The art of diplomacy has evolved. In an age where 280 characters from a world leader on Twitter can give a green light to foreign military action or move markets, there is no denying that the classic notions of diplomacy – backroom handshakes between decades-long counterparts with a tinge of cigar in the air – no longer reflect reality.
What has taken its place is a modern, multi-level and multi-faceted approach that encompasses all the tools of the international and interconnected global sphere. Effective diplomacy now relies on the ability of a government to engage on numerous fronts and in numerous departments.
The 2021 School of Modern Diplomacy is being organised by UNU-CRIS and the Vienna School of International Studies in collaboration with Department of Foreign Affairs of Flanders, Ghent University, and the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG/VUB). The aim is to present the most comprehensive, in-depth analysis of and training in modern diplomacy, gaining insights from practitioners, academics, and policymakers at the forefront of their fields and operating at the highest levels, on the different facets of modern diplomacy and how they are being employed the world over to shape ideas, discussion and the world we live in.
The programme will be run virtually from 23 August to 03 September 2021, with morning sessions providing an academic foundation followed by practical sessions in the afternoon and discussion sessions at the end of each day.
The target audience is primarily those in the diplomatic service (or with aspirations to do so), policymakers, and academics. Applicants must hold at least a master's degree. The programme will be conducted in English.
The tuition fee for the 2021 School of Modern Diplomacy is €1000. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling, first-come first-served basis until 14 August.
For more information, see the School of Modern Diplomacy 2021 announcement on the UNU-CRIS website.
