The importance of this book stems from the central role diplomacy continues to play today, particularly at the beginning of the third millennium. Diplomacy remains a key instrument in international relations and foreign affairs across their various dimensions. The growing tendency to establish diplomatic relations has led to a significant increase in the number of diplomatic missions worldwide, as well as a rise in the number of personnel working within these missions.

This book seeks to comprehensively address the key issues and topics related to diplomacy. It examines the concept of diplomacy, its origins, and its historical development, before moving on to diplomacy in the modern and contemporary eras. It then explores forms of diplomatic practice and systems of diplomatic exchange, followed by an analysis of consular relations and diplomatic privileges and immunities.

The book further addresses new trends and developments in contemporary diplomacy, including the impact of modern communication technologies and the information revolution, development diplomacy, and the relationship between diplomacy, national security, and religious and civilizational dimensions. With the rise of non-governmental organizations, so-called informal or unofficial diplomacy has also emerged. Contemporary diplomacy has additionally become a key tool in shaping the international commercial order among states.

Issues such as the environment and human rights—now central priorities in international affairs—have required unique and non-traditional diplomatic approaches. The book highlights the growing importance of diplomacy in strengthening relations between nations and peoples, emphasizing that diplomacy has become a means of organizing international life, rather than merely a tool for inter-state engagement. As such, diplomacy has evolved into a complex phenomenon, far removed from the simplicity it possessed two centuries ago.

The book concludes by raising questions about the future of diplomacy within the current globalized international system, where ongoing transformations make it difficult to assess their full implications. Notably, the book combines two academic traditions in the study of diplomacy—international relations and international law—and is co-authored by Dr. Abdulfattah Al-Rashdan, Professor of International Relations, and Dr. Mohammed Khalil Al-Mousa, Professor of International Law.