Diplomacy in pre-colonial and early colonial Mbinga district: a case study of lake Nyasa corridor

This study explores the conduct of diplomacy I n pre-colonial and early colonial Mbinga district, particularly on Lake Nyasa corridor. The study is organized into five chapters which are; introduction, survey of the study area, pre-colonial diplomacy and negotiation, colonial diplomacy, and the conclusion. The study examines two conceptual views on the existence of pre colonial diplomacy — the sceptics and supporters, and argues that diplomacy existed in re-colonial time. Furthermore, the study examines two diplomatic theories - the civilian intercourse and the warrior model. The study traces social formation, and reveals that migration and conquest is key impetus for the contemporary social formation in Lake Nyasa corridor. Discussion of pre-colonial negotiation reveals the interconnectedness between the juror-political and supernatural powers of headmen and seniors, which helped them to enforce obedience, relations, behaviors’, and facilitate negotiations. The techniques deployed were mostly subtle, limited to the use of threats and exhortations as to persuade the disputants negotiate. The study examines that the imperial diplomacy was accelerated by pseudo-civilization' impulse to make colonization triumph on Lake Nyasa corridor. The softening tools of imperialism' such as colonial education, religion and health services manned by the suppression of 'barbaric' and slavery wars, marked the end of accord in Lake Nyasa, and the beginning of the new colonial era in action. This was slavery the people's view that colonialists brought fortunes, and, by flag possible, following Lake Nyasa was turned into a corridor of German imperialism.