Ambassadors: Thinking about Diplomacy from Machiavelli to Modern Times

The path of history is not linear, but filled with false starts, blind alleys, and random events. Richelieu and Mazarin inhabited a different world, but their time provides a glimpse of today's Europe. Talleyrand and the Congress of Vienna in 1815 discussed the slave trade, marking a significant humanitarian issue in diplomatic agenda. Robert Cooper's book "The Ambassadors" combines history and considers the fragments it leaves behind, highlighting the success of German diplomacy in the last half-century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

History is not a linear narrative, shaped solely by men and women and devoid of accidental influence. The course of events and ideas does not unfold smoothly from Thucydides to perpetual peace. Instead, we encounter false starts, blind alleys, random occurrences, and well-intentioned endeavors that deviate from the intended path. This reality renders a continuous diplomatic history elusive. The era of Richelieu and Mazarin, while distant in our modern perspective, holds the key to understanding the contours of today's Europe. Talleyrand, a representative of the ancien regime, played a pivotal role in bringing Europe closer to the present day. At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, he was the first European statesman to recognize the significance of America. Since then, humanitarian issues have remained integral to the diplomatic agenda.

In his insightful and elegantly written work, Robert Cooper delves into the individuals who shaped the Western side of the Cold War. The Cuban Missile Crisis stands as a pivotal moment in this drama, showcasing the contrast between John F. Kennedy's open debate and the closed system in Moscow. Henry Kissinger, another influential figure in the post-war world, is recognized as a masterful diplomat and a prolific writer on the subject. His journey, characterized by both failures and unexpected successes, reflects the complexities of diplomacy.

While the focus often rests on notable failures, it is equally important to acknowledge the success stories that have been overlooked. German diplomacy, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century, deserves recognition for its achievements. The Ambassadors, by Robert Cooper, serves as a masterful compilation of history, piecing together the fragments that provide profound insights. These fragments, often overlooked, shed light on the intricacies and complexities of the past, offering a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit today.

Weight: 824g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 51 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780297608530