The 10 Best Books for Diplomacy

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Here’s my curated list of the 10 best books for diplomacy, in no particular order.

  • The Republic by Plato — The origination of political science and a brilliant critique of government that is still important today.
  • Beyond Good & Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future by Friedrich Nietzsche — Probably Nietzsche’s most cogent statement of his views: that traditional morality is subjective and that people must evolve to a higher understanding of what’s valuable and what is not.
  • The Art of War by Sun Tzu — An ancient text on strategy and warfare, with applications extending to leadership and management in various fields.
  • Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger — An authoritative perspective on international relations and the strategy involved in diplomacy from a former U.S. Secretary of State.
  • The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli — A seminal work on political power and strategy, exploring the often harsh realities of ruling and governance.
  • The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John Mearsheimer — A compelling analysis of international relations and the aggressive nature of great powers which informs diplomatic strategies.
  • Peacemaking in International Conflict: Methods & Techniques by Peter R. Jones and Herbert C. Kelman — Offers insights into conflict resolution and the various methods used in international diplomacy.
  • On War by Carl von Clausewitz — A profound exploration of war's relationship with politics, crucial for understanding diplomatic negotiations.
  • The Diplomats by Walter Isaakson — An examination of the role of diplomats throughout history and their influence on international policies.
  • Peak Self-Control: Building Strong Willpower to Accomplish Important Goals by Said Hasyim — Offers techniques to develop willpower and self-discipline essential for achieving personal objectives.
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