Introduction

Diplomatic channels provide a means by which messages can be conveyed between states, and keeping such channels open and functioning may be critical in avoiding catastrophic developments in international relations such as the outbreak of war. Diplomatic history is a rather younger discipline than many might think, and one eminent practitioner dates it from the period following the First World War. Diplomats play representative roles in both practical and symbolic senses. In a practical sense, an embassy or high commission can be a very busy office, with staff involved in a range of tasks including political reporting, the preparation of materials for use in so-called public diplomacy, and the provision of consular assistance to travellers in need. The challenges of writing meticulous diplomatic history should not be underestimated. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.