"Sofer's reflective book is richly supported ... He draws from a robust list of academic secondary sources." --
H-Net Reviews (H-War) ..".Sofer ... is a veteran scholar of the history, philosophy, and theory of international relations. He brings to bear these invaluable conceptual and analytical skills in researching the origins and evolution of diplomacy and in presenting diplomats as praiseworthy 'courtiers of civilization' ... Sofer's study of diplomacy radiates erudition." --
Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs "Sasson Sofer has written a superb primer on the history and mission of modern diplomacy. It is a short book that can be read in a single sitting, its subject's vast scope notwithstanding ... It deserves a wide audience." --
New Diplomatic History Blog "Clearly a master of the literature in the field, Sasson Sofer has produced a concise yet comprehensive and very accessible book on the history of diplomacy and its current challenges, with thought being given to the possible future evolution of diplomatic practice." -- Erik Goldstein, coeditor of
Guide to International Relations and Diplomacy