Diplomacy Theory and Practice: A Review of Professor Geoffrey Berridge’s Book (Sixth Edition, 2022)

The book is defined by its title, and our discussion is also defined by its edition! Professor Geoffrey Bridge has released the sixth edition of his reference book “Diplomacy: Theory and Practice,” continuing to keep up with its valuable content on the concept and practice of diplomacy amid technological advancements and new substantive issues. Consequently, this edition has attempted not only to catch up with the content’s development but also to enhance the format by linking it to a website that includes continuous updates and allows ongoing interaction with readers. This model is increasingly found in other reference books, such as the encyclopedic book on the procedural rules of the United Nations Security Council.

Regarding the content, despite the table of contents having three sections, the book is effectively divided into two main thematic parts. The first is titled “The Art of Negotiation,” and the second deals with diplomacy in the presence or absence of diplomatic relations. This “thematic” part related to diplomacy can be grouped under the following headings, although the author did not use these formulations explicitly: a) diplomatic mechanisms, expressed through embassies, consulates, interests sections, representation offices, and commercial interfaces, among others; b) diplomatic officials from foreign ministries or sectoral ministries and institutions; c) traditional, public, bilateral, and multilateral types of diplomacy; and d) diplomatic forums at various levels, including summits and conferences. It is noteworthy in this section that the bureaucratic problems discussed candidly are indicative that they are institutional challenges faced by the diplomatic apparatus in both the North and the South. However, overcoming them effectively varies depending on the wisdom and astuteness of leadership in imposing the higher national interest that overrides factional or professional competition, replacing it with the spirit and essence of teamwork.

As for the other “thematic” part focused on negotiation, it is more organised. The author divides it into chapters covering stages such as preparation, sitting at the table, exerting leverage, formulating agreements, and monitoring their implementation. Here, it feels like delving into another field dedicated to the science of negotiation. We know that its sources are not limited to diplomatic experiences but are also based on commercial transactions and human relationships in general, including insights from other branches of knowledge, encompassing psychology within other knowledge domains.

Thus, we see that the book is, in fact, two books – the first dealing with diplomacy and the second about negotiation. While the author explains the integration of negotiation as part of the tasks or functions according to the traditional definition of diplomacy, in addition to being a tool for official representation and a channel for government communication, the current practical reality indicates that diplomatic work, especially in the bilateral framework, does not include as many negotiating tasks as might justify devoting an entire thematic part of the book to it. Perhaps the only exception to this is for those working in multilateral diplomacy, for whom negotiation is a major part of their daily work. However, even in this case, negotiations are subject to procedural rules and institutional structures and do not necessarily address the issues covered by the author in this book. Here, we might say that the book is theoretical, fulfilling part of its title.

As for the second part of the book, focusing on diplomacy, whether through existing relations or without them, it has come practically close to the title once again. Although the author is a prominent academic in diplomacy rather than a diplomatic practitioner, his treatment of mechanisms, tools, forums, and diplomatic forms is accompanied by practical examples and enriched with actual experiences in a smooth style that makes it easy for both practicing specialists and a broader audience to follow. Some of these examples are related to the British Foreign Office since the author is from that country. However, what supports this is that it is also one of the oldest diplomatic institutions in the world, having gained unique cumulative experience as part of the empire administration and now serving as a coordination point for the Commonwealth. Despite the practical signals being among the book’s strengths, they may leave the reader interested in theoretical aspects thirsting for the abstract concepts. This might be expected given that the book’s title positions the concept of diplomacy within the basic theoretical approaches to international relations, especially realism and idealism in their original and developed versions, as well as other sub-schools, including critical, feminist, environmental, and others – a path taken by scholars and other writers, including Morgenthau and Hedley Bull. The book does not lack an attempt to project or, let’s say, explore the impact of the rapid developments on the diplomatic institution, especially globalisation and informatization. This is particularly evident in the chapters related to the communications revolution and the axis of public diplomacy, which he does not mind likening to a new term, “white propaganda.” At times, and frankly at other times, we feel that the author is biased towards the continued viability and value of resident diplomacy. He argues at times that it has not been replaced by the new tools and channels that have emerged, but rather has been able to evolve partially, without completely changing. Thus, we believe, or rather hope!

A book review was originally published in the Egyptian Diplomatic Club’s Diplomat Magazine. Original article is available below (in Arabic):