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Oetzel argues that research has focussed for too long on the #WestphalianPeaceCongress and deduced from there to the later congresses. Thus, we need more (comparative) research on the earlier as well as the later congresses to understand #peacecongresses as a specific diplomatic sphere. Moreover, we should ask why were some peaces negotiated in a congress setting while others were still negotiated in a bilaterally. (6/6)

#emdiplomacy #peace #peacemaking #HistoricalPeaceResearch

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Generally, the function of #peacecongresses changed over time. At first, their main purpose was to negotiate a peace. Later they became more a place where a peace agreement was proclaimed, represented and celebrate, while the main negotiations took place elsewhere at the courts. In the second half of the 18th century their purpose changed, too: The should no make peace, but prevent a new conflict. Of course, these different functions often overlapped. (5/6)

#emdiplomacy #diplomacy #peacemaking #HistoricalPeaceResearch #peace

After the goal of negotiating #peace between the southern and northern #Netherlands in secret proved unattainable, #Rubens became involved in the efforts to bring about a peace treaty between #Spain and #England from 1627. On behalf of Archduchess Isabella, Rubens made contact with the art agent of the Duke of #Buckingham who later also entered the service of the English king. Rubens met him under the guise of #art business and artist visits. The aim was to persuade the United Provinces of the Netherlands to make peace through peace between Spain and England. In preparation for the negotiations in England, Rubens was now officially installed as a #emdiplomat; he travelled to #Madrid, where he was not appointed #envoy, which his low rank did not allow, but negotiator. The Spanish king awarded him the title of 'Secretary of the Privy Council of the Netherlands'. (5/6)

#emdiplomacy #NewDiplomaticHistory #HistoricalPeaceResearch #adventCalendar

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Between 1623 and 1629 #Rubens was repeatedly involved in diplomatic activities. Isabella of #Spain made use of his standing and popularity as an artist to pursue inofficial #emdiplomacy. By sending her #court painter she expanded her scope of action without being bound by formal ceremonies, alliances or Spanish politics. In the secret negotiations that Isabella conducted in the #Netherlands against the wishes of the Spanish King Philip IV, Rubens operated within a network of personal, family and business relationships. On the one hand, this facilitated diplomatic exchange, as there were no regular diplomatic relations between #Brussels and #TheHague, and on the other, it ensured the necessary secrecy towards the Spanish court. However, the attempts of concluding #peace between the different parts of the Netherlands failed. (4/6)

#NewDiplomaticHistory #CourtStudies #earlymodern #HistoricalPeaceResearch ##adventCalendar2024 #history #histodon

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