The Emergence and Expansion of the Permanent Diplomacy

Diplomacy was of an ad hoc character in Europe until the 15 century. Permanent diplomacy emerged in a region of Italy in the 14 century and then expanded to the rest of Europe. From the 16 century onwards, imperial France advanced both the institutional and methodological practice of permanent, professional diplomacy. Later, during the 19 century, permanent diplomatic practice became central to international relations, and still continues to be of vital service to the conduct of world affairs.