French System and the Modern Diplomacy Term Paper

French System and the Modern Diplomacy - Term Paper Example This paper will highlight the characteristics of the French system beginning with the Napoleon era and elaborate how modern diplomacy developed. This paper will highlight the Machiavellian concept of diplomacy, its application in the French system and the 21st century diplomacy. In addition, the paper will discuss the differences between the French diplomacy and the 21st century diplomacy. Machiavelli was the first in history to indulge in negotiations that led to agreements between his republic and other regions. His later works on how different powers could extend their influence to other regions and territories are the basis of the diplomacy adopted in the Renaissance Period. This system passed down to the states of Italy and France. History reveals that there was a form of embassy existing in France in the early 1535 (Berridge 105). The embassy was a representation of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. During that time, France was under the rule of a Christian king. Later, the def inition of the embassy changed, as nations adopted new definitions of diplomacy. With time, the embassies became immune residential areas. Immunity implied that the representatives were not subject to the laws of the regions they were residing. During this time, there was a continuity system. In addition, there was intense secrecy in the diplomacy. The proceedings and activities of the embassy remained hidden. In the majority of the negotiations, the people remained in the dark concerning any proceedings. The people could neither learn about the outcomes of any ongoing negotiations nor understand the proceedings. Secrecy involved keeping some or all the details under cover (Berridge 106). Secrecy was a crucial aspect because in any form of negotiations compromise was compulsory. The two parties on the negotiation table had to incur losses. Each side formulated its set of demands before the negotiation. For the other party to grant these demands, the party had to pay a price. If the information concerning the negotiations reached the people or other government agents, they could hinder paying of the price. Handling these matters in discretion and secrecy proved to be the only viable tactics (Berridge 107). The French diplomacy system of the early times was very ceremonial. The ambassadors, who acted as formal representatives of the highest power, had great responsibility in the negotiation process. The procedure carried its effects from the renaissance period. The influence of the French diplomacy from the Renaissance Era made it unique. Complicated ceremonies became part of the negotiation protocol as binding factors of the agreements. Having a guiding protocol in place ensured that each meeting of the parties focused on the agendas rather than on debating about the effective procedures. The protocol usually highlighted the sitting arrangements of both parties and elaborated other necessities such as the guidelines of signatures (Berridge 108). Earlier in 1504 , the Pope had laid out a precedence scheme. However, in 1815 the Vienna Congress made it invalid and set out a new order. The new scheme involved taking ranks in accordance to the time of the persons’ formal notifications and period of service at the capital. Other authors highlight that the French emphasized the value of honesty in all negotiation fronts. They believed that diplomacy based on deceit and trickery could not achieve its purpose of reconciling two parties with a fair