Ottoman Algeria in Western Diplomatic History with ... - Bibliothèque

It was clear that the Europeans did not welcome the Americans in the
Mediterranean; but the Americans themselves did not play a fair game with
Algiers. Whereas the Americans were outcrying European duplicity, in their
relations with Algiers they excelled in it. At all European courts they were
politely begging for letters of introduction to the Dey for their envoys but at the
same time, and under utmost secrecy, they were already debating about the
most cost-efficient way for striking Algiers. By doing that, America proved
that it had not only “recapitulated many forms of behaviour of the Old World,”
particularly unethical practice in conducting diplomatic relations, but it also
gave them a “stamp of its own” and even originated new ones. 127 That “young
giant” had surprised and even surpassed its procreators in treachery.
3. Aggression against Algiers: A Founding Pillar of ‘New Diplomacy’
More than just hostile attitudes and deceitfulness in their relations with
Algiers, the Americans moved effectively to materialize the principles of New
Diplomacy. They elaborated different designs for attacking Algiers at a time
many elements indicated that the latter, and despite European intrigues and
American disdain, was much inclined to knit peaceful relations with the United
States. The Americans, however, disregarded all Algerian attempts for a
rapprochement and carried on with a stratagem of aggression. Stripped from
any diplomatic tradition or respect for existing laws and custom, America’s
127 Kiernan, New Imperialism, p. 3.
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