This scholarly volume brings together leading theorists and practitioners to examine world politics through the lens of diplomacy, moving beyond traditional historical accounts and firsthand narratives. The editors contend that many of today’s most pressing global phenomena—from the formation of international law to the constitution of public power and the management of humanitarian crises—are not just influenced by, but fundamentally made possible by, evolving forms of diplomatic practice. The book is organized into sections that address the making of international institutions, the creation of international cooperation, and the contested terrain of diplomacy in areas such as economic consultancy and military affairs.

Contributors analyze the ways in which diplomacy underpins the maintenance of global hierarchies, the development of international organizations, and the negotiation of peace and reconciliation. The text also explores how diplomats and humanitarian actors respond to crises, and how economic and military dimensions of diplomacy are increasingly intertwined with traditional statecraft. Throughout, the book emphasizes the need for more explicit theorizing about diplomacy’s role, challenging the field of international relations to pay closer attention to the practical and relational aspects of diplomatic work.

By focusing on the everyday practices and underlying logics of diplomacy, the book demonstrates that international relations theory can benefit from a more practice-oriented approach. It highlights the importance of relationalism—the idea that relationships, not just structures or institutions, are central to understanding how world politics is made and remade