DWA 295 Topics in Diplomacy and World Affairs
Topics vary semester to semester.
Diplomacy in Practice: Skills for International Careers
This course introduces practical skills for international careers in government, business, international organizations, and the nonprofit sector. Students examine how practitioners analyze political and cultural environments, understand the interests and constraints of other actors, communicate effectively with counterparts and senior policymakers, negotiate agreements, build coalitions, and make sound recommendations when there is no perfect policy choice. Through readings, case studies, writing assignments, and simulations, students learn how embassies operate; how domestic politics, culture, and institutions shape policy and negotiating positions; and how governments and other actors use strategic communication, economic tools, coercion, and other forms of influence. Students apply these skills to increasingly complex international problems, culminating in crisis management and policy briefing exercises.
A World Without War
The seminar will begin by examining various theories and explanations for the reasons of war. Are wars inevitable? What are the basic differences between wars in pre-modern and in modern times? Are rising powers or rivals destined to clash at some point, with devastating consequences for both sides and beyond? How can one minimize the chances that wars “break out”? Can diplomacy help to prevent wars? What is the role of mediators or supra-national organizations? What characterizes good, effective peace negotiations? In order to answer these questions or at least shed significant light on them, we will look at some major junctions in world history and study the concepts which have been developed to secure peace.