Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World

SOAS University of London and University of London via Coursera

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

7 hours 55 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

Arabic, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, German, Russian, English, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, Farsi, Kazakh, Hindi, Swedish, Korean, Greek, Ukrainian, Japanese, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Hungarian, Bengali, Pashto, Urdu, Azerbaijani

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Overview

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The Global Diplomacy course is a unique offering to the MOOC environment. Bringing together cutting edge research in the broad fields of Diplomatic and International Studies, award winning distance learning delivery and the instructors previous experience of delivering a successful MOOC. Please see the volume Global Diplomacy: Theories, Types and Models authored with Dr Alison Holmes, (Westview, 2016), and the Understanding Research Methods MOOC from Coursera. The Global Diplomacy MOOC has a direct heritage in the University of London International Academy/SOAS Global Diplomacy MA Programme launched in April 2013 which have attracted hundreds of students from around the world. The Global Diplomacy MA Programme is provided by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy which has been teaching postgraduate courses in Diplomacy for over twenty five years. After completing the 'Global Diplomacy' MOOC, learners will have: 1. The ability to demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature and development of global diplomacy, drawing on a variety of relevant contributing disciplines in the broad field of International Studies. 2. An understanding of changes in diplomatic practices and procedures and the relationship of those changes to contemporary politics. 3. A sound grounding in both theoretical and empirical approaches to debates in diplomacy so that students have been exposed to the and skills needed to analyse global diplomacy. 4. knowledge of issues in global diplomacy in historical and contemporary contexts.

Syllabus

What is Diplomacy?

What do we really mean when we talk about diplomacy? Is it the art of subtle persuasion, the business of international negotiation, or something more everyday and human? In this opening week, you’ll begin to unpack the meaning and practice of diplomacy, not just as a set of official procedures, but as a dynamic process shaped by history, power, and culture. Through a mix of media, activities, and critical discussion, you'll explore how diplomacy operates, who gets to represent whom, and how these questions have been debated from traditional realist thinkers to contemporary voices. This week lays the groundwork for thinking critically about diplomacy in both its classical and evolving forms.

Success and failure in Diplomacy

What makes diplomacy succeed or fail? This week invites you to explore the delicate balance between vision and compromise, process and power. You'll examine how diplomats navigate high-stakes negotiations, and what happens when dialogue breaks down or goals collide. Drawing on both historical case studies and contemporary global efforts, you’ll reflect on the strategic, political, and human dimensions that shape diplomatic outcomes. From post-war peacebuilding to environmental agreements, the week offers a chance to consider not only how success is defined, but who gets to define it and at what cost.

The Qualities of a 'Good' Diplomat

What kind of person becomes a successful diplomat? This week explores the human qualities and professional competencies that underpin effective diplomacy. Drawing on reflections from career diplomats and national perspectives, you’ll consider what it means to represent a country with credibility, skill, and integrity. Through readings, discussions, and case-based insights, you’ll reflect on the balance between personal attributes, institutional expectations, and cultural adaptability in diplomatic practice. This week invites you to think critically about how diplomacy is not only something diplomats do, but something they embody.

Diplomacy in action

This week focuses on how diplomacy operates in practice, across a range of settings, from formal international institutions to public-facing cultural initiatives. You will examine how diplomacy is used to prevent conflict, influence international perceptions, and foster cooperation between nations. Through real-world case studies and reflective activities, you’ll consider the strategic decisions diplomats make, the tools they use, and the challenges they face in different cultural and political contexts. This week invites you to critically evaluate diplomacy not just as a concept, but as a set of evolving practices shaped by context, creativity, and negotiation.

Reflections and futures of Diplomacy

In this final week, you are invited to reflect on the many dimensions of diplomacy explored throughout the course. Through diverse perspectives from scholars and practitioners, you’ll revisit key themes such as what makes diplomacy succeed, how its meanings evolve across cultures, and who gets to shape its future. The materials encourage you to think critically about diplomacy’s changing role in a complex global environment and to consider your own views on where it’s heading. Whether you're curious about pursuing diplomacy as a career, exploring it academically, or simply refining your global perspective, this week offers a space to consolidate your learning and imagine what comes next.

Taught by

Dr J. Simon Rofe, SOAS, University of London

Reviews

4.3 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at Coursera based on 5601 ratings

Start your review of Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World

Amir Muhmmad Safi @safi1
1

The Global Diplomacy course is a unique offering to the MOOC environment. Bringing together cutting edge research in the broad fields of Diplomatic and International Studies, award winning distance learning delivery and the instructors previous experience of delivering a successful MOOC.
Okoro Uzoigwe Boniface
3

i really enjoyed studying on this platform and hope to start a master degree program on this platform but i need guidance on how to go about it and achieve better result that is recognized globally and also impact in my dream career.
Dritero Ajdini
2

Very helpful clearly understood what global diplomacy means lots of experience and different ways of others how they look at the globe
Arkadiusz Kłosowski
3
Karem Hatem

I very much love to study international diplomacy because it enhances communication skills with other cultures outside my country and the surrounding Arab and Muslim countries and to know how to be a professional diplomat and to be the nucleus of my access to senior management. Of course, it is a valuable and important course for anyone who wants to study in the field of international relations.
Martin Dunn
26
Teresa Tse
27