Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy Course

Why select this training course?

International relations are the bedrock of the relationship that exists between states. It deals with how states interact to solve common problems that affect their interests. Modern international relations and diplomacy have witnessed significant changes in recent times, making it imperative for experts and diplomats to become skilled in statecraft.

What are the theories of international relations?

International relations deals with the interactions and relations of states and non-governmental organizations in economics, security, and politics. It is interdisciplinary and combines history, political science, and economics to evaluate topics like globalization, security, the environment, global poverty, global ethics, and human rights. The study of international relations, like other fields in science, involves adopting certain theories based on observed evidence. These theories are ideas targeted at understanding and explaining the workings of the international system.

The theories of international relations are broadly divided into two:

1. Liberalism: The liberal theory of international relations, also called the theory of complex interdependence, provides that countries share broad interests and ties, making it difficult to hold special independent national interests. The theory focuses on decreased use of military power on the ground that the consequences of military power far outweigh the benefits. Therefore, the emphasis should be on international cooperation that benefits the interests of every state. It also asserts that exercising economic rather than military might is far more effective.
2. Realism: According to the realism theory of international relations, the only certainty in global relations is power. Therefore, nations must work towards boosting their might relative to other states. The theory asserts that for a state to be powerful, it must work towards enhancing its military power to surpass weaker competitors. The central theme of the theory is self-preservation, and states must seek power to protect themselves against perceived opponents.

What are the essential skills every diplomat should possess? 

Diplomacy is the art and science of preserving peaceful and enduring relationships between states, organizations, or individuals. It also refers to representatives of groups involved in solving issues, such as trade, security, conflicts, technology, and the environment. To be an effective diplomat, it is crucial to possess certain skills to help you manage professional relationships and interactions. These skills apply to various industries and can help better manage conflicts and interpersonal relationships. They include the following:

• Empathy and compassion
• Effective communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Analytical skills

The Rcademy Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy Course is designed to enrich participants with the rudiments of diplomacy and statecraft. The course covers emerging areas in diplomacy, such as digital diplomacy, nation branding, and soft power diplomacy. Participants will also learn about international political etiquette, social media and e-diplomacy, and international protocol standards. The function of the media in international relations is also emphasized. After completing this course, participants will be able to advance and facilitate national interests through science and diplomacy.

Who should attend?

The Rcademy Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy Course is designed for senior executives, officials, and diplomats, working in the international relations sector and other persons looking to venture into the field. The following persons should partake in this training course:

• Diplomatstasked with maintaining good relations between states, representing the interests of their nations, and gathering and preparing reports on information that affects their country’s interest
• Intelligence experts are charged with collating state-critical information, analyzing operational intelligence data, and reporting back to their countries
• Lobbyistsresponsible for promoting ideas that foster the interest of their organizations and monitor, research, and evaluate legislation to identify areas that benefit their organizations
• Political analysts are tasked with evaluating laws, government decisions, and public policies while forecasting political trends and advising government officials and political parties
• Communication specialists are charged with developing effective communication skills, handling internal communications, and generating content for media and social networks
• International logistics managers are responsible for managing their company’s supply chain, processing shipments, and negotiating contracts with international organizations
• Embassy personnel involved in international relations and communication that offers opportunities to represent one’s organization or nation
• Advisors and private consultants involved in the management and organization of international events
• Global administrative professionals and entrepreneurs who host delegates or often travel to other nationals for communications, collaborations, and interactions
• Experts involved in the field of international relations, including ministries, consulates, and embassies
• Graduates and students from institutes and colleges of international relations and political science

What are the course objectives?

This Rcademy training course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed internationally. At the close of the study, attendees would have achieved the following objectives:

• Understand the rudiments of international relations and factors affecting international relations
• Identify the modern techniques and methods utilized in diplomatic work
• Learn how to execute tasks and duties in consulates and embassies
• Understand emerging issues in the field of international diplomacy
• Learn about the theories of international relations and the sources of international regulations and laws
• Recognize the methods adopted by states in making decisions
• Understand the nexus between international relations and international law
• Learn the art of statecraft and how countries manage conflicts

How will this course be presented?

The Rcademy Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy Course is participant-driven and designed to meet attendees’ expectations while enhancing their knowledge and skills about the subject matter. Different practical techniques to ensure participants’ constant and active learning will be utilized in delivering the course.

The Rcademy Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy Course integrates practical and theoretical learning presented through lecture notes, case studies, real-life scenarios, and slides on the concepts. Participants will be made to undertake regular quizzes, workshops, and presentations to measure their progress and satisfaction level.

What are the topics covered in this course?

Module 1: Introduction to International Relations and Diplomacy

• Overview of international relations
• The concept of diplomacy
• The Place of Diplomacy in international relations
• Diplomatic and consular missions
• How embassies work around the world
• The ethical aspect of international relations

Module 2: Managing International Media

• Overview of the foreign affairs press department
• The roles and responsibilities of the embassy and foreign affairs press department
• Managing an interview virtually and physically
• The written and unwritten rules of diplomatic media communications
• Handling media and press inquiries
• Harmonizing local media response with international affairs policy and practice
• Writing press releases for local and foreign news outlets

Module 3: International Affairs

• Globalization and its Impacts on international relations
• Managing cross-cultural relationships and overcoming barriers
• Bilateralism as the foundation block for understanding international relations
• Introduction to NATO, United Nations, and multilateral diplomacy
• Emerging challenges in international relations

Module 4: International and Political Etiquette

• Dress codes and professional image
• Flag etiquette, anthems, and other essential elements
• Cultural diplomacy via etiquette and the Media
• Establishing embassy and consular customs
• Royal protocol within a monarchy vis-a-vis a republic

Module 5: International Relations and Governing Rules

• Historical stages in the evolution of international relations
• International treaties and conventions
• Foundational Theories and Principles of international relations and their history
• International politics, foreign policy, and international relations
• International Organizations and their role in interstate relations
• The game theory

Module 6: Social Media and e-Diplomacy

• Utilizing social media, the Internet, and other digital tools in diplomatic relations
• The challenges of cybersecurity
• Managing engagements and relationships online
• Balancing Transparency and the Threats of Cybersecurity
• Policy implications of data leakages
• Deciding when to go offline

Module 7: International Relations and International Law

• Overview of international law
• The relationship between international relations and international law
• The branches of international law
• International humanitarian law
• International criminal law
• International human rights law
• International refugee law
• The challenges of international law in international relations

Module 8: International Relations and Strategic Planning

• International Relations and conflict management
• Techniques adopted by countries in resolving disputes
• International dispute resolutions and negotiation mechanisms
• The concept of the protocol in international relations
• Diplomacy and the general framework of the negotiation process
• Making a big ask during negotiations

Module 9: Emerging Issues and Concepts in International Relations

• Globalization and the Concept of the New World Order
• Immigration
• Climate change
• Digital Diplomacy
• Soft power diplomacy
• Energy and ecology
• Terrorism
• Nation branding

Module 10: International Standards of Etiquette, Protocol, and Diplomacy

• Diplomatic gift-giving and receiving
• Planning VIP receptions and ceremonies
• Hosting heads of states
• Royal tea ceremonies and other special ceremonies
• Seating arrangements, protection checklists, and security