Editing Ambassador (section)

== Rise of modern diplomacy==
[[File:Accademia - Arrivo degli ambasciatori inglesi presso il re di Bretagna di Vittore Carpaccio.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|''Arrival of the English Ambassadors'' by [[Vittore Carpaccio]], painted between 1495 and 1500—though ostensibly part of a series of paintings on the life of [[Saint Ursula]], this actually depicts the developing diplomatic practices of the [[Republic of Venice]] in the painter's own time.]]  
Also before the rise of modern diplomatic relations, sovereign states - which traded with each other, went to war and made peace &ndash; had the need for diplomatic relations, which took various forms. For example, the city states of [[Classical Greece]] used the system of [[Proxeny]], whereby a Proxenos &ndash; who was a citizen of the host city rather than of the city whose interests he promoted - fulfilled some of the functions given to modern Ambassadors and Consuls.

The rise of the modern diplomatic system was a product of the [[Italian Renaissance]] (from around AD 1300). The use of ambassadors became a political strategy in Italy during the 15th century. The political changes in Italy altered the role of ambassadors in diplomatic affairs. Because many of the states in Italy were small, they were particularly vulnerable to larger states. The ambassador system was used to disperse information and to protect the more vulnerable states.

This practice then spread to Europe during the [[Italian Wars]]. The use and creation of ambassadors during the 15th century in Italy has had long-term effects on Europe and, in turn, the world's diplomatic and political progression. Europe still uses the same terms of ambassador rights as they had established in the 16th century, concerning the rights of the ambassadors in host countries as well as the proper diplomatic procedures. An ambassador was used as a representative of the state in which they are from to negotiate and disseminate information in order to keep peace and establish relationships with other states. This attempt was employed in the effort to maintain peaceful relations with nations and make alliances during difficult times.

The use of ambassadors today is widespread. States and [[non-state actors]] use diplomatic representatives to deal with any problems that occur within the international system. Ambassadors now normally live overseas or within the country to which it is assigned for long periods of time so that they are acquainted with the culture and local people. This way they are more politically effective and trusted, enabling them to accomplish goals that their host country desires.