Course Overview

Welcome to EarthTab Business School. My name is Daniel Nimley and i will be your course preceptor for the course, International Relations And Diplomacy. International Relations (IR) and Diplomacy is a vast, multi-dimensional field of study and practice that examines the interconnectedness of states, international organizations, non-state actors, and transnational issues. It explores how sovereign entities interact, negotiate, compete, and cooperate in an increasingly globalized and interdependent world. This course provides a comprehensive intellectual foundation, analytical skills, and practical tools for understanding the complexities of world politics, international cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict management.

International Relations is both an academic discipline and a policy-driven practice that bridges political science, history, economics, sociology, law, psychology, and cultural studies. Diplomacy, on the other hand, is the practical art and science of managing relations among states and other global actors through negotiation, persuasion, and peaceful dialogue, with the aim of avoiding conflict, promoting cooperation, and securing national and global interests.

Dimensions of the Course

1. Philosophical & Historical Foundations of International Relations
   
   

• Traces the origins of IR to ancient civilizations (Greek city-states, Roman diplomacy, Islamic Caliphates, Chinese dynasties) and modern systems such as the Westphalian state system (1648).
  
  

• Examines the impact of Enlightenment thinkers, colonial encounters, world wars, decolonization, and Cold War rivalries.
  
  

• Explores the transition from classical diplomacy (secretive, elite-driven) to modern multilateral and public diplomacy.
  
  

2. Theoretical Frameworks of International Relations
   
   

• Realism (power, national interest, survival, balance of power).
  
  

• Liberalism (institutions, cooperation, democracy, international law).
  
  

• Constructivism (ideas, norms, identities, social realities).
  
  

• Marxism/Dependency Theory (economic inequalities, neo-imperialism).
  
  

• Feminist IR (gendered dimensions of diplomacy and security).
  
  

• Postcolonial Approaches (voice of the Global South, decolonizing diplomacy).
  These theories are crucial for explaining why states behave the way they do in world politics.
  
  

3. Diplomatic Practice and Protocols
   
   

• Bilateral Diplomacy (state-to-state relations, ambassadors, treaties).
  
  

• Multilateral Diplomacy (United Nations, African Union, European Union, WTO, etc.).
  
  

• Economic Diplomacy (trade agreements, sanctions, debt negotiations, investment treaties).
  
  

• Cultural Diplomacy (soft power, cultural exchange, media influence).
  
  

• Public Diplomacy (using media, social networks, NGOs, and citizens as diplomatic actors).
  
  

• Crisis Diplomacy (negotiating during wars, terrorist attacks, or pandemics).
  
  

4. Global Governance and International Institutions
   
   

• Structure, powers, and limitations of the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, WTO, ICC, and regional organizations.
  
  

• Role of international law, treaties, conventions, and customary law in guiding diplomatic practice.
  
  

• Power dynamics in multilateral forums, including dominance of great powers, voting patterns, and the role of small states.
  
  

5. Security and Conflict in International Relations
   
   

• Causes of war (ethnic, religious, ideological, resource-based).
  
  

• Tools of peacebuilding: conflict prevention, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, peacekeeping, post-conflict reconstruction.
  
  

• Nuclear diplomacy, arms control agreements, cybersecurity diplomacy, and counterterrorism collaborations.
  
  

• Shifts from traditional security (military) to human security (development, environment, health, rights).
  
  

6. International Political Economy and Diplomacy
   
   

• Globalization and its effects on sovereignty, governance, and diplomacy.
  
  

• Trade disputes, financial crises, global inequality, and North-South relations.
  
  

• Resource diplomacy (oil, gas, water, minerals).
  
  

• The politics of foreign aid, debt relief, and development partnerships.
  
  

7. Contemporary Global Challenges and Diplomacy
   
   

• Climate change diplomacy (Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, COP Summits).
  
  

• Migration, refugee crises, and border politics.
  
  

• Pandemics (COVID-19 diplomacy, vaccine diplomacy).
  
  

• Digital diplomacy and the rise of Artificial Intelligence in IR.
  
  

• Global terrorism and counter-radicalization strategies.
  
  

• Cybersecurity diplomacy and the weaponization of information.
  
  

8. Regional Studies in International Relations
   
   

• African diplomacy: decolonization, Pan-Africanism, AU’s peace and security role.
  
  

• European diplomacy: EU integration, Brexit, NATO.
  
  

• Asian diplomacy: rise of China, Japan’s pacifism, South Asian rivalries.
  
  

• Middle Eastern diplomacy: oil politics, Arab-Israeli conflict, Gulf Cooperation Council.
  
  

• Latin American diplomacy: regionalism, U.S. influence, BRICS alignment.
  
  

9. Skills Development in Diplomacy
   
   

• Negotiation skills, conflict resolution, communication, persuasive speech writing.
  
  

• Understanding protocol, etiquette, and cultural sensitivity in diplomatic missions.
  
  

• Drafting communiqués, policy briefs, and treaty texts.
  
  

• Use of simulation exercises to practice crisis management and diplomatic negotiations.
  
  

10. Ethics and Challenges in Diplomacy
    
    

• Moral dilemmas in foreign policy (human rights vs. national interest).
  
  

• Transparency vs. secrecy in diplomacy.
  
  

• Diplomacy in authoritarian vs. democratic systems.
  
  

• The ethical responsibilities of diplomats in war zones and humanitarian crises.
  
  

Course Relevance

The course is designed to:

• Prepare you for careers in foreign service, international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, academia, media, and multinational corporations.
  
  

• Equip future leaders with tools to analyze global events, predict trends, and design diplomatic strategies.
  
  

• Bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world diplomacy.
  
  

• Strengthen critical thinking, negotiation, research, and policy analysis skills.
  
  

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

1. Understand the historical evolution, theories, and schools of thought in IR.
   
   

2. Analyze global political, economic, and security issues critically.
   
   

3. Apply knowledge of diplomatic tools, processes, and negotiation strategies to practical case studies.
   
   

4. Evaluate the roles of states, non-state actors, and international organizations in shaping world politics.
   
   

5. Develop professional-level communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills relevant to international relations.
   
   

6. Demonstrate an ethical appreciation for justice, peace, human rights, and cooperation in diplomacy.

I look forward to congratulating you upon completion of this course.