Book excerpt: This journey through persuasion in diplomacy was initiated by Professor Kappeler’s long experience in both practicing diplomacy and in training diplomats. When the bells and whistles of diplomacy settle down, what remains, according to Prof. Kappeler, is persuasion. His message that persuasion is the essence of diplomacy has inspired our discussion over the last five years and has led to the publishing of this book. Contributors, all distinguished academics and diplomatic practitioners, discuss persuasion in history, persuasion in theory, and persuasion in practice. Discover more on language and diplomacy through our dedicated portal.