Diplomacy of Small States online course
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Diplomacy of Small States online course

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Diplomatic means can transform the smallness of a state into an asset when promoting national and international interests.

This course examines the manner in which small states conduct their diplomacy to pursue their foreign policy objectives and to manage their participation in the global community of nations. The subject takes two aspects as starting premises: that diplomacy as practised by small states is a subset of the basic themes and methods of diplomacy in general; and that small states, however defined, are necessary and active partners in the global community of nations.

Reviews

Diplomacy of Small States

Text – Safraaz Ahmad Shadood

m0aOfq4Q Safraaz Ahmad Shadoodaa alumni reviewsThe course content inspired the strategic thinking required to maximise opportunities for small states when pursuing diplomatic relations across countries and organisations. Coming from a small developing country, this course has provided me with the necessary tools to aid me in my duties.

– Mr Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, Foreign Trade Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Guyana

Text – Setaita Tupua Kalou

VvUXl1Ny Setaita Tupua Kalou alumni reviews e1638880967654The course was an eye-opener for me, especially as a government official from a small island state (Fiji). Online lectures, sharing information with other students and lecturers, and provided resources all focused on the areas I am interested in. We also drew parallels with world events, not only from the past, but with those happening currently on the ground. As a diplomat, the course has broadened my knowledge on how small states should be strategically leveraging themselves as important actors in international diplomacy, and that size does not necessarily determine outreach and influence of a state in 21st century diplomacy.

– Ms Setaita Tupua Kalou, Second Secretary, Embassy of Fiji, Brussels, Belgium

Text – Momodu Wurie

ls7rwvNS Momodu Wurie alumni reviewsComing from a small state with limited resources, I can say that the training of diplomats is a difficult task for us. Diplo has provided me with a golden opportunity to further my education for which I have been yearning for as a foreign service officer. I also had the chance to interact with colleagues from around the world. The course has also strengthened my belief that regardless of constraints, some small states have shown their ability to project formidable foreign policy initiatives. The course has additionally broadened my horizons thanks to weekly assignments by colleagues and through analysing the different perspectives on how small states practice their diplomacy. I wish to encourage more diplomats from emerging economies to take this course and strengthen their diplomatic skills.

– Mr Momodu Wurie, Head of Chancery, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Tripoli, Libya

Text – Nicholette Williams

Nicholette Williams alumni reviewsAs a diplomat of a small state, operating in a dynamic and rapidly changing international environment, I must sharpen my skills and be equipped with the right tools in order to be successful. I particularly enjoyed the rich, constructive exchange of views and ideas among the participants. The opportunity to undertake a case study on one small state was truly enlightening. The bonus was the flexibility of studying at my own convenience, from the comfort of my home or office, and receiving a certificate without leaving my country.

– Ms Nicholette Williams, Assistant Director/Foreign Service Officer IV, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica

What will you learn?

  • Provide examples and discuss the implications of different definitions of small states.
  • Describe the role of small state diplomacy within the matrix of actions and interests which collectively determine a country’s foreign policy objectives.
  • Identify and explain the economic constraints, security threats and environmental vulnerabilities which influence the definition and pursuit of a small state’s foreign policy goals, and the diplomatic methods available to address these.
  • Describe the systems of multilateral and regional diplomacy, provide examples, and analyse tactics of groupings for the purpose of negotiation as well as alliances of interest and concern.
  • Argue for and defend the important role of small states within the global community of nations.

How will you learn?

In this course, you will interact intensively in discussions with classmates and lecturers from around the world. You will receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.

How long will you learn?

