The Development of Diplomatic Equality Since the Congress of Vienna

Abstract

Diplomatic equality, the equality that exists between states in their diplomatic interactions, is one important feature of contemporary diplomacy. The objective of this article is to show how and why diplomatic equality developed over the last centuries. This exploration begins in early modern Europe, then turns to the nineteenth century to illustrate changes and continuities, and then moves on to Japan to illustrate how regional European practices became globalised. Finally, it discusses how diplomatic equality became dominant in the twentieth century and then suggests some major reasons for this transformation in diplomatic practices.