The rise of modern diplomacy, 1450-1919 /

Development of the practices of modern diplomacy is a contribution of European society that is generally ignored. In a fascinating survey of the rise and evolution of the diplomatic services from mid-15th century Italy to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, Anderson skillfully delineates the slow and arduous progress of the Europeans in constructing the mechanisms to regulate their international relations. Following discussion of the genesis of the mechanisms of diplomacy and its acceptance worldwide, the author examines collateral concepts of the balance of power and the quest for a form of international organzation. Anderson argues that both these concepts underwent innumerable permutations reflecting their European origins, but ever so gradually they became global concepts and did improve international relations. Wisely, the author ends this survey in 1919, when the new diplomacy era of Wilson and Lenin began. The book is written in a lively style, but the mass of detail will overwhelm general readers and beginning undergraduates. Advanced undergraduate and above.