Diplomacy

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an overview of the history and practice of contemporary diplomacy. It discusses the position and responsibilities of a diplomat. To help students better understand diplomacy in practice, we will explore readings that depict diplomacy as a process that relies on negotiation, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. As such, the course will be divided into three parts:

1. Readings: We will begin by reading and discussing foundational texts on the history and theory of diplomacy. We will then explore the core dimensions of the US diplomatic corps and the inner workings of a Foreign Service embassy. We will also consider the art of negotiation and other skills needed for successful diplomacy.

2. Role-play: Using the Council on Foreign Relation’s Model Diplomacy module, we will use role-play to understand the challenges of shaping US foreign policy. The role-play will simulate a hypothetical real-world foreign policy issue. Students will learn how US foreign policy is shaped while developing their critical thinking, writing, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

3. Writing and Discussion: At the close of each class, students will reflect on either course readings, discussions, or the Model Diplomacy module. At the end of the course, students will be given a task that is assigned to all entry-level Foreign Service Officers: to draft a one-page “briefer,” which is a short policy summary that informs and advises policy leaders on a bilateral issue. Briefers may be prepared on any issue of a student’s choice. Sample briefers will be reviewed in class.

Prerequisites: None