ABSTRACT
This chapter offers readers a concise overview of the historical evolution of diplomacy from the 3rd millennium bce up until World War I. It highlights the key transformative moments of the diplomatic practice. The chapter introduces readers to the main contributions and limitations of diplomacy in facilitating international peace and cooperation. Diplomatic practice emerged in close association with the development of writing and urban culture in the Ancient Near East, in the 3rd millennium bce. In the ancient Greek system, three types of diplomatic representation were recognized. First and foremost, the angelos or presbys were diplomatic envoys sent for 'brief and highly specific missions'. The second type, the keryx, had special rights of personal safety. And the third was the proxenos. Religion often played a significant role in framing diplomatic practices of conflict resolution. The congress system helped prevent a direct conflict between great powers until the Crimean War in 1856.
