Introduction to Diplomacy
Dr. Idrees Mousa
UoD – IWP Diploma Program
Oct. 24th, 2024
The instructor
Idrees Mousa, PhD in Political Sciences,
University of Jena
Introduction
The students introduce themselves,
referring to their academic background,
their motivation to join the program, and
their expectations of the course.
This course attempts to introduce students to
selected aspects of diplomacy. It is designed
specifically for the students enrolled in this
program, expecting them to hold academic
Course qualifications in various majors.
Description The course provides knowledge on such
dimensions of diplomacy as history, types,
institutions, and practice.
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in
fostering cooperation, resolving
disputes, and maintaining stability.
It enables nations to protect their
interests, promote their values,
Course and address shared challenges as
Significance terrorism, climate change, and
health crises.
Given this, the learning of various
aspects of diplomacy has become
paramount.
The instructor prepares PowerPoint slides
and shares them with the class. Selected
Course readings will also be provided to help the
students broaden their knowledge. The
Methodology class is dynamic, expecting lively
participation, discussion, and exchange of
viewpoints.
• The class expects the regular
attendance of the students;
Course Policies • It emphasizes punctuality; and
• Advices against the unnecessary use of
cell phones.
• Types of diplomacy
• Instruments of diplomacy
Course Topics • Institutions of diplomacy
• Practice of diplomacy
• Diplomacy is the art of conducting negotiations
between nations to resolve conflicts, establish
relationships, and achieve mutual goals
through peaceful means.
Diplomacy • Diplomacy involves promoting a country’s
strategic, economic, and political interests on
the global stage while also considering the
interests of other nations.
• As representatives of their countries, diplomats
engage in high-level negotiations, build strategic
partnerships, and promote understanding and
trust between diverse peoples.
Diplomats • Diplomats use a range of strategies from
mediation to negotiation to manage and resolve
international disputes, preventing them from
escalating into more serious conflicts.
Types:
Coercive Diplomacy
• Coercive diplomacy involves the threat of military force to compel an
adversary to change their attitude.
• For coercive diplomacy to be effective, the threat of force must be
credible, demonstrating the capability and willingness to use military
power if necessary.
• Coercive diplomacy involves issuing time-limited ultimatums, giving
the adversary a narrow window to comply before facing the
consequences.
Instruments:
Bilateral Diplomacy
• Bilateral diplomacy involves direct, one-on-one engagement
between two countries or entities. This allows for the building of
close relationships and mutual understanding.
• It typically has more specific and narrowly-defined objectives,
such as trade agreements, border disputes, or cultural
exchanges.
Institutions:
Embassies
• Embassies are the official diplomatic missions of a country in another,
representing the interests of the home country and its citizens.
• Embassies provide such services as issuing passports and visas as well as aiding
in emergencies.
• Embassies collect and analyze information about the host country’s politics,
economy, culture, and other developments.
Practice:
Negotiation
• Defining your interests and your counterparts’;
• Finding areas of common ground between the parties involved;
• Identifying areas of convergence helps create a win-win
scenario where all sides feel their needs are being met.
Course Resources
Course Assessment
• Midterm
• Presentation
• Group discussion, debate, and
simulation
• Final exam
Student Learning Outcomes
• Developing knowledge on aspects of diplomacy,
including types, institutions, and practices.
• Enhancing communication and teamwork skills.
• And developing and enhancing critical thinking.
Diplomacy is founded on the principle of
mutual respect between nations, cultures,
and individuals. This involves active
Class Environment listening, acknowledging different
perspectives, and finding common ground
despite differences.
