Consular Affairs and Diplomacy analyses the multifaceted nature of diplomacy’s consular dimension in international relations. It contributes to our understanding of key themes in consular affairs today, the consular challenges that are facing the three great powers—the United States, Russia and China—as well as the historical origins of the consular institution in Europe.

Consular Affairs and Diplomacy breaks new ground in the field of diplomatic studies by illustrating how consular affairs can be understood in the broader context of diplomatic practice and vice versa. As a result, the much-neglected study of the consular institution may improve our understanding of contemporary diplomacy.