Diplomatic theory and practice
Stay up to date!
Subscribe to Diplomatic Theory and Practice Updates and stay up to date with upcoming events, new publications and research, and Diplo courses and training on diplomatic theory and practice.
February 2018 online courses
22 Feb 21 - online
February 2021 online courses
- Online
February 2019 online courses
- online
Diplomatic extraterritoriality
Diplomatic extraterritoriality isn’t absolute, but a tool shaped by political necessity. Examples from historic ambassadors to Assange show how its application is influenced by power dynamics. Aldo [...]
23 Sep, 2024
Which predictive method is better: Simple or sophisticated?
Predicting outcomes in complex systems reveals that simple methods often perform as well as complex ones. Aldo Matteucci delves deeper into the topic.[...]
30 Jul, 2024
‘Soft power’ is nothing more than influence
Is the term 'soft power' just a redundant buzzword in government and academic circles? Geoff R. Berridge examines its true meaning and how it's often misunderstood in the realm of international relati[...]
16 Nov, 2023
Humanising immigration: Taking the discussion further
The blog post discusses the importance of humanizing immigration by focusing on the human aspect often overlooked in discussions, the impact of terminology used, the role of diplomacy, and the potenti[...]
26 Apr, 2023
Language during COVID-19: UK case study
Language has rapidly evolved during the COVID-19 crisis in the UK, evident in the creation of new terms, redefinition of existing words, and the use of metaphors. Tricolons are employed for rhetorical[...]
23 Mar, 2023
Two kinds of conversation: Dialectic and dialogic
The text discusses two kinds of conversation: dialectic, aiming for a synthesis through common ground, and dialogic, seeking reciprocal understanding without resolution. It critiques the Western fixat[...]
08 Mar, 2023
Intercultural communication and logical fallacies
The text discusses intercultural communication through the lens of logical fallacies, particularly focusing on hasty generalizations and stereotypes. It questions the impact of generalizations in inte[...]
05 Sep, 2022
Diplomacy as poetry
The message explores the similarities and differences between poetry and diplomacy, highlighting how the two fields intersect in terms of values, redress, ambiguity, and ambivalence. It suggests that [...]
17 Jul, 2022
Diplomatic immunity: The reality of the sources of the law
The sources of the law on diplomatic immunity predominantly stem from the Vienna Conventions. However, implementation of these conventions varies among common law and civil law states, leading to diff[...]
28 Jul, 2021
Are international immunities of heads of state and government officials undergoing a major change?
Heads of state and government officials' international immunities are facing potential significant changes. Recent actions by Western states, including the US and Canada, show a shift towards holding [...]
18 Jul, 2021
[Podcast] The history of drinks and diplomacy: An interview with Tom Standage
Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist, discussed the role of drinks in ancient diplomacy during an interview as part of an online series on the History of Diplomacy and Technology led by Dr. Jo[...]
05 Apr, 2021
Prehistory: The birth of diplomacy and early ‘technologies’
The birth of diplomacy and early 'technologies' can be traced back to prehistoric times through developments like cognitive abilities, tool-making, trade, art, gift exchange, and the use of language. [...]
03 Mar, 2021
Negotiation Skills online course
Public Diplomacy online course
16 February 2026
Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course
15 September 2025
Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities online course
21 July 2025
Multilateral Diplomacy online course
16 February 2026
Bilateral Diplomacy online course
21 July 2025
Diplomatic Theory and Practice online course
5 May 2025
Economic Diplomacy online course
13 October 2025
Language and Diplomacy online course
Master in Contemporary Diplomacy
Sustainable Development Diplomacy: On the Road to Achieving the SDGs online course
13 October 2025
2020
British Heads of Mission at Constantinople, 1583-1922
British Heads of Mission at Constantinople from 1583 to 1922 is a detailed account of the diplomatic representatives representing Britain in the capit... Read more
2020
Bilateral Diplomacy: A Practitioner Perspective (Briefing Paper #15)
The text outlines the evolution and significance of bilateral diplomacy as the foundation of international relations, detailing its historical roots, ... Read more
2019
Diplomatic Notebooks 1, 1958-1960: The view from Ankara
Zeki Kuneralp (1914-1998) was one of Turkey’s most gifted, well-liked and influential diplomats of the second half of the twentieth century. This bo... Read more
2019
Diplomatic Security under a Comparative Lens – Or Not?
“Diplomatic security” is the term now usually preferred to “diplomatic protection” for the steps taken by states to safeguard the fabric of th... Read more
2019
Brian Barder’s Diplomatic Diary
Sir Brian Barder, the senior British diplomat and author of the always sage and sometimes gripping What Diplomats Do, died in 2017 but, courtesy of th... Read more
2018
The Palgrave Macmillan Dictionary of Diplomacy
Book by Geoff Berridge... Read more
2018
Diplomacy, Satire and the Victorians
This book, which rests on extensive use of private papers, official documents, press archives and not least Grenville-Murray’s vast output (includin... 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
2016
Diplomacy at the Cutting Edge
I started writing a memoire in 1998, but on a long train journey in Germany (Stuttgart to Essen), accompanied by my wonderful wife Mimi, a thought cam... Read more
2016
Diplomatic security and the birth of the compound system
The text discusses the importance of diplomatic security and the development of the compound system to enhance safety measures for diplomatic missions... Read more
2015
John le Carré: The Biography
I thought to review this book because I had enjoyed the spy novels of John le Carré and, having introduced a chapter on secret intelligence into the ... 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.