The primary goal of the training program is to familiarize participants with the theories and concepts of international relations, the challenges of the foreign policy of a state, and the role of diplomacy within foreign policy. Particular emphasis will naturally be placed on Romania’s foreign policy.

The course contextualizes the foreign policy and diplomacy of states in relation to the international organizations they are part of. We will focus on organizations relevant to Romania, such as the European Union, NATO, the UN, the OECD, the Council of Europe, and others.

General description of the program

The course “Foreign Policy and Diplomacy” offers a unique combination in the Romanian intellectual space, providing participants with a dynamic curriculum focused on developing a comprehensive set of transversal skills, as well as live interaction with prominent figures in foreign policy.

The course structure comprises four main modules, specially designed to facilitate a gradual transition from the general aspects of foreign policy and diplomacy to specific analytical, legislative, and institutional considerations.

• Module I: Provides an overview of the main themes, gradually introducing participants to conceptual and practical elements of the diplomatic and institutional environment.
• Module II: Enhances knowledge by highlighting both the internal architecture of Romania’s foreign policy and its contextualization through carefully selected case studies, presented by current and former diplomats.
• Module III: Focuses on developing specific skills and competencies in diplomacy and foreign policy, in which the following topics will be addressed: communication in diplomacy, the importance of persuasion, the multidimensional nature of negotiations and negotiations skills, the importance of strategic thinking and forecasting in foreign policy, and the development of related competencies.
• Module IV: Addresses major themes in the evolution of contemporary international relations, emphasizing the understanding of current global trends, cross-cutting aspects of states’ foreign policies and those of international organizations, and major changes in global governance.

The course is designed for individuals working in various fields who wish to broaden their knowledge in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international relations. It is particularly suited for those aspiring to work in diplomacy, as it serves as a training program in this area. At the same time, it caters to professionals already involved in diplomacy or foreign relations who seek to enhance their skills.

Number of Seats: 80 with a fee, plus 10 free seats allocated to employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Program Objectives

O1. Developing participants critical understanding of the principles and institutional elements that define foreign policy and diplomacy in the modern era, as well as in the current international context.

O2. Enabling participants to critically understand political developments and international relations through the specific activities of intergovernmental state actors (international organizations), and non-state actors (multinational corporations, religious institutions, international NGOs, etc.).

O3. Cultivating an intellectually open attitude among participants towards geographic, cultural, political, and socio-economic areas beyond the Euro-Atlantic space.

Lecturers

The lectures will be delivered by university professors, diplomats, representatives of the Romanian Diplomatic Institute (RDI), and experts from relevant think tanks.