::: readings

The DeLEMAR JENSEN Lecture Series. BYU History Department, 16 October 2008. Theodore K. Rabb. “Why the Study of Diplomatic History is so Interesting.”

Diplomatic History

All of the classic historians studies diplomatic history.

“War is essentailly the persuit of politics by other means.”

Writing of a history narrative is, essentially, a discussion of the causes; and no subject is better attuned to these (i.e. to presenting a narrative and the discussion of cause and effect) than diplomatic history.

War of the Leauge of Cambrai:

1400’s — developmet of the diplomat, such as Macchiaveli and others

1900’s — death of traditional diplomatic responsibilities of the independent diplomat by the introduction of the telephone

Between these periods, however, it is such a strong Engine of Movement

Ambassador’s reports very detailed and regular.

“An ambassador is an honest man sent abroad to life for the good of his country.”

An important moment in International History occurred during the Diplomatic Convention at Westphalia.

Images and their meanings, the study of images in history is one important aspect of diplomatic history seeing how so many symbols and images were created specifically for and commissioned by the states or other political entities.

Similarly, the emerging field of gender studies fits under diplomatic history, especially in view of how women of the past shaped political decisions.

Importance of the world of print, reading, and news … i.e. the need for intelligence

In conclusion: Diplomatic history is a study of how do those in whom public trust is place act and interact with each other.