Antické paradigmy a Trianonská zmluva

The world of diplomacy, whether ancient or modern, is naturally prone to problems associated with cultural clashes and often serves as an “unarmed battlefield” of cultural concepts. International diplomacy, however, stands on the assumption of war, as misunderstandings and cultural discrepancies lead to confusion. Cultural encounters also provide many opportunities for the choice of misunderstanding: the choice to perceive an act as an insult, even if unintended, or the choice to ignore the most blatant intentional insult, all according to momentary expediency.

The Roman historian Livy recounts an anecdote about the gates of the Temple of Janus, which, when open, signified that Rome was at war. However, the doors of the ancient Temple of Janus were closed only twice from the beginning of the 7th century BC to the end of the 1st century BC. One might ask, how many times and for how long after the signing of the Treaty of Trianon were the metaphorical gates of the European (or global) Temple of Janus closed?

The publication that the reader holds in their hands does not attempt to exhaustively answer all questions of ancient and modern international diplomacy. That is neither possible nor the goal of this scientific monograph. Authors seeking intersections between diplomacy of antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the early 20th century encountered some thought-provoking ideas and controversial debates. Indeed, what other conclusions can the topic of the Treaty of Trianon and the perpetual clash of cultures in the Mediterranean antiquity and medieval Europe bring?

We believe that the topic of ancient and modern diplomacy will inspire the reader and stimulate the professional public to new ideas, reflections, and scholarly activity.

The scientific monograph was prepared as an output of the project of the Agency for the Support of Research and Development No. APVV-19-0419: "100 years of the Treaty of Trianon."