Diplomacy in Practice takes a hands-on approach to diplomacy, guiding students through the practicalities of working within a diplomatic delegation. It’s divided into four classes, each focusing on a critical aspect of diplomatic work and offering students the chance to explore these topics from a real-world perspective.
The course offers an overview of the practices of the diplomatic activity. It is subdivided into 4 classes, each one of 4 hours, on a Friday afternoon:
1) The basics of the diplomatic activity and the profile of a diplomat. The structure of an embassy and its diplomatic and non-diplomatic staff; the tools of communication with the institutions of the country of accreditation; the modalities and channels of the public communication daily activity
2) the activities related to the promotion of bilateral interests, especially in the economic field. Embassies and trade offices have been always supportive of companies of their own countries, but the economic diplomacy requires nowadays a more proactive role, a “scouting” of potentialities and the ability to matching interests of its own country and the country of accreditation.
3) the multilateral diplomacy, that presents many specific features compared to the activities connected with the bilateral diplomacy. Communication and negotiating skills are the essence of multilateral diplomacy. Coalition-building, mediation, a balance between firmness and compromise are fundamental requirements in multilateral diplomacy.
4) the activities connected with the organization of a visit or another event that concerns the relations between States. Protocol matters are functional to the foreign policy of a country. The organizational skills are essential for the training of a diplomat.
Practical exercises may be assigned to the students on the tools discussed in each class..
Throughout the module, students will gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of diplomacy. They'll understand how communication and negotiation skills are essential for both bilateral and multilateral settings, as well as learn how to navigate the delicate balance between representing national interests and fostering international cooperation.
Resources
1st Class: The Basics of The Diplomacy Activity
Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now?
· TC-FSAN2016.pdf
Chapter 7 : Privileges and Immunities
Protocol for the Modern Diplomat
· https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/176174.pdf
Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now?
Chapter 1 : Overview Of a U.S. Mission
· TC-FSAN2016.pdf
2nd Class: Promotion and Protection of National Interests
3rd Class: The Multilateral Diplomacy
The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations (2nd edn)
Authors: Thomas G. Weiss (ed.), Sam Daws (ed.)
Published: June 2018
ISBN: 978-01-918-4195-8
· https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198803164.001.0001
Chapter 6 : General Assembly
Author: M. J. Peterson
· https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198803164.013.6
4th Class: The Organizational Skills: the Preparatory Process of a State Visit
Chapter 6: State Visits
Author: José de Bouza Serrano
· https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1m46fqw.17
An Experts' Guide to International Protocol: Best Practice in Diplomatic and Corporate Relations
Authors: Gilbert Monod de Froideville and Mark Verheul
Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-90-485-5485-0
· https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1m46fqw
Chapter 1: International Protocol
· https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1m46fqw.6
Chapter 3: Protocol at the United Nations and at Think Tanks – A Comparative Perspective
Author: Abiodun Williams
· https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1m46fqw.11