Sharp’s book represents a significant departure from conventional international relations texts, which typically use IR theories to explain what diplomats do. Instead, he flips the lens, exploring what diplomats and the practice of diplomacy can teach us about the nature of international politics and the management of group relations.

He identifies a distinct “diplomatic tradition” of thought, rooted in the recognition that relations between groups—whether states, corporations, or communities—require a unique set of skills, attitudes, and philosophical outlooks.

The book examines how diplomacy is not confined to statecraft but is relevant wherever inter-group relations exist. Sharp draws on historical and contemporary examples, from the international relations of the ancient world and medieval Europe to modern encounters between states, corporations, and religious groups.

He discusses how diplomatic thinking encourages skepticism of universal claims, a preference for accommodation over confrontation, and an appreciation for the partial and provisional nature of most human arrangements.

Sharp’s analysis extends to critical contemporary issues such as rogue states, religious extremism, and public diplomacy, offering a novel perspective on how policy should be conducted toward such actors.

He argues that “thinking diplomatically” can help us navigate the complexities and pluralism of modern international society, making diplomacy not just a profession, but a philosophy of peaceful coexistence in a diverse world.