The course lasts for 10 weeks:

  • 1 week of course introduction and orientation to online learning
  • 8 weeks of addressing the course topics one by one (see below for more details)
  • 1 week for the final assignment and completing pending tasks

Course lecturers

Head, Person, Face, Photography, Portrait, Happy, Smile, Beard, Adult, Male, Man, People, Formal Wear, Clothing, Suit

Amb. Milan Jazbec

Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, and professor of diplomacy

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Solange Mike

Associate Faculty Member, Diplo

Victor Camilleri

Former Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN

Who should apply

This course will be of interest to:

  • Practising diplomats, civil servants, and others working in international relations
  • Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing to gain deeper insight through interaction with practising diplomats
  • Postgraduate students or practitioners in other fields seeking an entry point into the world of diplomacy
  • Journalists, staff of international and non-governmental organisations, translators, business people, and others who wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics

Overview

The course consists of 8 modules:

  1. Introduction to Diplomacy of Small States: We consider the role of small states as members of a set of principal, though not exclusive, actors in the international order. We look at qualitative and quantitative definitions of small states. We analyse the bases of foreign policy choices and diplomatic methods and consider the choices and methods available to small states in the areas of security, development, and status building. 
  2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Small States: We look at how foreign ministries of small states conduct tasks arising from their primary responsibility to help implement the state’s foreign policy; tasks relating to information, representation, protection, and negotiation. We also consider two aspects of the structure of a small state foreign ministry: organisational set-up and human resource management.
  3. Security: We focus on the central concern of any state’s security, namely the safeguarding of territorial integrity, which is as vital to small states as to larger states. We analyse the various threats to a small state’s territorial integrity (actual, latent, or potential) and examine how the diplomatic process in addressing each is unique.
  4. Economic Diplomacy: We look at the economic openness to which small states are subject, the linkages between smallness and peripherality, and smallness and low level of development. We examine the resilience of small states to their economic vulnerabilities and the way these vulnerabilities affect their bilateral and multilateral economic diplomacy.
  5. Environmental Diplomacy: States must take both preventative and remedial action in the face of environmental risks and natural disasters. In environmental concerns, size is the major element of vulnerability. We look at actions being taken by small island states to meet the challenge of long-term effects of such phenomena as ozone depletion and climate change; then the impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunamis.
  6. Multilateral Diplomacy: We look at two separate roots of multilateral diplomacy: the regional process, with geographical proximity as the primary motivating factor, and the broader process resulting from a commonality of interests and concerns. We discuss the small state’s perception of the multilateral process and the assumptions behind this process. We then look at the institutional dimension, including the system of groupings under which different states position themselves for purposes of negotiation and voting.
  7. Regional Diplomacy: We first consider the factors at work in promoting regional diplomacy. We consider regional arrangements for peace and security, and the role of the UN regional commissions which deal with a broader spectrum of social, economic, and political issues. We then examine the role of small states in regional arrangements in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
  8. Small States and Globalisation: From the perspective of a small state, we examine two aspects of globalisation that fall directly within the domain of diplomacy: the way globalisation affects the role and status of various actors in the international arena, and the way globalisation affects the manner in which states interact with each other.

Methodology

The Diplomacy of Small States online course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a period of 10 weeks. Reading materials and the necessary tools for online interaction are provided in a virtual classroom.

Each week, participants study and discuss course materials and complete additional online activities. At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet to discuss the topic of the week. For successful completion, this course requires a minimum of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo, which can be printed or shared electronically.

Prerequisites

All course applicants must have regular internet access (broadband is preferred). 

Applicants for certificate courses must have:

  • An undergraduate university degree OR 3 years of work experience and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
  • Sufficient English language skills to undertake postgraduate-level studies

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €690. 

Note: Diplo alumni can benefit from a 15% discount on the fee for this course.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries. Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution. 

You can apply for this course as:

How to apply

Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. You will receive an instruction email on how to continue.

Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form, upload your CV, and a motivation statement that should include:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background
  • Reasons for your interest in the course
  • Why do you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course? How will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country?

Please note that financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! 

Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available in the course.

Cancellation policy

Diplo reserves the right to cancel this course if enrolment is insufficient. In case of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may apply this fee towards another course or receive a refund.



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