- Explain the foundations and evolution of international human rights law.
- Identify key UN and regional human rights institutions and mechanisms.
- Apply treaty obligations and soft law instruments in diplomatic practice.
- Analyze the intersection of foreign policy and human rights priorities.
- Develop effective advocacy strategies within multilateral forums.
- Respond to alleged violations through appropriate diplomatic channels.
- Balance national interest and moral imperatives in policy decisions.
- Address human rights within culturally diverse and sensitive contexts.
- Engage civil society and international partners in rights promotion.
- Create a human rights action plan for a foreign mission or embassy.
Course Description: This course equips diplomats with the tools to advocate for and protect human rights through international diplomacy. Participants will explore legal frameworks, institutions, and best practices for addressing violations and promoting justice. The course includes treaty systems, UN mechanisms, cultural contexts, and advocacy strategies, with practical applications for bilateral and multilateral 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:
Course Description: This course prepares diplomats and foreign policy professionals to address complex issues of migration, displacement, and humanitarian assistance. Participants will explore global frameworks, cross-border coordination, refugee protection, and the diplomatic tools needed to manage crises, support vulnerable populations, and uphold international obligations in times of mass movement and humanitarian need. 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 international legal frameworks on migration and refugees.
- Differentiate between migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs.
- Analyze causes and impacts of forced displacement and migration flows.
- Navigate institutions such as UNHCR, IOM, and OCHA in humanitarian settings.
- Coordinate cross-border and regional policy responses to migration.
- Support refugee protection, repatriation, and local integration.
- Design diplomatic strategies for managing humanitarian crises.
- Collaborate with civil society and humanitarian organizations.
- Engage in public diplomacy to counter xenophobia and promote inclusion.
- Develop a humanitarian diplomacy action plan for a foreign post.
Course Description: This advanced course explores the legal and strategic dimensions of sanctions, international treaties, and diplomatic immunities. Participants will examine the sources, functions, and political use of these tools, along with their implications for foreign policy. Through case studies, simulations, and legal frameworks, learners will develop the expertise to operate effectively within complex legal environments and multilateral systems. 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 origins and enforcement of international treaties.
- Differentiate between various forms of sanctions and their legal basis.
- Apply the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.
- Interpret immunities and privileges afforded to diplomatic actors.
- Assess the geopolitical impacts and unintended consequences of sanctions.
- Negotiate or amend treaty clauses to reflect evolving global interests.
- Navigate immunities in cases involving conflict, crime, or espionage.
- Evaluate real-world enforcement of treaties and sanction regimes.
- Develop policy responses to violations of international agreements.
- Design a diplomatic protocol involving immunities and treaty obligations.
Course Description: This course examines the contrasting and complementary roles of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy in advancing foreign policy goals. Participants will explore institutional dynamics, negotiation strategies, and policy alignment across both formats. Through simulations and comparative analysis, students will learn to navigate complex diplomatic environments and select the most effective channels for representation, influence, and agreement. 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 bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and their key distinctions.
- Analyze the advantages and limitations of each diplomatic approach.
- Identify institutions central to multilateral diplomacy (UN, WTO, AU, etc.).
- Plan diplomatic engagements based on format appropriateness.
- Design negotiation strategies suited to bilateral or multilateral settings.
- Evaluate case studies in multilateral consensus-building.
- Balance national priorities with collective objectives in multilateral forums.
- Engage in diplomatic simulations requiring cross-format strategy shifts.
- Align policy messaging across diverse international platforms.
- Develop a strategic engagement plan using both bilateral and multilateral tools.
Course Description: This cutting-edge course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and international diplomacy. Participants will examine AI’s role in shaping global governance, cybersecurity, digital rights, and foreign policy. Through case studies, simulations, and strategic planning, students will develop informed approaches to AI ethics, regulation, and cross-border cooperation in 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 artificial intelligence and its applications in diplomacy.
- Analyze the geopolitical implications of AI leadership and regulation.
- Explore global frameworks and efforts for AI governance.
- Evaluate the risks and benefits of AI deployment in foreign affairs.
- Apply ethical principles to AI-related diplomatic decisions.
- Examine the role of AI in cybersecurity and national sovereignty.
- Collaborate across borders to address AI challenges and standards.
- Design diplomatic approaches for AI in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
- Develop communication strategies for AI-related negotiations.
- Propose a national strategy for AI and international diplomatic engagement.
