Throughout history, the exchange of gifts has played a central role in the conduct of international relations. While the rules, traditions and culture of gifting evolve, it remains a universal ritual that often reveals deeper truths about what it means to be human.
Polite Fictions examines this gifting ritual in the diplomatic field, where gifts once had the power to initiate negotiations, ease tensions or send subtle messages. What role do gifts play in fostering international relations today? What messages do they carry? And what can they tell us about the relationship between two countries?
203 x 270 mm, 138 pages
115 grs munken white & maxi satin + 80 grs sirio royal green
Embossed and screen printed linen softcover
Languages: English, Dutch, French
Photography and text by Suzanne Schols
Graphic design by HouseTMM
Printing and binding by Zwaan Lenoir
First edition July 2020
Second edition September 2021
ISBN: 978-90-9034619-9