Diplomacy: Ambassadors and Diplomats in the History of Different Countries of the World
The earliest known diplomatic records date back to when, Amarna letters were exchanged between eighteen dynasty of Egypt and the rulers of Canaan. Peace treaties were conclude between the cities of Lagash and Umma around 2100 BCE. The first international peace treaty that survived in table stone fragments is now generally referred as Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty.
With the passage of time the primary goal of diplomat which initially was a negotiator, eventually evolved into a persona that represented an autonomous state in all aspects of political affairs. A treaty was drafted in 162 BC proclaiming that the north of Great Wall of China belonged to nomads while the southern part will be reserved for Han Chinese.
During 11th century during the Song Dynasty, there were cunning ambassadors such as Shen Kuo and Su Song that achieved diplomatic success with Liao Dynasty and Khitan. Both diplomats secured the rightful borders of song dynasty. There was also a triad of warfare and diplomacy between Tangun Western Xia Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Later on, after a warning from Ly` Dynasty, Song and Ly` made a peace agreement in 1802, to exchange the lands they had captured from each other during war.
During Mongol Empire, the Mongols created something similar to today’s diplomatic passport called, Paiza. The paiza were in three different colors depending upon the envoys level of importance. It gave one the access to food transport and a place to live whether in village, city or empire with no difficulty.
Ancient India, with its kingdoms and dynasties, had extensive traditions of diplomacies. It incorporates the theory of diplomacy, of how in a situation of mutually contesting kingdoms, the wise kingdoms built alliances and tries to checkmate his adversaries. The envoys sent at the time to courts of other kingdoms tended to reside for extended period of times.
The key challenge faced by Byzantine Empire was to maintain relations with its neighbor in order to uphold its imperial status. The key resource that byzantine had taken over from Rome was legalized formal structure. As for a fact Byzantines diplomacy was a form of war at that time, but with the loss of men, the security of the empire depended on the activist diplomacy. The origin of modern policy traces back to 13th century to the Federations of northern Italy in the early Renaissance with first peace embassies being established. The leading role was played by Milan, under the Francesco Sforza who laid the foundation of permanent embassies in different states of Italy. It was Italy from where the modern traditions of diplomacy began, such as presentation of an ambassador’s credential to the head of state.
The practice was spread from Italy to other European Countries. In 1455, Milan became the first representative sent to the court of France. However, Milan refused to host French representatives fearing possible intervention in internal affairs. Later on the need for representatives in Italian politics was recognized. Soon, all European powers were exchanging representatives. Many settlement of modern policy were developed during this period. Ambassador from each state were ranked by complex codes of precedence that were much disputed. States were normally ranked by the title of sovereign; for Catholic Nations the emissary from Vatican was paramount, then those from kingdoms, then those from Duchess and Principalities. Representatives from republics were considered least ranked envoys.
Ambassador at that time had little Foreign or Diplomatic knowledge so; they had to be reinforced by large embassy staff. The staff consisted of wide range of accomplished employees, graduated from different universities. Simultaneously, Foreign Ministers were established in almost all European states to co-ordinate with embassies and their staff. These ministers were still far from modern form, they still had some unnecessary internal responsibilities.
The fundamentals of modern diplomacy slowly spread to Eastern European and Russia by early 18th century. The entire system was greatly disrupted by the French revolution and warfare. The revolution would see commoners take over the diplomacy of French State. Ranks of precedence were eradicated. Napoleon imprisoned several British diplomats accusing them to scheme against France.
After the fall of Napoleon, the congress of Vienna took over and recognized an International system of diplomatic rank. Disputes on precedence among nations persevered for century until after Second World War, when the rank of ambassador became a Norm.
Egypt was unrivalled for centuries. But in Amenhotep’s III Babylonia, Assyria and Mitanni were strong enough to challenge Egypt. United they could have shatter Amenhotep’s Empire. Egypt was among the wealthiest countries and Amenhotep had quenched the gold lust of his neighbors. He gave them gold but left them wanting for more. With a wise strategy, Amenhotep demanded for foreign princesses.Thus marriage was an essential instrument in Amenhotep’s foreign policy, whereby it also cemented alliances with foreign powers at the same time but also maintained them. Amenhotep married many foreign princesses but no Egyptian Woman of Royal blood was married to a foreign king, fearing that her husband might claim the right to be pharaoh after his death. It was also stated that the offspring by great Egyptian wife Tiye will be counted in the succession.
Amenhotep was known to be the father of diplomacy because he conducted relations with other countries by peaceful means. He was skilled in managing international affairs and tactful in dealing with diplomats. Public diplomacy was for the first time observed and most important of all the region reaped the abundant fruits from person’s approach to international relations, which brought peace and prosperity to state.
