Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

This course provides graduate students with approaches to understanding the theoretical and methodological frameworks in research of International Affairs. It covers techniques to gather information and create and develop a research proposal. The course also concentrates upon defining a theme and its importance, problem identification, previous studies, hypotheses and relationships between variables and research questions, units of analysis, theoretical literature, and the fundamentals of research design and the required methodology.

This course explores international society and foreign policy, with reference to both national and supranational governments, and non-governmental organizations active in the conduct of international affairs. After an overview of game theoretic approaches and classic IR theory, participants explore constructivism and non-positivistic approaches to the subject that developed in the late twentieth century. Throughout, the aim of the course is to present the arguments for, and utility of, competing schools of thought concerning the analysis of international relations as they relate to the practice of diplomacy, while making methodological issues more precise and concrete with reference to empirical cases and foreign policy issues.

This course explores the evolution of the international system in the twentieth century and its effects in the shaping of current international affairs. The era of Empires and the dynamics of colonialism around the world open the course, which continues with the onset of the Great War (1914-1918), followed by the emerging confrontation between Fascism, Liberal Democracy and Communism. The Cold War, and the collapse of European empires follows WWII. After the study of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the course will explore new diplomatic challenges and opportunities, and the emergence of new centers of global power.

This course explores the intersection between politics and economics. It reviews the development of major economic institutions since the end of WWII in order to understand the different patterns of accumulation and the corresponding configuration of international institutions and markets in each phase of development. As such, the course examines how the architecture of international trade and finance developed through the 1960s and 1970s, with a view to understanding the implications of these structures. There is a special focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the Gulf Cooperation Council economies in the 21st century.

This course provides practitioners of diplomacy and international affairs with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to be effective international communicators. The first part of the course looks at the principles behind a communications strategy and the development of a communications plan in different contexts and media outlets. The course then proceeds to explore how to launch a communications campaign in the written and audiovisual media; how to deal with reporters, prepare press releases; and handle press conferences. Practical training involves in-class workshops on public speaking techniques, handling of interviews, use of photography and video, among others.

This course explores the political and constitutional structure of the United Arab Emirates. Topics include: general theoretical bases of constitutional systems and forms of governments; the structure of the UAE constitution; the formation of the federal system of the UAE; federal and local powers; legislative, executive, and judicial powers; the working of major ministries and federal institutions such as the Federal National Council and the judicial system. Topics covered also include checks and balances between federal and local institutions, human rights in the UAE constitutional system, and the theory of separation of powers. The course also explores the structure of major institutions dealing with monetary and trade relations at the federal and local levels.

This course examines the political, economic, and social forces involved in shaping the United Arab Emirates foreign policy. Divided into three parts, the course starts with a survey of the history of the U.A.E. foreign relations since the formation of the Union in 1971. This is followed by an examination of the role of domestic institutions, ideas, and local actors that shape the U.A.E. The final part of the course focuses on the legal structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a discussion on the UAE position vis-á-vis major international issues such as the environment, international security, energy, and human rights among others. Conducted in Arabic/English.

This course provides a graduate-level study of contemporary politics of oil by discussing the causes, dynamics, actors and implications of this global quest for oil. It begins with a review of the current oil market and then identifies the major players involved in the oil industry, including consumers/producers and governmental/non-governmental organizations. The course also focuses on the analysis of the complex relationship between oil and international politics, oil and economic development, oil and social development, as well as oil and environmental activism. It is a highly interactive course and features lively debates grounded on real-world case studies of current issues of global, regional and national interests.

This course explores the redefinition of security in the 21st century. Offering both a theoretical and policy-oriented approach, it studies traditional theories of security and security regimes, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and international terrorism. However, departing from a state centered view, the course explores threats to security derived from local and global forces such as ethnic, sectarian, and religious conflicts, global migration, transnational crime, and humanitarian crisis of natural or human origin. Could also run as Special Topics course with thematic focus on topics such as Terrorism, Failed States, Humanitarian Intervention, and Migration.

This course provides students with a graduate level understanding of the economic, political, and social problems affecting Middle Eastern countries. It begins by defining the Middle East through examining its historically continuous formation, with emphasis on the impacts of anti-colonialist movements and post-independence developments. The second part studies the impact of ideas and their translation into action, with a focus on religious, cultural, and intellectual foundations of political interactions. The third part shifts its focus to the international economic system and its impact on the Middle East. The fourth part highlights social actors and agents of change, notably youth, women, media, and civic organizations. The fifth part identifies routes to change, whether through political violence or democratization, conflict or cooperation.

This course provides a graduate level study of the history and ethnography of colonial and postcolonial African societies. Special attention is given to social and political issues affecting modern Africa. In particular the course explores the significance of social structure, kinship, and social security networks; economic systems across the continents; gender relations; ethnicity, ethnic conflicts and foreign intervention; ecology and natural resources; influence and interests of other nations, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic and other health issues.

This course is extended through two semesters. In the 1st semester, the student presents an approved research proposal, while in the 2nd semester, develops and produces an in-depth research thesis on a topic in diplomacy and international affairs, where he/she writes a comprehensive literature review, applies research methodology, and uses the appropriate data analysis technique, then defends the thesis in front of a thesis committee.

This course provides a graduate level study of contemporary Latin American politics. The course will survey major topics regarding political transformations, social changes, and economic developments in Latin America. Links between Latin America and other regions, in particular the Middle East, will be an essential part of the course.

The course in Modern Turkey will begin with an introduction to the last days of the Ottoman Empire, the First World War, and the Treaty of Sèvres, each of which will help the students to understand the establishment and development of the Modern Middle East in general. The course will move on to explore the Turkish War of Independence, the Treaty of Lausanne and the creation of the modern Republic of Turkey, which will provide the students with a foundation for understanding modern Turkey. The course will proceed to analyse the history of the Republic of Turkey from its establishment to the present and will include important aspects such as Kemalism, the politics of Turkish identity, and the tension between secularism and political Islam, all of which have played a formidable role in the direction of Turkish development. The course will also explore significant diplomatic issues such as Turkey’s application to become a member of the European Union and its role in Syria.