Treaties and Literature (Diplomatica special issues)
For two special issues of Diplomatica we invite proposals for essays on (1) the history and culture of diplomatic treaties; and (2) aspects of diplomacy’s relationship to literature. Essays may cover any historical period up to the present-day. The central questions that the special issues pose are:
(1) Treaties
– How and why have diplomatic texts evolved?
– How has their hermeneutics changed over time?
– Are treaties better understood as literary artifacts or as socio-political constructs?
– What can the evolution of treaties tell us about the evolution of diplomacy and the diplomatic profession?
(2) Literature
– How does literary skill manifest itself in diplomatic practice?
– How do diplomatic ‘narratives’ shape actual diplomacy?
– Are there particular diplomatic ‘genres’ and, if so, how are they best understood?
Possible topics include:
– histories and/or literary comparisons of particular treaties;
– case studies of literary diplomats and/or diplomatic works;
– semiotic analyses of particular treaties or other agreements;
– visual, musical, and cinematic depictions of literature in diplomatic contexts.
Please send expressions of interest, or abstracts of 500 words and a brief bio-note to the issue editors, newdiplo@gmail.com by 15 February 2023. Please quote ‘Treaties’ or ‘Literature’ in the subject line.
Notification of acceptance will be no later than 1 March 2023. If accepted, full essays (of 7000 to 9000 words) will be due by 15 December 2023.
Review-essays and interviews pertinent to the special issue are also very welcome. Please contact the journal editors with any questions.