PPE4103 – Diplomacy and Statecraft
This course introduces students to diplomacy as it is practiced today, while also providing a comprehensive exploration of the evolution and concept of statecraft.
Although diplomacy is a multifaceted subject requiring a multitude of skills, the writing component is of critical importance. Diplomats need to be able to analyze a situation succinctly and effectively, for it is on the basis of their diplomatic briefs that the world’s capitals make policy decisions.
Through a variety of themes and examples from around the world, the course aims to cover as broad a spectrum as possible of diplomatic practice and analyzes the different skills needed in—and the many challenges posed by—crisis diplomacy, summit diplomacy, UN diplomacy, regional diplomacy, trade diplomacy, diplomatic negotiations, e-diplomacy and the role of foreign ministries. In all these contexts, the ability to write concise, in-depth and convincing memos is critical.
Since this course targets students wishing to pursue a national (Foreign Ministry) or international (UN, ASEAN) career, it provides students with the practical tools and the analytical framework necessary to communicate effectively in the context of modern diplomacy. The subject of diplomacy is brought to life through case studies highlighting the working of diplomacy within the international arena. The writing intensive (WI) component of this course—and the related assignments—focuses on such case studies.
By the end of the course, students should:
- Be familiar with the basic concepts and issues of diplomacy;
- Understand the different contexts in which diplomacy is used;
- Understand the role of national culture in shaping diplomacy;
- Be able to explanations of how diplomats come to their decisions;
- Be able to write diplomatic documents such as notes;
- Understand how decisions are made in the context of national diplomacy;
- Understand the role of power and law in modern diplomacy;
- Understand the changing role of the diplomat.