KINT 4055 - Advocacy, Influence and Strategic Communication in Global Affairs

This course equips students with the strategic communication and advocacy skills needed to influence policy and public discourse in global affairs. Through case studies, simulations, and campaign design exercises, students develop expertise in stakeholder mapping, digital campaigning, narrative framing, coalition building, and persuasive public speaking, and speechwriting. Drawing on examples from international advocacy movements, media campaigns, and global governance institutions, the course emphasises experiential and practice-oriented learning to help students design impactful communication strategies across diplomacy, civil society, international organisations and international policy environments.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to analyse the role of advocacy, strategic communication, and narrative power in shaping policy outcomes within global governance systems.
• Students will be able to identify and assess stakeholders, power dynamics, and leverage points in international policy and advocacy environments.
• Students will be able to design evidence-based advocacy and communication strategies that integrate coalition building, media engagement, and digital tools.
• Students will be able to develop persuasive speeches, narratives, and messaging tailored to diplomatic, governmental, civil society, and public audiences.
• Students will be equipped to write and deliver persuasive speeches tailored to their target audiences.

Professional Skills

Strategic advocacy and campaign design

Stakeholder mapping and coalition building

Digital communication and advocacy strategy

Public speaking and persuasive communication

Speechwriting and narrative framing

Media engagement and messaging strategy

Policy communication and public affairs

Leadership communication in international and multicultural contexts

Presentation and pitching skills

Team-based project design and collaborative problem-solving

Translating complex policy issues into accessible public narratives

No prerequisites.

Interactive seminars combining case studies, simulations, campaign design and public speaking and writing workshops, and peer learning. Students receive continuous oral feedback during class activities, structured peer review, and written feedback on individual and group assignments throughout the semester. Each class will involve regular oral feedback on the in-class simulations and exercises. Digital office hours will be made available during the semester for students to discuss any issues of understanding with the content of the course. Information on all assignments will be distributed in writing as well as discussed orally, allowing students to seek clarification on any issues.

Active learning: Simulations, role-playing, campaign design exercises, and peer feedback

Blended format: In-class lectures + media analysis + digital exercises + project work + peer feedback and collaborative project development

Practice-driven: Challenges inspired by real-world diplomacy, human rights, and governance contexts

Interdisciplinary: Accessible to students from international relations, law, journalism, and public policy

• Class participation (15%): This grade reflects students' active participation during the in-class discussions throughout the semester.
• Group work and participation in simulations (40%): During the semester students will take part in a number of simulations. Students are expected to participate in classes, prepare for their roles and participate in peer review feedback.
• Individual work (45%): For the final assignment students will either a) create and present a communications strategy b) write and present a self-written speech. The choice and topic of assignment should be agreed with the instructor in advance.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 1.5 hours a week / 18 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2-3 hours a week / 30 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2-3 hours a week / 30 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2-3 hours a week / 30 hours a semester