Hand of the prince: how diplomacy writes subjects, territory, time, and norms.

The article discusses the significance of diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitical challenges, as explored in Pablo de Orellana's book, "Hand of the Prince." The author emphasizes the role of diplomats and their reporting in shaping foreign policy, highlighting case studies from the Fir...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:International Affairs Vol. 101; no. 5; pp. 1914 - 1917
Autor principal: Sanfey, Michael
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Oxford University Press / USA Sep2025
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:The article discusses the significance of diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitical challenges, as explored in Pablo de Orellana's book, "Hand of the Prince." The author emphasizes the role of diplomats and their reporting in shaping foreign policy, highlighting case studies from the First Vietnam War and the Western Sahara conflict to illustrate how dominant policy concerns influenced diplomatic narratives. The analysis suggests that recent U.S. foreign policy, particularly under Donald Trump, reflects a continuity with past administrations rather than a radical departure, raising concerns about the implications for weaker nations and stateless peoples. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of diplomacy today, despite its occasionally dense prose.