International Civility: Etiquette and Diplomacy
International Civility: Etiquette and Diplomacy

Summary/Abstract: The article proposes to emphasise the notorious persistence, in the diplomatic profession, of the principle according to which politeness and foreign policy are closely connected. Translated into strict observance of protocol and ceremony, international manners are employed to signal much more than the uninitiated can usually notice when they witness high-level political meetings. However stiff and old-fashioned it may seem, diplomatic etiquette is still carefully and purposefully observed. Too much is felt to be at stake for it to be discarded, so the professionals in the field still choose to abide by its rules not only out of a sense of duty, but also because they seem to understand the deeper significance of a polite conduct, lost to many of us nowadays.

• Details
• Contents