Diplomacy in the 21st Century (FutureLearn)

This course, developed by the Diplomatic Academy of the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, offers a platform for a broad discussion about diplomacy.
Although the course is written from a British perspective, the aim is to start a global conversation. You will focus on the practice, theory and tradecraft of diplomacy, rather than foreign affairs and international policy.
On the course you will learn about diplomatic representation; digital diplomacy; women, gender and diplomacy; theories of diplomacy; leading diplomatic missions; and diplomatic tradecraft including networking and reporting.

What topics will you cover?

• Overview of modern diplomatic representation
• The new tools of social media and wider digital diplomacy
• The history of women in British diplomacy and the gender equality agenda
• Overview of some key theories of diplomacy
• The challenges of expeditionary diplomacy and leadership in a diplomatic context
• Diplomatic tradecraft including protocol, networking and reporting

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

• Discuss the nature and challenges of modern diplomatic representation including the role of values, diversity and sub-state diplomacy.
• Evaluate the role of social media and new policy and communications tools within the wider context of digital diplomacy.
• Describe the key developments in the history of women in British diplomacy.
• Engage with the emerging gender equality agenda in multilateral and other forums.
• Assess the relevance of some core diplomatic theories and models to modern diplomacy.
• Discuss the challenges of leadership in the varied contexts of the modern diplomatic mission.
• Identify the critical aspects of informal protocol, networking and reporting as part of modern diplomatic tradecraft.