- Integrate strategic thinking from across the program into one final project.
- Analyze global challenges and opportunities through a national interest lens.
- Develop a cross-sector diplomatic engagement strategy.
- Draft policy briefings, strategic plans, and diplomatic memos.
- Coordinate interagency and multilateral priorities within one document.
- Present a cohesive argument to a high-level decision-making panel.
- Simulate real-time Q&A and cabinet-style policy interrogation.
- Demonstrate leadership, persuasion, and negotiation under scrutiny.
- Evaluate peer presentations and provide strategic feedback.
- Produce a full strategy document with clear objectives, tactics, and impact metrics.
Course Description: This final capstone course brings together the knowledge, skills, and tools developed across the entire diplomacy program. Participants will design a comprehensive diplomatic strategy and present it to a simulated national leadership team. This experience simulates high-level policy advising, cross-ministerial dialogue, and strategic decision-making in complex global scenarios. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Course Description: This course examines diplomatic errors rooted in cultural misunderstandings and provides tools for prevention, response, and recovery. Using real-world case studies, participants will analyze failures in cross-cultural communication, develop cultural intelligence strategies, and practice corrective diplomacy in simulated scenarios. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:
- Identify cultural dimensions and how they influence diplomatic behavior.
- Analyze real-world diplomatic missteps and their cultural roots.
- Assess the risks and consequences of cultural insensitivity in diplomacy.
- Use cultural intelligence (CQ) to anticipate and manage cross-cultural challenges.
- Develop recovery strategies and apology protocols after missteps.
- Engage in diplomatic correction through appropriate channels.
- Practice culturally adaptive language and body language.
- Design proactive cultural briefings and preparation guides.
- Simulate recovery and narrative control in diplomatic blunders.
- Produce a cultural risk mitigation plan for an assigned post.
Course Description: This course prepares diplomats and policy leaders to apply scenario planning techniques in the face of global complexity and uncertainty. Participants will explore the strategic value of long-term thinking, develop multiple future pathways, and use structured foresight to shape resilient foreign policy strategies. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Understand scenario planning and its application in diplomacy.
- Identify driving forces shaping global change and uncertainty.
- Construct plausible and diverse future scenarios.
- Apply the 'axes of uncertainty' and 'four-quadrant' method.
- Assess risks, opportunities, and implications of alternative futures.
- Develop strategy options based on scenario narratives.
- Facilitate scenario-based dialogue among diplomatic stakeholders.
- Integrate scenario planning into strategic policy documents.
- Communicate scenarios effectively through writing and visualization.
- Produce a future-ready scenario planning toolkit for missions.
Course Description: This simulation-intensive course trains diplomats to prepare for and respond to live media interviews. Participants will practice delivering concise, strategic messages under pressure while maintaining composure and credibility in front of the press. The course focuses on real-time simulations, message discipline, bridging techniques, and public engagement strategies. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Prepare diplomats to perform confidently in live media interviews.
- Develop strategic messaging aligned with foreign policy priorities.
- Use bridging and blocking techniques to stay on message.
- Adapt tone and delivery to different media formats and audiences.
- Handle aggressive questions and unexpected topics with poise.
- Build audience trust and credibility through storytelling.
- Coordinate with media officers to manage message consistency.
- Practice on-camera presence and nonverbal communication skills.
- Receive detailed feedback through video review and peer critique.
- Develop a personal interview preparation checklist and practice routine.
Course Description: This course explores the complex intersections between disaster response and diplomacy. Participants will analyze how natural and human-made disasters reshape geopolitical dynamics and create opportunities for cooperation or conflict. Students will simulate negotiations during high-stakes crises and design strategies that integrate humanitarian response with diplomatic priorities. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Define disaster diplomacy and its historical relevance.
- Analyze the diplomatic implications of major disasters.
- Coordinate international assistance during complex emergencies.
- Navigate political sensitivities in post-disaster negotiations.
- Apply negotiation techniques to humanitarian and response contexts.
- Engage in real-time decision-making simulations with diplomatic constraints.
- Design cross-sector coordination strategies in high-risk environments.
- Evaluate the impact of disaster relief on diplomatic relationships.
- Balance visibility, sovereignty, and urgency in public diplomacy during disasters.
- Develop a country-specific disaster diplomacy engagement strategy.
