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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.