Midhuna Madhavan C.S., National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, Kerala
Diplomacy is the way countries communicate and interact with each other. Diplomacy constantly evolves yet retains its fundamental nature but also changes over time. While traditional diplomacy, rooted in the past, remains vital, our generation witnesses dynamic changes due to revolutionary technology. These changes impact every nation, connecting them in a complex web of relationships.
The origin and long history of diplomacy begins with the Mesopotamian civilization and ends with the beginning of the Middle Ages. Diplomacy has undergone significant changes since the medieval age. "Medieval diplomacy" was practised in Europe between the 5th and the 15th centuries when it was a monarchy. A variety of diplomatic techniques, such as the exchanging of envoys, the negotiation of treaties, and the employment of marriage connections, were used in medieval diplomacy.
It evolved over time, spreading from Mesopotamia to Greece and Rome and eventually forming the basis of the modern Westphalian system. The practice of diplomacy was seen as a system of interaction that kept the peace, well-being and order of the state. It began with the emergence of writing, which gave birth to diplomatic practices in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Assyria, China, India and beyond.
ANCIENT DIPLOMACY
Diplomacy began as a practice between kings, ambassadors, or other envoys from other kingdoms or empires in an effort to forge alliances, resolve conflicts, or establish trade agreements. According to Hamilton and Langhorne, Diplomacy is ‘the peaceful conduct of relations amongst political entities, their principals and accredited agents.’1 The establishment of diplomatic missions or embassies in other countries, along with the exchange of gifts, took shape in order to build peace. This first exchange system of the ancient polities shares striking similarities with modern diplomacy. Although Greece is accepted as the birthplace of Western civilisation, diplomacy was not born in Greece, which is contrary to what is widely thought. Diplomacy was born thousands of years before ancient Greece committed to diplomacy as a civilisation. The origin and long history of diplomacy begins with the Mesopotamian civilisation and ends with the beginning of the Middle Ages.
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