Diplomacy has always evolved alongside humanity’s greatest innovations. Each new technology — whether the advent of writing, the impact of the printing press, or the emergence of artificial intelligence — has reshaped how states communicate, negotiate, and exercise influence. Yet, despite these transformations, the essence of diplomacy endures: resolving differences peacefully through negotiation and mediation.
In the newly released second edition of History of Diplomacy and Technology, DiploFoundation revisits this long arc of diplomatic development across 5,000 years. The book transports readers from the world of ancient envoys and clay tablets to today’s digital corridors of power, where algorithms advise decision-makers and AI tools support foreign ministries.
The book offers a rich, accessible exploration of how diplomacy continually adapts to technological progress. It shows how moments of disruption — from the telegraph’s acceleration of communication to early radio’s global reach — anticipated many of the dilemmas we now face in the digital era. The lessons taken from successes and failures of past diplomatic transitions illuminate today’s challenges, from trust and transparency to the geopolitics of emerging technologies.
Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, one of the leading voices in cyber diplomacy, combines historical depth with modern expertise. As Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform, he brings decades of experience shaping global discussions on technology and governance. His work since 1992 — including the foundation of Malta’s pioneering Unit for Information Technology and Diplomacy and his role in major UN digital cooperation initiatives — has influenced how diplomacy is practised worldwide.
Thought-provoking and timely, this book is essential reading for diplomats, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in how the past informs the future of international relations.
Publication Details
- Title: History of Diplomacy and Technology: From Smoke Signals to Artificial Intelligence (2nd Edition)
- Author: Dr. Jovan Kurbalija
- Publisher: DiploFoundation
- Publication Date: October 2025
- Formats: Paperback, e-book
- ISBN: 979-8-9898028-0-7
