Mapping Diplomatic Representation in Europe, 1648-1715

This paper introduces new data on diplomatic representation in Europe between 1648 and 1715, drawn from Band I of the Repertorium der diplomatischen Vertreter aller Lander.

The data comprise 13,344 diplomatic missions, exchanged among 141 sending and 201 receiving polities, and 8,852 individual representatives.

The paper describes the source and coding procedure, assesses the quality and limits of the data, and reports patterns in participation, rank, and mission duration.

In an illustrative application, I use the data to examine diplomatic continuity across ruler successions, with findings suggesting that individual appointments remained tied to the person of the ruler even as the relationships they served proved durable.

The dataset will be useful for research on recognition and membership in the states system, status and hierarchy among polities, and the formation of the early modern state.

Data collection will continue, and Bands II and III will extend the series to 1815.