Outposts of Diplomacy: A History of the Embassy

This compelling history traces the evolution of the embassy from its ancient origins to its enduring presence in the modern world. Beginning with the embassy’s precursors in antiquity, Outposts of Diplomacy explores its emergence on the cusp of the Italian Renaissance, its pinnacle during the nineteenth century and its navigation through the challenges of twentieth-century conference diplomacy. G. R. Berridge investigates how this European institution adapted its staffing, architecture and communication methods to changing international landscapes, including the tumultuous wars of religion and encounters in East Asia. He also describes the expansion of the embassy’s responsibilities, such as providing diplomatic cover for intelligence operations. Infused with vibrant anecdotes of remarkable individuals and influential family dynasties, this book offers a profusely illustrated exploration of the embassy’s rich history.

Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction 1 Fifteenth-Century Beginnings 2 Expanding Duties 3 Household and Buildings 4 Pre-Telegraphic Communications 5 Nineteenth-Century Highpoint 6 Enter the Americas 7 The Middle East and Africa 8 Far Eastern Compounds 9 Backseat after the First World War 10 Stubborn Institution Epilogue Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

About the Author :
G. R. Berridge is Emeritus Professor of International Politics at the University of Leicester, and a Senior Fellow of the Geneva-based DiploFoundation. He was an Associate Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, to which he still contributes, and his most recent book is Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (6th edn, 2022).

Review :
Berridge intends to lead us through the thickets and secrets of the history of the embassy, showing us the impact this institution has had on the world’s history . . . Berridge makes it clear that in many cases attempts to influence other powers were not quite a pastoral project. There were assassinations and violations and rivalries; ambassadors could also test the boundaries of their privilege . . . There is a compelling history to be told of these machinations, and those mining for such detail can find much in Berridge’s account. We all know what embassies are: grand houses where pompous people stand under chandeliers drinking champagne to no obvious purpose. Why should we waste our money on these overpaid toffs when modern technology allows instant communication between world leaders? G.R. Berridge tackles the question in his history of the permanent diplomatic mission. It is a convoluted story, covering many continents and cultures, but Berridge has mastered the voluminous literature and the intricate detail. He is a fluent storyteller, though the story is overwhelming. The history of the resident embassy since the Renaissance is the subject of this excellent and readable work. Berridge addresses transformations over the centuries resulting from religious conflicts, revolutions, world wars, conference diplomacy, and changing technologies . . . Berridge provides much anecdotal detail about individual diplomats, making this a lively, colorful, and enjoyable read. Highly recommended. Surprisingly captivating. . . . In these pages, Berridge gives readers not only a smoothly-paced and quietly eloquent account of that embassy evolution but also a marvelous gallery of the people who led those embassies . . . “Diplomacy,” Berridge wonderfully sums up, ”is the art of conducting business between states without resort to force, propaganda or law,” and Outposts of Diplomacy so entertainingly dramatizes this shop-talk world that readers will be wishing the book were three times its length. Berridge provides a broad overview of diplomacy’s cornerstone – the resident embassy . . . this will appeal to political history buffs. This study of resident embassies by one of the world’s leading academic experts on diplomacy is not only lucid in style and based on a thorough knowledge of the subject, but rich in detail and highly impressive for its historical and geographical sweep. A comprehensive, beautifully paced and entertaining account of the permanent diplomatic mission, its origins in Western Europe, its adoption by states in other parts of the world, and its resilience in the face of a variety of technical, social and political challenges from the nineteenth century onwards. As G. R. Berridge persuasively argues, embassies remain essential to the effective conduct of international relations, especially in difficult times such as the one the world is currently facing. Many times thought likely to disappear, the Embassy is still here! In this book G. R. Berridge condenses his masterful knowledge to offer us a vivid journey into the life of the smartest invention ever created to export sovereignty and to link peoples across the world. Outposts of Diplomacy brings to life a unique history of British and European diplomatic missions in foreign countries, and the varied diplomatic forms used by countries and regions. With deep insight, G. R. Berridge simplifies complexities in a manner that is fluid and fun to read. This book should inspire more writing in this genre, especially by scholars from the Global South. Outposts of Diplomacy emerges as a masterful exploration in the field of diplomatic studies. G. R. Berridge skillfully intertwines historical depth with engaging narratives, tracing the evolution of the resident embassy from its fifteenth-century roots to its pivotal role in contemporary international relations. The book brilliantly showcases how these institutions have shaped, and been shaped by, the human stories behind the formal facades. This insightful journey not only illuminates the strategic importance of embassies in shaping foreign policy but also makes it deeply relatable to anyone interested in understanding the personal dynamics at play in global diplomacy.