Week 7: Introduction to Diplomacy
This teaching unit will introduce students to the topic discussed in the second part of the course- Diplomacy.
The presentation starts with a discussion of the various definitions of the term 'Diplomacy' (see handout) and points to its main characteristics. Upon a short discussion of several approaches to Diplomatic studies (practical/theoretical + Historical/case-study), a review of the various schools of thought in Diplomatic studies (traditional, nascent, innovative) is laid out. The presentation continues with an overview of the following topics: Typology (parliamentary, open, public), Harold Nicolson and his book "Diplomacy", historical landmarks in the evolution of the field, ways to conduct diplomacy, the relationship between Diplomacy, power and politics, soft/hard power in IR. It ends with a review of the characteristics of contemporary Diplomacy (informal, Public, Cultural etc.).
Please read the assigned literature for this unit:
G. R. Berridge, M. Keens-Soper and T. G. Otte, Diplomatic Theory from Machiavelli to Kissinger (2001); introduction (pages 1-6) |
Nizar Manek, ‘What are diplomats for? and are they part of the problem?’, Open Democracy, 4 January 2012 < http://www.opendemocracy.net/nizar-manek/what-are-diplomats-for-and-are-they-part-of-problem > |
After reading the assigned literature and the presentation, think of possible answers to the following questions:
1. What is Diplomacy? What is its purpose?
2. What are the three schools of thought in Diplomatic studies and how do they differ from each other?
3. The presentation mentioned five types of Diplomacy, can you recall and define three of them?
4. What were the key features of diplomatic practices in earlier times in comparison to modern and contemporary times?
5. What are the differences between 'hard power' and 'soft power'? can you name one IR example for each?