The First International Peace Treaty
Diplomacy is normally defined as the relationship between nations and states, typically in the sense of peace treaties, and international affairs, to resolve an issue. It can be taken a step further, however, to encompass diplomacy on a social level, and include topics such as culture and human rights. While focusing on international relations, a central theme will emerge, but it is also important to focus on how diplomacy can affect, and change disputes, on a smaller scale as well.
The epitome of diplomacy can be found in the earliest written international peace treaty known in existence, between the Egyptian and Hittite civilizations around 1259 BCE, during the reign of the renowned pharaoh Ramses II. A relatively unknown nation today, the Hittites were an influential civilization in modern day Turkey, that thrived for seven centuries. It’s position in the Turkey peninsula made trade nearly indispensable. When Egypt began to expand its’ territory north into modern day Syria, during the reign of Thutmose III (1479–1425 BCE), tensions began to arise between the two nations. This region was an important trading area to the rest of the world. It would continue during the reigns of Akhenaten, who quickly lost favor with the king as well as the northern borders, and further with Tutankhamen who fought to regain these integral trading areas. The important land, especially the trading cities of Kadesh and Amurru, were central in these skirmishes throughout the years, coming to a head during the reign of Ramses II with the battle of Kadesh.
There is no clear winner in this battle, with both nations saying they were the victor; however it can be considered the catalyst to the eventual treaty between the Egyptians and Hittites. The treaty consists of numerous points that join the two civilizations in brotherhood and peace, including a nonaggression pact, and a mutual defense alliance. Both nations had an incentive: Ramses II was able to use the money previously spent on warfare to build his numerous monuments, still in existence today, that forever immortalize him. Furthermore was the growing threat of Assyria, and the southern European Sea People. Though the Hittites were more vulnerable, they realized that allies would be useful in the future. Egyptian-Hittite relations were peaceful and stable after this moment, however most Hittite land was annexed to Assyria, while attacked on the other side by the Sea People. By 1180 BCE, the Hittite land vanished from historical records.
Though the treaty was not in effect for a long period of time, due to the decline of both nations, the overall impact can still be seen today. It was the first time peaceful negotiations were utilized to end war, and bring about peaceful relations. It was so effective there were no further issues between the nations. The way the treaty was written, in bilateral clauses that hold both parties accountable, can be seen in others. For example, the Treaty of Verdun in 843,which ended the Carolingian Civil War in France; or the Treaty of Versailles which helped to end World War II. Both of these treaties consist of numerous clauses, that clearly define the agreement, and future relations. From this time on, treaties became an essential part of war to end conflicts, and the origin can be seen with this agreement. This treaty is considered so essential in understanding international diplomacy, a copy hangs in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
The Cave 