ABSTRACT
Two facts remain beyond doubt regarding the ingenuity of Michael VIII Palaeologos’ policies: his role in putting the Byzantine Empire back on the international stage and in changing the face of the European politics. No matter how unique as a soldier-emperor and subtle diplomat Michael was, an air of mystery surrounds his accomplishments: preserve Constantinople from continuous Western coalitions and prevail in the face of overwhelming odds without a corresponding military strength. Through a careful examination of his grandiose strategy, all pieces of the puzzle fall neatly in place: diplomacy, guerre de course and now his ability to involve actively Westerners in imperial affairs, mainly as diplomats and corsairs, contributed greatly to the success of his western policy.
