Outposts of Diplomacy

Berridge intends to lead us through the thickets and secrets of the history of the embassy, showing us the impact this institution has had on the world’s history . . . Berridge makes it clear that in many cases attempts to influence other powers were not quite a pastoral project. There were assassinations and violations and rivalries; ambassadors could also test the boundaries of their privilege . . . There is a compelling history to be told of these machinations, and those mining for such detail can find much in Berridge’s account. * Wall Street Journal *
We all know what embassies are: grand houses where pompous people stand under chandeliers drinking champagne to no obvious purpose. Why should we waste our money on these overpaid toffs when modern technology allows instant communication between world leaders? G.R. Berridge tackles the question in his history of the permanent diplomatic mission. It is a convoluted story, covering many continents and cultures, but Berridge has mastered the voluminous literature and the intricate detail. He is a fluent storyteller, though the story is overwhelming. * History Today *

The history of the resident embassy since the Renaissance is the subject of this excellent and readable
work. Berridge addresses transformations over the centuries resulting from religious conflicts, revolutions, world wars, conference diplomacy, and changing technologies . . . Berridge provides much anecdotal detail about individual diplomats, making this a lively, colorful, and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

* Choice *
Surprisingly captivating. . . . In these pages, Berridge gives readers not only a smoothly-paced and quietly eloquent account of that embassy evolution but also a marvelous gallery of the people who led those embassies . . . “Diplomacy,” Berridge wonderfully sums up, ”is the art of conducting business between states without resort to force, propaganda or law,” and Outposts of Diplomacy so entertainingly dramatizes this shop-talk world that readers will be wishing the book were three times its length. * Open Letters Review *
Berridge provides a broad overview of diplomacy’s cornerstone – the resident embassy . . . this will appeal to political history buffs. * Publishers Weekly *
This study of resident embassies by one of the world’s leading academic experts on diplomacy is not only lucid in style and based on a thorough knowledge of the subject, but rich in detail and highly impressive for its historical and geographical sweep. * John W. Young, Professor Emeritus in History, University of Nottingham *
A comprehensive, beautifully paced and entertaining account of the permanent diplomatic mission, its origins in Western Europe, its adoption by states in other parts of the world, and its resilience in the face of a variety of technical, social and political challenges from the nineteenth century onwards. As G. R. Berridge persuasively argues, embassies remain essential to the effective conduct of international relations, especially in difficult times such as the one the world is currently facing. * Paul Sharp, Professor of Political Science, University of Minnesota *
Many times thought likely to disappear, the Embassy is still here! In this book G. R. Berridge condenses his masterful knowledge to offer us a vivid journey into the life of the smartest invention ever created to export sovereignty and to link peoples across the world. * Arianna Arisi Rota, Professor of Contemporary History, University of Pavia *
Outposts of Diplomacy brings to life a unique history of British and European diplomatic missions in foreign countries, and the varied diplomatic forms used by countries and regions. With deep insight, G. R. Berridge simplifies complexities in a manner that is fluid and fun to read. This book should inspire more writing in this genre, especially by scholars from the Global South. * Kishan S. Rana, former Indian Ambassador and Professor Emeritus, DiploFoundation, Malta and Geneva *
Outposts of Diplomacy emerges as a masterful exploration in the field of diplomatic studies. G. R. Berridge skillfully intertwines historical depth with engaging narratives, tracing the evolution of the resident embassy from its fifteenth-century roots to its pivotal role in contemporary international relations. The book brilliantly showcases how these institutions have shaped, and been shaped by, the human stories behind the formal facades. This insightful journey not only illuminates the strategic importance of embassies in shaping foreign policy but also makes it deeply relatable to anyone interested in understanding the personal dynamics at play in global diplomacy. * Marcus Holmes, Professor of Government, William & Mary *