Springer International Relations, Music and Diplomacy: Sounds and Voices on the International Stage (The Sciences Po Series in International Relations and Political Economy)

This volume explores the interrelation of international relations, music, and diplomacy from a multidisciplinary perspective. Throughout history, diplomats have gathered for musical events, and musicians have served as national representatives. Whatever political unit is under consideration (city-states, empires, nation-states), music has proven to be a component of diplomacy, its ceremonies, and its strategies. Following the recent acoustic turn in IR theory, the authors explore the notion of “musical diplomacies” and ask whether and how it differs from other types of cultural diplomacy. Accordingly, sounds and voices are dealt with in acoustic terms but are not restricted to music per se, also taking into consideration the voices (speech) of musicians in the international arena. Read an interview with the editors here: https://www.sciencespo.fr/ceri/en/content/international-relations-music-and-diplomacy-sounds-and-voices-international-stage Review “Bringing together musicologists, historians and political scientists, this innovative and interdisciplinary book makes a compelling case for an acoustic turn. Music―and sound in general―can now be appreciated as an important part of diplomacy and international relations.” (Roland Bleiker, Professor of International Relations, University of Queensland, Australia) “From ambassadors’ fancy parties to the technologies of tuning, broadcasting and intimacy―in this volume many facets of interdisciplinary scholarship on musical diplomacies come together in conversation. The authors interweave stories from four continents and a broad swath of historical time to reveal myriad means by which music creates and sustains international relations. With its inclusive approach and nuanced narratives this book is a novel and welcome contribution to the scholarly literature.” (Danielle Fosler-Lussier, Professor of Musicology, Ohio State University, USA) “This is a welcome cross-disciplinary addition to the field of diplomatic studies, combining conceptual innovation and historical depth, and dealing with a topic that is much under-researched. It is especially recommended for those interested in the social, everyday and aesthetic dimensions of diplomacy.” (Costas M. Constantinou, Professor of International Relations, University of Cyprus, Cyprus) From the Back Cover This volume explores the interrelation of international relations, music, and diplomacy from a multidisciplinary perspective. Throughout history, diplomats have gathered for musical events, and musicians have served as national representatives. Whatever political unit is under consideration (city-states, empires, nation-states), music has proven to be a component of diplomacy, its ceremonies, and its strategies. Following the recent acoustic turn in IR theory, the authors explore the notion of “musical diplomacies” and ask whether and how it differs from other types of cultural diplomacy. Accordingly, sounds and voices are dealt with in acoustic terms but are not restricted to music per se, also taking into consideration the voices (speech) of musicians in the international arena. Frédéric Ramel is Full Professor and Head of the Political Science Department at Sciences Po, Centre de Recherches Internationales, France. Cécile Prévost-Thomas is Associate Professor in Sociology of Music at the University Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3, Centre de Recherche sur les Liens Sociaux, France. About the Author Frédéric Ramel is Full Professor and Head of the Political Science Department at Sciences Po, Centre de Recherches Internationales, France. Cécile Prévost-Thomas is Associate Professor in Sociology of Music at the University Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3, Centre de Recherche sur les Liens Sociaux, France.