The Mongols are famous for their uncompromising diplomacy. “Submit or Perish” was apparently the main message they initially addressed to others. These calls for submission were claims made by conquerors and leaders of a universal empire. In most cases, they coincide with the period of the great Mongol expansion.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the Mongols developed various modes of official communication. Far from being static, they changed and adapted their diplomatic ways to the position they held in the surrounding world.

One problem in examining the Mongols’ evolving relationships is that, while the diplomatic aims of the other sides (Papacy, Chinese, Rus’, Mamluks) are well documented, the diplomatic orientation of the Chinggisids is not. This conference will contribute to fill the gap. By looking at diplomatic exchanges both during the United Empire and after its dissolution to four Chinggisid states, the conference intends to individuate similarities, innovations and recurring patterns of diplomacy.

We invite our panellists to look at the following aspects:
- a new world order and its rituals
- diplomatic personnel
- foreign policies
- gifts and trade
- the multi-faceted dimensions of the diplomatic encounter
- the concept of a “Chinggisid diplomacy”

Submission of Abstracts
Abstracts for proposed papers (max. 250 words) should be sent to:
mongoldiplomacy@gmail.com

Deadline for submission is: 30th January 2016.

Authors will be notified regarding acceptance of their contribution by 10th February 2016 at the latest, after all submissions have been reviewed.

Applicants are expected to arrange for their own funding for conference participation. Selected papers will be considered for publication in the workshop proceedings.