A tökéletes követ – elmélet és gyakorlata kora újkori politikai kultúra tükrében
Absztrakt
By the middle of the 16th century the system of resident embassies became widespread in Europe. However, even at the beginning of the 17th century, it still lacked a sound and established theoretical and judicial ground. Th e ius gentium did not give guidelines in situations that developed or received new emphasis due to the new practice, such as the immunity of the ambassadors. Th e books and treatises on the perfect ambassador mostly refl ected the medieval approach to the topic and presented an idealized picture of what virtues an ambassador should possess, without being of any use for those working as ambassadors. The books Alberico Gentili and Jean Hotman depict the fact that these virtues rooted in the humanist canon, with basic references to Aristotle and Plato. On the other hand, the large number of publications on the topic, even if bound by medieval traditions, mirrors its importance in the eyes of the contemporaries. In his letter to a friend Grotius lists the “required readings” for an ambassador, which shows great similarity to the humanist educational ideals. On the basis of these readings an ambassador could have been well trained in classical moral and political philosophy, and even learn something about sovereignty and the laws of war and peace, but would have defi nitely lacked any knowledge connected to the practice of his profession. Th e paper examines the activity of Sir Th omas Roe, the English resident ambassador to the Porte between 1621 and 1628, with its focus on Gabor Bethlen, prince of Transylvania, and follows his moves in situations when he had no guidelines to rely on. Th is way his personal motives and his political tactics are revealed and a strange mixture of cool-headed counting and full hearted zeal emerge, the former utilizing the presence of the latter. It well represents early modern political culture where ideals, beliefs and virtues were no more objectives in themselves, but means to the realization of political wills.