engleski

Acting from the Shadows: Women and Diplomacy in the Late Medieval Dubrovnik

The aim of this paper is to analyze the diplomatic role and performance of women in several case-studies preserved in the diplomatic and political records from the 15th century Ragusa (Republic of Dubrovnik). Although it may seem that women were not involved with Ragusan international relations, their role was significant. As spouses and daughters of influential persons with whome Ragusans planned to establish diplomatic contacts, they enjoyed substantive power to influence the final outcome of Ragusan diplomtic efforts. Women's origin, the reputation of the family they came from, wealth, maritial and social status were key-factors which influenced Ragusans practical actions in the diplomatic arena. We are not able to give an answer to the question how these influential women perceived themselves, and how their experiences influenced and shaped the world around them. However, it can be concluded without any doubt they were treated differentlydepending on their social and marital status. Morevoer, the roles men and women were given in the diplomatic practice are especially interesting, as well as are the differencies and similarities in their performances and modes of operation ; for example, the importance of emotions which could be triggered by specific gifts or place of meeting. In any case, archival material kept in Dubrovnik`s State Archive shows that women’s role in the negotiation process was informal, but their influence, advice, attitudes, and practices could have significantly affected the course and outcome of the diplomatic negotiations.

Women ; Diplomacy ; Dubrovnik ; 15th Century ; Ottomans.

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