A New Theory and Practice of Diplomacy - by Jack Spence & Alastair Masser & Claire Yorke (Paperback)

About the Book

A volume combining reflections from a career in diplomacy, the enduring importance of the study and practice of diplomacy, and how the field has changed over the past 50 years.

Book Synopsis

Effective diplomacy remains fundamental to the conduct of international relations in the twenty-first century, as we seek to define and manage a challenging new world order peacefully.
New Perspectives on Diplomacy examines the implications of the shifting international landscape upon how states interact with one another. Reflecting on the significant changes to the system of states over the past 50 years, including the end of the Cold War, the rise of transnational networks, challenges to borders, growth in national populism and the increasing difficulties presented to diplomats by radical transparency, the first volume presents the global context against which contemporary diplomacy is conducted.

Review Quotes

Both scholars and practitioners of diplomacy will find new insights in this wonderful collection, packed with surprising and productive juxtapositions and an exceptionally wide range of perspectives. Mixing theory and practice, research and reflection, and with welcome emphasis on the importance of individuals, these essays help us navigate the extraordinary challenges of diplomacy in the 21st century world.
Professor Barbara Keys, Durham University, UK

This excellent 2-volume set of complementary chapters written by leading experts, an authoritative covering of different approaches and sub-fields of the study of diplomacy, should be the core work underpinning any university course on diplomacy. Outstanding, both in quality and coverage.
Beatrice Heuser, Chair of International Relations, University of Glasgow

About the Author

Professor Jack Spence OBE retired from the Department of War Studies in 2020 after more than 20 years. He held a variety of senior posts throughout his distinguished career, including serving as Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Leicester, Director of Studies at Chatham House and Academic Adviser to The Royal College of Defence Studies. He was awarded an OBE in 2002 for teaching services to the UK Ministry of Defence.

Dr Alastair Masser is Director of Global Programmes at the Legatum Institute in London. Prior to joining the Institute, he spent almost a decade in politics serving latterly as a Special Adviser in two posts under David Cameron. Alastair is an alumnus of the US State Department's International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) and has taught at the Ministry of Defence's Joint Services Command Staff College (JSCSC) at Shrivenham.

Dr Claire Yorke is a Henry A. Kissinger Postdoctoral Fellow and Lecturer at International Security Studies and the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University. In 2014, she was a member of the NATO and Atlantic Council Young Leaders Working Group, reporting to the NATO Secretary General. Prior to academia she worked at the Royal Institute of International Affairs and in the UK Parliament.