Mediating estrangement: a theory for diplomacy
James Der Derian
How does one live according to reason if the other , alien foreigner whether remote or nearby may burst into one's world at any moment? Raymond Aron, Peace and War Diplomacy has been particularly resistant theory. What knowledge we do have of practice principles diplomacy is largely drawn from works former diplomatists like Abraham de Wicquefort's L'Ambassadeur et ses Fonctions (1681), Frangois Callières' De la Manière Négocier Avec les Souverains (1716), Ernest Satow's Guide Diplomatic Practice (1917) Harold Nicolson's (1939). 1 Conveying a view as specialized skill negotiation, these seek ‘maxim-ize’ that for benefit novices entering profession. Understandably, their histories tend be sketchy rather anecdotal, theories diplomacy, when they exist, usually consist underdeveloped implicit propositions. Moreover, since authors were serving governments apogee imperial power, not interested in looking too widely deeply past which might undermine foundations skilful negotiation—order, continuity, ‘common sense’.
Review of International Studies