- Define key sources and subjects of international law.
- Explain the role of treaties, conventions, and customary law.
- Interpret the legal status and privileges of diplomatic agents.
- Evaluate the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals.
- Analyze state sovereignty and its legal boundaries.
- Apply legal reasoning to international disputes and negotiations.
- Differentiate between international human rights and humanitarian law.
- Examine the legal framework governing consular and diplomatic relations.
- Assess how international law affects national policy and foreign affairs.
- Solve legal case studies relevant to real-world diplomatic missions.
- Course Description: This course equips diplomats and international professionals with essential legal knowledge for navigating global affairs. It covers the principles, sources, and enforcement mechanisms of international law, including treaties, diplomatic immunities, the law of the sea, international human rights law, and dispute resolution. Participants will analyze real-world cases, understand jurisdictional complexities, and interpret legal language relevant to bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of legal norms in foreign service contexts. 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 develops advanced proficiency in the specialized language of diplomacy, enabling participants to use terminology, phrasing, and expressions commonly employed in international relations. Students will analyze diplomatic discourse, decode communiqués, and produce culturally appropriate and context-sensitive communication. The course includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking exercises designed to strengthen clarity, persuasiveness, and nuance in diplomatic English, while expanding vocabulary and rhetorical skills vital for global engagement. 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:
- Recognize and apply essential diplomatic vocabulary in context.
- Use formal diplomatic phrasing in spoken and written communication.
- Interpret official documents and communiqués using advanced language skills.
- Distinguish between direct and coded language in international relations.
- Demonstrate accurate pronunciation and tone in formal speaking environments.
- Analyze rhetorical strategies in diplomatic speeches and texts.
- Construct culturally sensitive and professional responses to global issues.
- Develop fluency in discussing complex diplomatic themes and events.
- Adapt language use to different diplomatic audiences and registers.
- Compose a diplomatic speech or statement reflecting course mastery.
- Course Description: This course empowers diplomats and global representatives to deliver compelling, professional, and culturally aware public speeches and presentations. Learners will master audience analysis, message framing, body language, voice control, visual aid integration, and persuasive storytelling. Through extensive practice and feedback, participants will enhance their confidence and credibility when representing their country or institution on the global stage. 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 effective vocal delivery including pitch, pace, and volume.
- Construct speeches using logical structure and compelling language.
- Adapt public speaking styles to different audiences and contexts.
- Incorporate persuasive techniques suitable for diplomatic settings.
- Use nonverbal communication to reinforce spoken messages.
- Design and integrate professional visual aids into presentations.
- Apply intercultural awareness to international public speaking.
- Respond confidently to questions and unexpected challenges.
- Critique and revise speeches for maximum impact.
- Deliver formal diplomatic speeches with clarity and poise.
- Course Description: This course introduces foundational principles and practical frameworks for negotiation in the diplomatic arena. Participants will explore stages of negotiation, interests versus positions, cross-cultural considerations, and common tactics used in bilateral and multilateral talks. Through role-plays, case studies, and simulations, students will gain the skills to analyze negotiation contexts, prepare strategy, build consensus, and resolve conflicts in foreign service environments. 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 negotiation and its relevance in diplomatic contexts.
- Identify key phases and processes in negotiation.
- Differentiate between positions and interests in talks.
- Analyze cultural influences on negotiation behavior.
- Demonstrate effective preparation and planning techniques.
- Use verbal and nonverbal tactics to influence outcomes.
- Apply conflict resolution strategies in negotiations.
- Participate in bilateral and multilateral simulations.
- Assess outcomes and document negotiation results.
- Design a negotiation strategy for a foreign policy issue.
- Course Description: This advanced course explores how global strategic geography and political risk shape diplomacy and foreign policy. Participants will examine power competition, strategic chokepoints, emerging conflicts, and tools for risk assessment. Through scenario planning and real-world analysis, learners will develop skills to anticipate geopolitical shifts, formulate response strategies, and influence outcomes in complex, uncertain environments. 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 geostrategy and its implications for global diplomacy.
- Analyze global hotspots and emerging geopolitical risks.
- Identify strategic chokepoints and contested regions.
- Assess the impact of great power rivalry on foreign policy.
- Evaluate risk through geopolitical and security frameworks.
- Map actors and interests in volatile diplomatic arenas.
- Develop contingency strategies for high-risk environments.
- Use scenario planning for global diplomatic decision-making.
- Apply early warning tools to prevent conflict escalation.
- Design a strategic briefing on a geopolitical risk zone.
