Includes bibliographical references and indexes. Part 1. Theoretical challenges -- Premodern non-state agency : the theoretical, historical, and legal challenge / John Watkins -- Plurality of diplomatic agents in premodern literature on the ambassador / Dante Fedele -- Part 2. Consuls -- Space, agency, and conflict management in the late medieval Baltic : urban colonies and representatives of Hanse Towns at Scania / Louis Stickling -- Your high and mighty lordships' most humble servants : Dutch consuls and the States General's diplomacy in Spain, 1648-1661 / Maurits Ebben -- Part 3. Missionaries -- The mendicant friars : actors in diplomatic encounters with the Mongols / Jaques Paviot -- The New Indies, the desired Indies : Antonio Possevino and the Jesuits between diplomacy and missionarism in northeastern Europe, 1577-1587 / Felicia Rosu -- Part 4. Spies -- Secrets, diplomatics, and spies in late medieval France and in the Burgundian state : parallel practices and undercover operations / Jean-Baptiste Santamaria -- "Secret wheeles" : clandestine information, espionage, and European intelligence / Alan Marshall.
Summary:
"Because of the overarching shadow of 'the state' in all things diplomatic, traditional diplomatic history has neglected the study of any actors in foreign relations other than state diplomats, such as ambassadors. This volume focuses on the question of how and why consuls, missionaries, and spies not formally tied to the state or a prince could play a role in premodern diplomatic relations. It highlights their multiple loyalties, their volatility, and the porous boundaries of diplomatic activity. Historical research on non-state actors - in the context of the so-called new diplomatic history - is all the more urgent as it demonstrates their undeniably significant contributions to the formation of Europe's international relations. Contributors are: Maurits Ebben, Dante Fedele, Alan Marshall, Jacques Paviot, Felicia RosŒu, Jean-Baptiste Santamaria, Louis Sicking, and John Watkins"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.