Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy

by Chas W. Freeman Jr.

Statecraft, or the art of conducting a state's affairs with other states, is as old as human civilization. So too is diplomacy, the form statecraft takes in time of peace.In this comprehensive treatment, distinguished diplomat Chas Freeman describes the fundamental principles of the art of statecraft and the craft of diplomacy. The book draws on the author's years of experience as a practicing diplomat but also his extensive reading of the histories of ancient India, China, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the Islamic world as well as modern Europe, Asia, and the Americas.Among numerous other subjects, the book addresses the role of intelligence, political actions, cultural influence, economic measures, and military power, as well as diplomatic strategy and tactics, negotiation, and the tasks and skills of diplomacy.

Genres: Political Science, International Relations, Politics, International Affairs, Nonfiction

174 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Durga Lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is publication of 'United States Institute of Peace Press'. It covers topics broadly under 3 areas - 1. The Power of the State 2. Diplomatic Maneuver 3. The Skills of the Diplomat.

Its a publication of 1995. But the author's take on 'Journalism' still hold good.
"Information reported by the news media is timely but often superficial and incomplete. It focuses on current, visible events and is hastily composed to catch and briefly hold the attention of an idle and largely uninformed audience. It is therefore fragmentary and anecdotal rather than comprehensive and analytical. Its point of reference is novelty rather than the relationship of events or information to the national interest."
As opposed to Scholarship. "Scholarship is usually reliable but hardly ever timely. Scholars delve deeply into subjects, supplementing or refuting information drawn from the news media with their own investigative insights."

I expected some egsamples. But, its more a general read. But brief and succint.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book to advise diplomats and those new to diplomacy of its customs and norms, although of limited use academically. Freeman was himself a highly influential diplomat and translater. It sets out the fundamental principles and little more, although a good arguement is made in the book about the limited usefulness of political appointments.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the simplicity of the book. It does a great job of explaining who diplomats are and their responsibilities in representing their nation abroad. A must read for anyone who is interested in international Affairs.

[Todd Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise dense read that is well written and organized. I was searching for a book on this topic that clearly laid out the mix of skills, goals, and roles of Diplomacy. This book does it perfectly.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. Basically diplomacy 101 complete with definitions, roles and responsibilities, and approaches. This book was part of the US Army War College book issue.

[Claire S]

Is nominee for Obama Admin..

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this text as an alternate reference for my International Negotiations class in the College of International Relations, Lyceum of the Philippines (First Semester 2008-09).

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very insightful and easy to read book. I learned a lot reading it!

[John Crippen · Rating 3 out of 5]

see my review at http://relaxandhavefun.com/?p=35