- Course Description: This course provides an advanced framework for conflict prevention and strategic mediation in diplomacy. Participants will learn how to identify early warning signs, facilitate multi-party dialogue, and apply mediation principles in volatile contexts. Blending theory with practice, the course emphasizes culturally sensitive approaches, nonviolent resolution strategies, and innovative diplomatic tools to foster sustainable peace. 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:
- Explain the stages and principles of conflict prevention.
- Identify early warning signs and root causes of international disputes.
- Apply mediation techniques in bilateral and multilateral settings.
- Analyze roles of third-party actors in peace processes.
- Evaluate conflict resolution frameworks such as Track I and Track II diplomacy.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills for peacebuilding.
- Design inclusive dialogue formats that account for diverse stakeholders.
- Use real-world case studies to model conflict prevention strategies.
- Manage diplomatic negotiations in post-conflict environments.
- Create a conflict prevention and mediation action plan.
- Course Description: This elite-level course is designed for senior diplomats, government officials, and international negotiators operating in high-stakes environments. Participants will master negotiation strategies used in treaties, crisis talks, multilateral summits, and national security discussions. The course includes advanced tactics, strategic persuasion, emotional intelligence, and real-world negotiation simulations. Emphasis is placed on confidentiality, reputational risk, and long-term influence in international decision-making. 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:
- Distinguish between traditional and elite negotiation dynamics.
- Apply influence tactics in complex international negotiations.
- Evaluate risks and outcomes in treaty or summit-level talks.
- Demonstrate emotional intelligence under pressure.
- Use silence, timing, and framing to shift negotiation momentum.
- Manage reputational risk and diplomatic optics in public negotiations.
- Navigate behind-the-scenes talks and backchannel diplomacy.
- Employ high-level strategic thinking in negotiation planning.
- Simulate multilateral summit negotiations with diverse stakeholders.
- Develop and defend a negotiation strategy for a global policy challenge.
- Course Description: This course explores the intersection of diplomacy, economic power, and strategic tradecraft. Participants will examine how trade agreements, investment policy, sanctions, and economic intelligence shape global influence. Learners will develop the skills to advocate for national economic interests, negotiate trade and investment deals, and deploy economic tools for diplomatic leverage. 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:
- Explain the role of economic diplomacy in global affairs.
- Interpret trade and investment agreements in diplomatic contexts.
- Analyze the use of sanctions and incentives in foreign policy.
- Evaluate the impact of tariffs, subsidies, and non-tariff barriers.
- Develop strategies for bilateral and multilateral economic engagement.
- Use economic data to support diplomatic negotiations.
- Coordinate with private sector stakeholders in policy implementation.
- Apply economic diplomacy to advance national development goals.
- Assess risks and opportunities in international economic environments.
- Design a strategy to achieve economic advantage through diplomacy.
- Course Description: This course explores how digital platforms, social media, and technology shape diplomatic communication and national branding. Participants will gain skills in crafting digital strategies for embassies, responding to crises online, and building positive global perceptions through digital content. Topics include public diplomacy, disinformation countermeasures, and digital engagement metrics that influence modern diplomatic practice. 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 eDiplomacy and its role in modern international relations.
- Analyze digital platforms used by embassies and ministries of foreign affairs.
- Craft content for diplomatic messaging across digital channels.
- Measure digital engagement and its impact on public perception.
- Identify and counteract disinformation and reputational threats.
- Develop strategies for online crisis communication and response.
- Apply branding principles to strengthen a nation’s digital image.
- Adapt messaging to regional, linguistic, and cultural audiences.
- Collaborate with media and tech stakeholders to amplify diplomatic reach.
- Design a comprehensive digital diplomacy and branding strategy.
- Course Description: This course prepares diplomats to lead in the era of climate diplomacy, integrating environmental policy with foreign affairs. Participants will examine global climate frameworks, sustainability goals, and environmental negotiations. Emphasis is placed on negotiation at UNFCCC events, climate finance, equity, and the geopolitics of natural resources. Students will gain tools to advocate for national climate priorities while advancing global collaboration. 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:
- Explain the role of diplomacy in advancing climate action.
- Interpret the UNFCCC framework and major climate agreements.
- Navigate climate finance systems and mechanisms.
- Analyze the geopolitics of energy, resources, and sustainability.
- Develop strategies for climate negotiation and coalition building.
- Advocate for national interests within global sustainability goals.
- Integrate equity and justice into environmental diplomacy.
- Use data to support environmental foreign policy arguments.
- Engage with stakeholders from civil society and industry on climate goals.
- Design a national green diplomacy strategy aligned with international obligations.