Opinie o ceremoniale dyplomatycznym w Rosji na podstawie relacji uczestników poselstw Rzeczypospolitej w drugiej połowie XVII wieku ; Opinions regarding diplomatic etiquette in Russia based on the accounts of Polish envoys in the second half of the 17th century

Abstract

Diplomacy is one of the ways of carrying out foreign policy. It is implemented during negotiations of a given country's envoys with representatives of other countries. The manner of receiving envoys (foreign diplomats) and proceeding with negotiations is specified by diplomatic etiquette. The article describes how those relationships were effectuated in the second half of the 17th century between Poland and Russia. Diplomatic missions are described from the moment of receiving indispensable documents and plenipotentiary powers, through traveling to Moscow under supervision of the pristavs (Russian pristavy), to the conclusion of mission. The description of envoys' stay in Moscow includes details of accommodation, organizing audiences, feasts, entering into treaties, adherence to rules of appropriate behaviour in the tsar's presence and keeping proper forms of address. Also, a peculiar way of carrying out lengthy negotiations by king and country's envoys and commissaries is presented.