Old and new insights on the history of intelligence and diplomacy in the Balkans

In: South-East European History 1

Abstract

Bringing together twelve experts from nine countries, this volume explores intelligence and diplomatic activities, both historical and contemporary, in the Balkan region. Covering a wide range of periods and radically different historical conditions, the various contributions are united by a common theme: the intimate relationship between diplomacy and intelligence. Subjects include: the Venetian dragomans of Zara; 'informal diplomacy' between Bulgaria and Turkey; 'diplomacy without a state' (Adam Czartoryski's 'embassy' in Paris); diplomacy and diplomats in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1943); case studies on diplomats Otto von Essen, Stojan Novakovič, Adam Czartoryski, Josip Djerdja, and Jovan Dučić; British policy toward Albania during the Second World War; diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania; the 1992 'arms delivery scandal' in Bulgaria; and the normalization of Bulgarian bilateral relations with Turkey. "A volume of notable orginality, both in respecte of its disciplinary contribution to the history of intelligence and diplomacy, but also in its geographical focus. As is demonstrated admirably in this collection of papers, the Balkans have been down the centuries and remain an area of competing strategic interests." - Dennis Deletant, Emeritus Professor, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London