Book Review – The Art of Peace in Europe
The Birth of Modern Diplomacy, 16th to 18th Century
Apr 29, 2009
L'art de la paix en Europe: Naissance de la diplomatie moderne, XVIe -XVIIIe siècle, by Lucien Bély (Presses Universitaires de France, 2007), is substantial in three respects:
- Analyses of political, religious, and martial currents of early modern Europe clarify the stakes and realities underpinning international and diplomatic relations of the times
- The juxtaposition of grand policy and diplomatic correspondences and anecdotes renders the volume accessible, engaging, and informative
- The topical case studies of key diplomats and policies help build the overarching theoretical composition, while the often philosophical nature of the historical discussion helps distill the main ideas from the encyclopedic collection of names, places and events
Renaissance Italy & 'the Society of Princes'
Bély begins with a discussion of trans-European monarchical sovereignty during the Renaissance. Italian Renaissance notions of balance and equilibrium pervade "the political order among the great powers" (p. 22), which greatly influenced the emerging post-feudalist conception of monarchical sovereignty. Infused with a newfound sense of balance yet still heirs to the feudal world, the limits and necessities of sixteenth century monarchical sovereign ties and rivalries led to changed forms of "dialogue among sovereigns."
Combined with the advent of permanent ambassadors and long-term diplomatic missions, as first practiced by the rivaling Italian city-states, the notions of sovereignty and inter-monarchical equality began to take shape.
In describing the ideal ambassador and diplomatic theory and practice in sixteenth and seventeenth century Europe, Bély lays the groundwork for his idea of "the society of princes," which includes multiple factors. Post-feudal inter-monarchical relations and an emerging sense of monarchical equality engage nobles as equals with common pursuits. Arranged marriages among nobility and monarchs of Europe provide familial links. And the advent of permanent ambassadors and the gradual expansion of diplomatic networks link Europe's nobles like never before. In effect, an inchoate sense of fraternity and respect emerged among this "society of princes," providing greater order and balance to international affairs.
Age of Louis XIV, the Enlightenment & European International Relations
In the age of Louis XIV, diplomatic networks expanded and diplomatic functions became more specialized. As permanent diplomacy became a more integral part of international relations, new forms of protocol and negotiation also evolved. Diplomatic negotiations, practice and theory are shaped by both great powers and regional or interest-based powers.
For example, the diplomacy of the Church – with its network of prelates, legates and nuncios - is omnipresent. Likewise, we find Venice heavily involved in Ottoman diplomacy and Portugal present at the Westphalian negotiations: the former to protect its waning influence in the eastern Mediterranean; the latter to protect its overseas colonial interests.
The geopolitical and strategic advantages of Louis XIV's France led to drastic changes in international relations and the conduct of war. Diplomatic relations, in effect, also experienced change, as diplomatic missions in France became of greater consequence. The fractious Italian states were also important factors in European diplomacy. Bély notes that Spain's victories over France in Italy during the sixteenth century may have forced France's hand in its selection of allies during the seventeenth century. As European diplomacy was bred in the hotbed of intrigue and civil strife of fifteenth and sixteenth century Italy, Italian diplomats were highly valued by foreign rulers and were well represented at major European courts.
Just as Renaissance ideas influenced "the society of princes" and the conduct and organization of diplomacy and international relations, so too did Enlightenment ideas in their own ways. If the Renaissance was characterized by balance and equilibrium, the contribution of Enlightenment thinking was its focus on reason. By this time, however, European sea-faring states had already begun their colonial projects. Encounters with new peoples and cultures required new diplomatic approaches, even if this meant only slight changes at first. And competition among European states for access or dominance over colonial trade or territory upped the ante of international relations within Europe and eventually throughout the world.
At the Crossroad of Europe
Overall, Bély's work is a tour de force on diplomacy and international relations in sixteenth to eighteenth century Europe. Given France's central role in the diplomatic, cultural, and political affairs of Europe during this period, a France-centered discussion from an expert on Louis XIV's France and early modern international relations is only appropriate. Its abundant use of letters and other primary sources sheds new light on the formation of policy, conduct of war, and negotiations for peace in early modern Europe.
L'art de la paix en Europe : Naissance de la diplomatie moderne, XVIe-XVIIIe siècle
(ISBN: 978-2-13-055365-6, i), 745 pp, 30.00 euros
