PPE4310 – Multilateral Diplomacy
The forces of globalization and fragmentation at work in global politics since the end of the Cold War can no longer be managed through bilateral diplomatic relations.
As a result, the post-Cold War international political environment is pushing multilateral diplomacy and international organizations to centre stage. This course explores the unique facets of multilateral diplomacy and considers how the latter has adjusted to the post-Cold War’s political and economic climate.
The course will introduce students to the history, theory and practice of diplomatic negotiations in areas such as crisis diplomacy, economic diplomacy, summit diplomacy and nongovernmental diplomacy.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Be familiar with the historical development of diplomacy through the ages;
- Understand the difference between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy;
- Examine theoretical explanations of how diplomats take decisions;
- Understand the difference between ancient and modern (post-WWI) diplomacy;
- Be familiar with the theory, practice and ethics of international diplomacy;
- Understand the context of international diplomatic negotiations;
- Understand how decisions are made in the context of international diplomacy;
- Understand the role of power and law in international diplomacy;
- Understand the changing role of the international diplomat;
- Understand the role of personal dynamics behind diplomatic negotiations;
- Understand how international diplomacy has changed national sovereignty.