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Fall semester - MA - IR Calendar view

Diplomacy in a Changing World MA-S1-IR004-E2-2020


Class
Idir Ouahes
Enrolment for this class is currently closed.

This module will familiarize students with contemporary practices in diplomacy, focusing on the changes in practices taking place in reaction to the rapidly shifting working environment in the current “digital age” and globalized international economy.

 

Taking an historical/institutional approach, reinforced by case studies, this module will first examine the historical antecedents of contemporary diplomatic protocols and practices. The module will then examine the evolution of the diplomatic practices of diplomacy in the mid/late 20th and early 21st centuries, from the bipolar Cold War period to the present day where globalization promotes a more fluid approach to foreign and international trade policies and where, in the age of Wikileaks, diplomats must remain vigilant about the security of their output. Students will increase their understanding of modern diplomacy by focusing on specific case studies and by studying official on-line materials available from selected governments and international institutions. Students will learn the fundamentals of the roles of foreign ministries, embassies and other state foreign, commercial, defense and security policy actors. They will also be introduced to the fundamentals of modern diplomatic bilateral and multilateral negotiation strategies. The module will also focus examine the concepts of “hard” and “soft” power, including the use of “public diplomacy” in the pursuit foreign, commercial, strategic and security objectives.

 

Here is the class outline:

Week 1 - Course Outline And Skills / The Diplomatic World

This session will introduce you to the module organization, structure and assignments. You will become aware of the time commitments you will need to make and the skills you will develop through the duration of the module. There will also be a brief introduction to the roots of modern diplomacy stretching back to the ancient world.

Week 1 - Course Outline And Skills / The Diplomatic World
Week Session 1 Recordings

Week 2 - Ancient and Modern Diplomacy

Week 2 will introduce you to the core developments of diplomacy over the past few thousand years. It looks at the development of ancient and early modern diplomatic ideas and principles; stretching from the sense that war and the power of the mighty over the weak was a natural and inevitable thing, to the concept of governance and law thus encouraging the growth of modern diplomacy.

Week 2 - Ancient and Modern Diplomacy
Week 2 Recordings

Week 3- Empires and United Nations Diplomacy

This week we examine the rise and fall of imperial powers. We examine how, after the Peace of Westphalia, Europe pursued colonization abroad, in Africa, Asia and America. However, war returned to Europe in the 19th Century, followed by a new system of summitry and conferences to maintain peace, the Vienna Conferences. Then we look at the rise of the League of Nations/United Nations.

Week 3- Empires and United Nations Diplomacy
Week 3 Recordings

Week 4- Cold War and Post-9/11 Diplomacy

This week will examine the Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) balance that emerged during the Cold War due to the proliferation of nuclear weapons between the major powers. We then examine the global diplomatic balance after 9/11, including the growth of American interventionism and the increasingly multipolar geopolitical landscape.

Week 4- Cold War and Post-9/11 Diplomacy
Week 4 Recordings

Week 5 - Theories 1 - Realism and Liberalism

This week will examine the idea and theory of realism in international relations. We beginning with classic statements of the doctrine, before moving on to the modern political realists. We also look at the idea of grand geopolitical strategy. In the second session we examine the rise of liberal interpretations of the world order, and finish with an examination of the European Union as a liberal project.

Week 5 - Theories 1 - Realism and Liberalism
Week 5 Recordings

Week 6 - Theories 2 - Constructivism and Radicalism

This week will cover shifting understanding of the realities of the international order and how they can be (re)created and even challenged. We will look at the construction of new realities, the role of negotiations to stretch the possibilities, the example of the Brexit negotiations. We will then look at the more radical approaches to changing the international order.

Week 6 - Theories 2 - Constructivism and Radicalism
Week 6 Recordings

Week 7 - Auxiliary Diplomacy- Trade, Soft Power and Intelligence

This week will cover the history of economic globalization. We also look at the role of soft power and cultural and ideological institutions in a diplomatic role. Finally, we look at intelligence operations and reporting.

Week 7 - Auxiliary Diplomacy- Trade, Soft Powerand Intelligence
Week 7 Recordings

Week 8 - Diplomatic Blueprints 1 & 2- UK and USA

This week will examine the history, practice, challenges and opportunities available to the two countries examined: the United Kingdom and the United States.

Week 8 - Diplomatic Blueprints 1 & 2- UK and USA
Week 8 Recordings

Week 9 - Diplomatic Blueprints 3 & 4 - Japan and Cuba

This week will examine the history, practice, challenges and opportunities available to the two countries examined: Japan and Cuba.

Week 9 - Diplomatic Blueprints 3 & 4 - Japan and Cuba
Week 9 Recordings

Week 10 - Diplomatic Blueprints 5 & 6 - China & Turkey

This week will examine the history, practice, challenges and opportunities available to the two countries examined: China and Turkey.

Week 10 - Diplomatic Blueprints 5 & 6 - China & Turkey
Week 10 Recordings
Week 10 Recording (This Year)

Week 11 - Diplomatic Difficulties 1 & 2 - Venezuela and NK

This week will examine the current impasses and challenges concerning two key flashpoint countries : Venezuela and North Korea.

Week 11 - Diplomatic Difficulties 1 & 2 - Venezuela and NK
Week 11 Recordings
Week 11 Recordings (This Year)

Week 12 - Diplomatic Difficulties 3 & 4 - Iran and Russia

This week will examine the current impasses and challenges concerning two key flashpoint countries : Iran and Russia.

Week 12 - Diplomatic Difficulties 3 & 4 - Iran and Russia
Week 12 Recordings

Week 13 - Diplomatic Challenges - Globalization and Climate Change

This week we examine the economic globalization of the world and the concomitant financialisation of the global economy. We will consider especially the dangers of systemic risks. Finally, we will examine the global warming challenge to global diplomacy.

Week 13 - Diplomatic Challenges - Globalization and Climate Change
Week 13 Recordings
Week 13 Recordings (This Year)

Week 14 - Shaping Policy & Review

This week will focus on the role politics, lobbying and public perceptions at home play in shaping diplomatic missions? We will then review the course.

Week 14 - Shaping Policy & Review
Week 14 Recordings