OADI 2395 - Designing foreign policy: a practical perspective on the UK's approach (New Course)

***UPDATED for 2024/25***

This course will immerse students in the reality of contemporary diplomacy and the delivery of foreign policy from a UK perspective: from policy inception at headquarters to delivery in frontline bilateral and multilateral posts overseas. Taught by a serving senior British diplomat, the course will focus on both skills and policy content. First, the course will explore the range of skills involved in top-level diplomacy and provide a practical perspective on the UK's approach to making and delivering its foreign policy. This will include skills such as strategic communications and crisis management; how to write in a diplomatic setting; oral communication with Ministers; negotiation and influencing skills; and leadership.

Second, the course will explore the evolution of modern British foreign policy including relations with Europe, the Middle East, the Transatlantic relationship and relations with Russia and Ukraine. The course will also explore current thematic priorities such as illegal migration or soft power. The course will involve engaging in case studies and simulations, giving students insights into decision-making at the highest levels in a government or an international organisation, drawing on the UK's approach.

This will be a practical course. Students will emerge better prepared for a future career as a diplomat, equipped with insider insights. However, the skills and knowledge acquired will be equally valuable whatever future career students choose to pursue beyond Sciences Po. Students will be actively involved in discussions in class, preparing presentations, simulations and submitting policy papers. The course involves ongoing active participation by students!

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a range of skills and knowledge relevant to success in a diplomatic career, from a UK perspective

2. Explore case studies to gain personal insights key themes of UK foreign policy

3. Experience foreign policy decision-making and negotiating at first hand

Professional Skills

- Developing written communication skills by drafting diplomatic reporting and policy advice

- Developing oral communication skills by negotiating and presenting a case

- Develop skills in strategic communications and crisis management

Benjamin SAOUL

Séminaire

English

- In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

- Reading and Preparation for Class: 1 hour a week / 12 hours a semester

- Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1 hour a week / 12 hours a semester

- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

N/A

Spring 2024-2025

Students are expected to:

Read and prepare texts or articles prior to discussion in class.

Participate actively in discussions during the class (10%)

Groupwork / negotiations / simulations (40%)

Two policy papers (50%), one shorter (800 words approx.) one longer (2,000 words approx)

The course will be practical and interactive in nature: while there will be some taught content, students' questions, presentations and contributions are an essential part of the learning. There will therefore be continuous feedback to students from the instructor and from each other. Students will be asked to read background material ahead of class – material will generally be drawn from biographies and autobiographies from senior diplomats and politicians.

Students will also be expected to prepare for simulations which will take place in class, with feedback from other students and the instructor. Students will regularly work in groups to prepare their projects in parallel to the class, and there will be opportunities for teamwork during the classes as well. There will be role plays to help develop the skills needed in diplomacy.