Course Description: This course equips diplomats and national security professionals with the knowledge and tools to engage in cyber diplomacy. It explores cybersecurity threats, global norms for cyberspace, and diplomatic efforts to secure the digital domain. Participants will examine the intersection of cyber policy and international relations, building skills for negotiation, deterrence, coordination, and defense in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 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 cyber diplomacy and its significance in global security.
- Analyze cyber threats, actors, and national vulnerabilities.
- Interpret international norms and legal frameworks in cyberspace.
- Evaluate confidence-building measures (CBMs) in cyber cooperation.
- Collaborate with intelligence, defense, and civilian sectors.
- Negotiate bilateral and multilateral cyber defense agreements.
- Assess the role of attribution, deterrence, and response in cyber policy.
- Design crisis communication strategies for cyber incidents.
- Engage in cyber simulations and real-time diplomatic responses.
- Develop a cyber diplomacy policy for national security objectives.
Course Description: This forward-looking course explores how outer space has become a strategic domain for diplomacy, governance, and competition. Participants will analyze space treaties, security concerns, satellite diplomacy, and the roles of governmental and commercial actors. The course equips students to engage in shaping multilateral frameworks for peaceful cooperation and sustainable use of space. 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 history and evolution of space diplomacy.
- Interpret key treaties and legal frameworks governing outer space.
- Analyze strategic interests and risks in Earth orbit and beyond.
- Evaluate the role of space in global security and communications.
- Identify commercial and national actors in space activities.
- Design diplomatic strategies for space cooperation and conflict avoidance.
- Address issues of space debris, sustainability, and access equity.
- Navigate multilateral negotiations on space governance.
- Assess dual-use technologies and the militarization of space.
- Develop a national or alliance-based strategy for space diplomacy.
Course Description: This course empowers diplomats with the technical knowledge and practical skills to operate effectively in a digitally driven world. Participants will explore digital platforms, communication technologies, virtual diplomacy, and data tools that shape modern foreign service. Emphasis is placed on cybersecurity, remote engagement, and digital collaboration in high-stakes 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 digital diplomacy and its operational relevance for diplomats.
- Identify essential digital tools and platforms used in foreign service.
- Conduct secure communication and collaboration in virtual settings.
- Apply data analysis tools for diplomatic research and reporting.
- Use digital scheduling, mapping, and event management applications.
- Evaluate cybersecurity protocols and risks in diplomatic missions.
- Develop engaging presentations using modern software tools.
- Leverage virtual reality and simulations for training and engagement.
- Collaborate in cloud-based and multi-time-zone working environments.
- Design a digital engagement toolkit for embassy or consular work.
- Course Description: This course explores the growing influence of cities in global diplomacy. Participants will examine how urban centers shape foreign policy, build transnational networks, and promote sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Topics include city-to-city diplomacy, urban foreign affairs offices, global mayors’ summits, and the strategic roles of cities in achieving international goals. 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 urban diplomacy and its significance in international relations.
- Analyze the roles cities play in global governance and development.
- Explore city-led foreign policy initiatives and networks.
- Evaluate the impact of urban diplomacy on climate, trade, and security.
- Compare national and subnational diplomatic approaches.
- Identify best practices in municipal international engagement.
- Assess partnerships between cities, NGOs, and international organizations.
- Develop policy recommendations for city-level diplomatic initiatives.
- Simulate city-level negotiations on transnational challenges.
- Create an urban diplomacy strategy for a city or metropolitan region.
Course Description: This course prepares diplomats to operate effectively during global disruptions, including pandemics, coups, natural disasters, and civil unrest. Participants will analyze crisis diplomacy frameworks, continuity planning, and real-time coordination tools. Case studies and simulations will enable students to respond quickly, manage risk, and maintain diplomatic engagement under volatile conditions. 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 crisis diplomacy and its role in foreign service.
- Recognize the diplomatic implications of pandemics, coups, and disasters.
- Analyze institutional and national responses to global disruptions.
- Design emergency protocols and continuity of mission plans.
- Coordinate international assistance and resource deployment.
- Communicate with media and stakeholders during crisis situations.
- Maintain alliances and trust during unpredictable environments.
- Respond ethically and effectively to evolving security conditions.
- Simulate decision-making in rapidly changing crisis scenarios.
- Develop a disruption-resilient diplomatic engagement strategy.