European Diplomacy in the 21st Century

Full course description

This course looks at the manifold ways in which diplomacy is conducted nowadays, and how this is different from traditional practice. Although the European continent which has been the birthplace of the practice of diplomacy will receive attention, it also zooms in on other parts of the world and introduces decentering and feminist perspectives on diplomacy.

 In addition, the focus is not confined to diplomatic efforts in the traditional fields of security and defense but there is also attention for other areas such as the economy, trade, infrastructure, and climate change, which are important venues of cross-country linkages in today’s globalized and complex world. In addition, the course also discusses how digitalization has impacted the world of diplomacy, leading to new practices of diplomatic interaction. 

Conceptually, the course is rooted in foreign policy analysis (FPA), diplomatic studies and International Relations (IR). It seeks to understand the theory, practice and processes and outcome of diplomacy in today’s globalized world.