ABSTRACT
Wladimir d’Ormesson’s term as French ambassador to the Holy See between 28 May and 1 November 1940 saw the French Embassy to the Holy See confronting crises at four levels. The first was the international crisis of World War II. The second was the political crisis as the French Republic collapsed under the Axis invasions. The third was the diplomatic crisis as the embassy became France’s only representation inside Fascist Italy. The fourth was the crisis of conscience experienced by d’Ormesson as ambassador. Taking its cue from the ‘cultural turn’ in international history which emphasises beliefs, environments and representations, this chapter suggests that decisions taken in response to crises may be subject to intensified pressures and may be more influenced by personal beliefs and emotions. By exploring how d’Ormesson replaced conventional diplomatic practices with a conscience-driven approach, it suggests that there is no sharp dichotomy between reason and emotion in decision making during crises.
