This book investigates the role and fate of diplomats in Europe between the two World Wars. It examines how ambassadors and Foreign Office officials navigated a world undergoing radical political transformation amidst the rise of totalitarianism, focusing on the period from 1919 to 1939. The authors draw upon government archives, European memoirs, and diplomatic studies to analyze the critical negotiations that shaped national policies during these two decades of crisis.

This book is regarded as a classic account of interwar diplomacy, offering a detailed look at the challenges faced by diplomats in a rapidly changing Europe. The work is noted for its in-depth analysis of the period between the World Wars, utilizing primary sources such as government archives and memoirs. It provides both a historical narrative of crisis and a critical examination of the diplomatic function in the modern era. The collection of essays by leading experts offers a comprehensive perspective on the era's fateful negotiations.