Course Description: This course prepares embassy staff and diplomatic leaders to implement emergency protocols and lead crisis response. Participants will develop embassy-level contingency plans, conduct threat assessments, and coordinate with host governments and international partners during natural disasters, civil unrest, or security threats. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Understand the structure of emergency preparedness in embassies.
- Develop comprehensive emergency action and evacuation plans.
- Conduct risk and threat assessments for diplomatic posts.
- Coordinate interagency crisis responses and communication flow.
- Lead internal and external communication during emergencies.
- Manage consular services and citizen assistance in crisis.
- Train embassy staff on drills, alerts, and security measures.
- Collaborate with host-country officials on contingency operations.
- Evaluate past embassy crisis responses for lessons learned.
- Create a post-specific emergency protocol and response plan.
Course Description: This course equips participants with analytical tools and experiential methods to understand, map, and address violent conflict. Students will engage in interactive simulations, stakeholder analysis, and peacebuilding exercises to build skills in mediation, reconciliation, and post-conflict recovery. The course supports diplomats in fostering sustainable peace through systemic understanding and collaborative action. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Define conflict mapping and its role in peacebuilding.
- Analyze root causes, actors, and dynamics of conflict.
- Construct conflict timelines and relationship maps.
- Evaluate peacebuilding models and approaches.
- Practice stakeholder engagement and interest analysis.
- Apply mediation and dialogue techniques in simulations.
- Design inclusive peacebuilding strategies.
- Assess risks and resilience factors for peace processes.
- Utilize visual tools for conflict transformation analysis.
- Develop a conflict-sensitive strategy for diplomatic engagement.
Course Description: This course immerses participants in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of high-level bilateral summits. Students will simulate leader-to-leader meetings between heads of state or senior officials, managing protocols, agenda setting, and outcomes. The course focuses on diplomatic choreography, strategic messaging, and bilateral deliverables in a highly structured and politically sensitive environment. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Understand the structure and function of high-level bilateral summits.
- Design summit agendas that balance political priorities and protocol.
- Apply negotiation strategies in formal, top-level meetings.
- Develop policy memos, talking points, and communiqués.
- Coordinate logistics, media, and delegation alignment.
- Lead or support summit simulations from pre-brief to closing statement.
- Manage sensitive issues while preserving diplomatic relationships.
- Deliver strong opening remarks and manage joint press conferences.
- Simulate behind-the-scenes problem-solving during official talks.
- Produce summit outcome documents with action plans and agreed statements.
Course Description:
This intensive simulation course places participants in the roles of country delegates to the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Students will practice drafting resolutions, building alliances, negotiating mandates, and defending national interests. The course emphasizes parliamentary procedure, multilateral strategy, and leadership in global consensus-building.Course Length:
6 weeks (36 total instructional hours)Proficiency Level:
AdvancedPrerequisite:
Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiencyCourse Objectives:
- Understand the structure and procedures of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
- Draft resolutions that align with international law and diplomatic objectives.
- Engage in public speaking and structured debate using formal UN protocols.
- Negotiate compromises and amendments in multilateral settings.
- Represent national interests in the context of global priorities.
- Build and manage voting coalitions and strategic alliances.
- Respond to procedural motions and chairing responsibilities.
- Apply knowledge of global issues to live UN-style discussions.
- Coordinate team positions, research, and draft language effectively.
- Lead or participate in a full-scale diplomatic simulation at the UN level.
Course Description: This advanced simulation-based course immerses diplomats and global leaders in high-intensity crisis scenarios. Participants will be challenged to make strategic decisions under pressure, manage multi-stakeholder responses, and lead teams during evolving global events. The lab is designed to test diplomatic agility, communication, ethics, and leadership in the face of real-world uncertainty. Course Length: 6 weeks (36 total instructional hours) Proficiency Level: Advanced Prerequisite: Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency Course Objectives:- Demonstrate diplomatic leadership during complex global crises.
- Analyze rapidly evolving scenarios with incomplete information.
- Coordinate response strategies across ministries and alliances.
- Negotiate under pressure with limited time and shifting stakes.
- Apply ethical frameworks and values in decision-making.
- Develop clear, effective communication in high-stress environments.
- Respond to misinformation, escalation, and international scrutiny.
- Utilize digital platforms for situational awareness and coordination.
- Reflect on performance and lessons learned from live simulations.
- Design personal protocols for crisis engagement and team resilience.
