Precolonial Diplomacy

Precolonial Diplomacy explores the sophisticated political systems of Indigenous nations in the Americas before European contact. Challenging Eurocentric views, the book reveals intricate methods of alliance-building, from kinship-based pacts to formal treaties, and diverse mechanisms for conflict resolution, such as mediation and ritualized warfare. Understanding these pre-Columbian civilizations provides a more accurate depiction of history, highlighting their capacity for governance. The book argues that Indigenous nations possessed adaptable and resilient political systems rooted in a deep understanding of human relationships. For instance, precolonial diplomacy involved complex negotiations and strategies that maintained peace and order across vast territories. Precolonial Diplomacy progresses by first introducing core concepts and terminology, then delving into case studies of specific Indigenous nations in North, Central, and South America, and concludes with a comparative analysis and a discussion of the legacy of precolonial diplomacy.