Introduction PART 1: THE STUDY OF DIPLOMACY Extant Studies Why is Diplomacy Marginalized in International Relations? The Turn to History and the Return of Diplomacy PART 2: ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK Diplomacy as an Institution Toward a Historical Sociology of Diplomacy Mediating Universalism and Particularism Building Blocks of Theory PART 3: INSTITUTIONALIZATION AND RITUALIZATION Institutionalization Ritualization Shared Symbols and Preferences: Diplomatic Protocol Reciprocity, Precedence and Diplomatic Immunity Diplomatic Ranks PART 4: COMMUNICATION Language Gathering Information Transmitting Information: Diplomatic Signaling Negotiation Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Public and Private Communication Technological Development Concluding Remarks PART 5: DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION Behaviour: Acting for Others Status: Standing for Others Concluding Remarks PART 6: THE REPRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY Reproduction of Pre-Modern International Societies Reproduction of the Modern Society of States Concluding Remarks PART 7: DIPLOMACY AND CHANGING POLITIES Philip, Alexander and the Greek Community Religious vs. Secular Polities in the Middle Ages The European Union Concluding Remarks Conclusions