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

by John W. Young

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521839167
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/20/2008
Pages:	260
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

John W. Young is Professor of International History at the School of History, University of Nottingham. His previous publications include Britain and the World in the Twentieth Century (1997), Britain and European Unity, 1945–99 (2000) and, as co-author, International Relations since 1945: A Global History (2004).

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

"This is a very useful book for anyone seeking a close focus on a period of British diplomacy or trawling for examples from which to draw general conclusions on the practices and principles of diplomacy." -Richard Davy, Journal of Cold War Studies

"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

From the Publisher