Flattering alliances
Subtitle: Scandinavia, diplomacy, and the Austrian-French balance of power, 1648-1740
By: Peter Lindström & Svante Norrhem ; translated by Charlotte Merton
Contributors: Norrhem, Svante, 1962-
Publisher: Nordic Academic Press
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Lund
Language: eng
Number of pages: 263
ISBN-13: 9789187351075
Subjects: Foreign relations; History
Description: Taking a fresh look at the history of diplomacy, this book looks at the fight for hegemony between France and Austria after the Peace of Westphalia 1648, showing how their clashes dragged the Scandinavian kingdoms into European top-level politics and forced them to take part in the play, constantly negotiating risks and profits. Historians Peter Lindström and Svante Norrhem discuss how the Great Powers were binding allies to their side, and how the Scandinavian countries and their political elites responded. Many of the diplomatic strategies were solidified through family alliances, patronage, and economic politics - something quite different from what is expected from today's diplomatic neutralities.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-257) and index.