Culinary Diplomacy, Gastrodiplomacy

The textbook is a rarity as it explores the functions of diplomacy from a practical perspective on diplomatic activity. This in-depth study redefines diplomacy, distinguishing it from conventional definitions. While the historical context of diplomacy is briefly discussed, the spotlight then turns to six diplomatic classics: Niccolo Machiavelli, Hugo Grotius, Ernest Satow, Harold Nicolson, Henry Kissinger, and Geoff R. Berridge. Thus, their brief biographies and core diplomatic tenets are revealed. Many aspects of the theories of international relations are covered, including liberalism, realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism.

The textbook is a rarity as it explores the functions of diplomacy from a practical perspective on diplomatic activity. This in-depth study redefines diplomacy, distinguishing it from conventional definitions. While the historical context of diplomacy is briefly discussed, the spotlight then turns to six diplomatic classics: Niccolo Machiavelli, Hugo Grotius, Ernest Satow, Harold Nicolson, Henry Kissinger, and Geoff R. Berridge. Thus, their brief biographies and core diplomatic tenets are revealed. Many aspects of the theories of international relations are covered, including liberalism, realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism.

‘Marchetti offers an original reading of Italian foreign policy as “hybrid diplomacy” grounded in an extensive analysis of eight relevant case studies where partnerships between government (in particular the MFA) and civil society have been crucial in producing a successful human rights or humanitarian outcome. The list of interviewees makes for a “who’s who” of Italian foreign policy and is a testimony to the original quality of the research. No doubts in the land of Machiavelli many would be sceptical of Marchetti’s argument, but this is a must-read nevertheless for all those interested in the changing nature of foreign policy and IR and the unexpected surprising resources of the Bel Paese!’