Today even strong democratic leaders do not hesitate to employ unorthodox means to achieve swift policy changes. The diplomacy of surprise is their most effective tool. This pioneering work explores the differences between diplomatic and military surprise, and examines the theory, practice, and international implications. Originally published in 1981 by the Harvard University Center for International Affairs.

"a well-researched, lucid narrative of four historic events...a welcome addition to the overly sparse literature on the art and science of diplomacy. A fascinating work, free of all the jargon that vexes so much American writing in the field of political science...." - Foreign Service Journal

"...fascinating reading...By focusing on surprise as a dimension of foreign policy behavior rather than as a aracteristic of the situation confronting decision makers, andel has made a valuable contribution to our understanding of how change occurs in foreign policy." - American Political Science Review

"...fascinating reading...By focusing on surprise as a dimension of foreign policy behavior rather than as a aracteristic of the situation confronting decision makers, andel has made a valuable contribution to our understanding of how change occurs in foreign policy." - American Political Science Review

"a well-researched, lucid narrative of four historic events...a welcome addition to the overly sparse literature on the art and science of diplomacy. A fascinating work, free of all the jargon that vexes so much American writing in the field of political science...." - Foreign Service Journal