Black’s comprehensive account begins in the early modern period, where diplomacy was the preserve of monarchs and their envoys—an exclusive, often perilous game of information gathering, alliance-building, and subtle persuasion. As European powers expanded overseas, diplomacy became a tool for managing colonial ambitions and rivalries, laying the groundwork for today’s complex international system. Black details how the rise of nation-states, the upheavals of revolution, and the spread of global interests transformed diplomatic practice, culminating in the creation of permanent embassies and multilateral institutions.

Throughout the book, Black explores not just the techniques of negotiation but also the broader cultural and political contexts that shaped diplomatic encounters. He examines the impact of technological change, from the advent of the telegraph to the rise of instant communication, and considers how wars, revolutions, and ideological shifts have tested the limits—and possibilities—of diplomacy. Black’s narrative is enriched with examples from across the globe, highlighting both the achievements and failures of foreign policy, and showing how diplomacy has been used for both peace and power.