Monique O’Connell delves into the heart of Renaissance Italian history, with a keen focus on the political and social landscape of Venice. Her scholarship examines early modern empires and state formation, offering a fresh perspective on Venice’s centuries-long administration of diverse territories. Currently, she is involved in digitizing medieval Venetian election registers and co-authoring a comprehensive history of the Mediterranean world. Her ongoing research also investigates the intricate methods and means of political communication throughout Renaissance Italy.
Focusing on negotiation within an early modern empire, O'Connell explores the institutions and individuals that facilitated these processes during a time of significant imperial expansion. The book delves into historical examples, providing insights into the dynamics that shaped diplomatic interactions and the complexities of power during this transformative period.
Structured around four interlocking themes-mobility, state development, commerce, and frontiers-this beautifully illustrated book brings new dimensions to the concepts of Mediterranean nationality and identity.