Question

How did modern diplomatic protocols come about—and do these protocols do more to strengthen diplomacy or to limit it?

Answer 1

As times change so do customs generally. In diplomacy protocol too changes and develops, mirroring broader societal norms. This paper discusses developments in protocol and how it provides the commonly accepted norms of behaviour for the conduct of relations between states.

Answer 2

Protocol may not be the most exciting area of international relations, but every foreign ministry ... The twentieth century has witnessed a growing informality in the practice of diplomacy, ...