring Ancient Greek philosophy's role in today's AI era, we spotlight insights from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle on ethics and governance. Their wisdom aids in addressing AI's ethical challenges[...]
14 Aug, 2023
Journey of Zero: How a simple number revolutionised the world from ancient India to our digital era
Discover the evolution of the number zero, tracing its origins from ancient India, its role in the Islamic Golden Age, to its significance in today's digital world. Join us in uncovering the fascinati[...]
11 Aug, 2023
On the threshold of the AI Axial Age
We're at a turning point in history, facing an AI Era that echoes the transformative Axial Age. From ethics to identity, peace to prosperity, our choices today shape tomorrow's world. As we navigate t[...]
09 Aug, 2023
What can Socrates teach us about AI and prompting?
We explore Socrates' approach to knowledge and its relevance to AI and prompting today. By examining Socratic inquiry, we uncover parallels with AI prompting techniques, offering insights into effecti[...]
01 Aug, 2023
16 February 2026
2021
Searching for the prehistoric origins of diplomacy
What if diplomacy had started in the first contact between two distinct bands of nomadic Homo sapiens hunter-gatherers in the Palaeolithic period, eve... Read more
2020
The ‘Working’ Non-Aligned Movement: Between Belgrade, Cairo, and Baku – The NAM’s Leadership Visibility
The objective of this chapter is to highlight lessons learned, promote best practices, and carry takeaways that are useful for other levels of the Non... Read more
2019
The Diplomacy of Ancient Greece – A Short Introduction
Employed against a warlike background, the diplomatic methods of the ancient Greeks are thought by some to have been useless but by others to have bee... Read more
2019
Diplomacy and Secret Service
Intelligence officers working under diplomatic protection are rarely out of the news for long, and the last two years have been no exception. How did ... Read more
2017
Room for Diplomacy: The history of Britain’s diplomatic buildings overseas, 1800-2000
Mark Bertram joined the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works after reading architecture at Cambridge and remained in the civil service as architect,... Read more
2017
The Summer Capitals of Europe, 1814-1919
This is an original work, meticulously researched, rich in detail, and written in a clear and – here and there – refreshingly pungent style. Sorok... Read more
2017
Curing the Sick Man: Sir Henry Bulwer and the Ottoman Empire, 1858-1865
This is the first book of a very promising young historian. Laurence Guymer, who is head of the Department of History at Winchester College and a rese... Read more
2015
A Diplomatic Whistleblower in the Victorian Era
It’s not often that a fascinating and important new book — in this case about an accomplished diplomat, journalist, whistle-blower, novelist, diss... Read more
2015
A Diplomatic Whistleblower in the Victorian Era: The Life and Writings of E. C. Grenville-Murray, Second Edition (Revised) 2015
Unlike Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden, the most well-known whistleblowers of the present day, Eustace Clare Grenville-Murray (1823-1881), the ille... Read more
2014
Back Channel to Cuba: The hidden history of negotiations between Washington and Havana
This book went to press after the much-publicised handshake between US president Barack Obama and Cuban president Raul Castro at the memorial service ... Read more
2014
Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana
The book "Back Channel to Cuba" discusses the negotiations between Washington and Havana, leading up to the historic announcement of the normalization... Read more
2013
FDR’s Ambassadors and the Diplomacy of Crisis: From the rise of Hitler to the end of World War II
What effect did personality and circumstance have on US foreign policy during World War II? This incisive account of US envoys residing in the major b... Read more
Internet and social media: A focus on diplomacy
Diplomacy has adapted to technological advancements through history, including the internet and social media. Digital diplomacy focuses on utilizing t... Read more
Telephone diplomacy: Dialling the ‘red line’
The telephone, radio, and telegraph have revolutionized communication and diplomacy over the years. Key figures in the development of the telephone, i... Read more
The telegraph: How it changed diplomacy
The telegraph had a profound impact on diplomacy, revolutionizing communication and altering the nature of international relations. It facilitated fas... Read more
Renaissance diplomacy: Compromise as a solution to conflict
Renaissance diplomacy emerged among Italian city-states in the 15th century, characterized by compromise and peaceful conflict resolution. Great write... Read more
Byzantine diplomacy: The elixir of longevity
The article delves into Byzantine diplomacy, highlighting its longevity and importance in history. The Byzantine Empire's survival relied heavily on d... Read more
Ancient Diplomacy: What can it teach us?
The text discusses the role of ancient diplomacy in civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Assyria, Persia, China, and India. Writing is highlighte... Read more
Prehistory: Origins of diplomacy and early ‘technologies’
The text explores the origins of diplomacy and early technologies from prehistory. It delves into how human cognitive abilities, cooperation, trade, a... Read more
04 Mar, 2023
Science diplomacy of Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire engaged in science diplomacy, utilizing scientists and intellectuals as key figures in diplomatic efforts. These individuals served ... Read more
The latest from Diplo and GIP
Tailor your subscription to your interests, from updates on the dynamic world of digital diplomacy to the latest trends in AI.
Subscribe to more Diplo and Geneva Internet Platform newsletters!
Diplo: Effective and inclusive diplomacy
Diplo is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.
