Diplomacy and Diplomats in Nineteenth Century Asante

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This pioneering work remains the only book-length study of indigenous diplomatic patterns in Asante - or, for that matter, in any traditional African state. This in-depth analysis of the personnel, procedures, and institutions behind Asante's international relations with its English-, Dutch-, Danish-, and Arabic-speaking neighbors documents that that nation's diplomatic expertise and sophistication were on a par with diplomatic practice, elsewhere as well as with so-called "modern" diplomacy. The book also provides an excellent bibliography, a useful glossary of terminology, and a comprehensive index.

SYNOPSIS

This work is intended to contribute to our growing understanding of the structure and functions of pre-colonial African polities and their reaction to the configuration of external politics. Centered on nineteenth century Asante, the study examines the personnel responsible for diplomatic communication and their operating procedures, reconstructs the structure of the administrative bureaus that specialized in the maintenance of diplomatic relations with foreign government officials, and analyzes the instruments and mechanisms of inter-communication as well as the adaptations that occurred in the institutions and strategies of diplomacy. In no sense the final word on the subject, it is hoped that this work will provoke or stimulate further investigations into indigenous diplomatic practice in Asante and other African traditional societies.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Diplomacy, Adjaye reminds us in this useful and thorough study, was not the (exclusive) preserve of literate states — David Killingray, University of London

"outstanding academic book," this pioneering work remains the only book-length study of indigenous diplomatic patterns in Asante - or, for that matter, in any traditional African state. This in-depth analysis of the personnel, procedures, and institutions behind Asante's International relations with its Englsh-, Dutch-, Dannish-, and Arabic-speaking neighbors documents that that nation's diplomatic expertise and sophistication were on par with diplomatic practice elsewhere as well as with so-called "modern" diplomacy. The book also provides an excellent bibliography, a useful glossary of terminology, and a comprehensive index. — A Melville J. Herskovits finalist and a choice Magazine

...Breaks new ground in African Studies... Gives a new perspective on the nature of Asante, and provides a model for the study of the diplomatic practices of other African states in the past... The principles and concepts embodied in Asante diplomatic practices should indeed, provide modern African states with valuable lessons — E. J. Alagoa, University of Port Harcourt

ACCREDITATION