OADI 2165 - Advancing National Interest in International Relations

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

Diplomacy is a privileged form of human communication, which has been developed since pre-literate times out of the need to regulate emerging between peoples, demarcate hunting grounds, conduct trade, and resolve disputes. The development of international relations shows that communication remains the primary task of diplomacy. It is expressed in the gestures and formulas of diplomatic protocol, help to gather information, process it analytically and report on it in order to influence the foreign policy of one's own country, in public diplomacy activities, which are no longer aimed at governments but at civil society in general, in order to create a positive image of the country, to protect its interests and fellow citizens.

Diplomacy being knowledge-based profession, benefits even more from the experience of practitioners. Diplomatic practice allows you to familiarize yourself with a series of techniques and working methods that should complement and enhance your individual, social, analytical and communication skills. Technically, it is much easier to represent a powerful and established state. On the other hand, it takes more skill for a diplomat to represent a lesser-known and less influential country, and it is on this point that we will focus. An ambassador from such a country with limited capacity or a weakened image must generate sympathy and understanding, build trust and develop skills of persuasion and influence. He or she must be able to create an image of his or her own country or, if necessary, change it for the better, reaching the widest possible public opinion. He must be able to achieve several points of balance. To be credible, he or she must display the common characteristics of the diplomatic corps; be authentic but emphasizing specificity of his or her own country enriched by a personal touch. Commitment to identity means appreciating one's roots while consciously looking to the future it is building, inspiring confidence and demonstrating creativity. Understanding the host country in order to explain it in one's own country and vice versa, being able to convince people in favor of one's own country. Being able to manage emotions according to the interests of the country. To be well prepared, but also not to be afraid to improvise and use this to your advantage. In short, to remain authentic and effective in the complex world of modern technology and virtual reality.

Lectures are mainly based on the personal experiences of Ambassador Tomasz Orlowski, who has spent over 30 years in the diplomatic service, mainly in bilateral diplomacy which he currently continues as Poland's ambassador to Morocco. There is a mix of practical and theoretical knowledge to enhance the unique practice of running a diplomatic mission.

Learning Outcomes

• Art of tact
• Analytical skills
• Active listening
• Communication skills
• Persuasion knowledge

Professional Skills

Political reporting, organization of event or mission, country image building, successful campaign preparation.

Nothing special. General interest for contemporary world and international interactions.

Lectures are designed to introduce the entire scope of the subject and discuss its basic concepts and applied terms in an interactive format, followed by practical exercises in its application (individual presentation). They do not refer to current problems of international politics, although they may technically refer to it as an illustration. Students prepare three individual homework assignments during the semester which relate to information gathering, political reporting in the form of a diplomatic telegram and a public diplomacy assignment.

Feedback to students in the form of a public discussion after the work presented in class and an individual written evaluation of the work prepared at home.

(i) Individual preparation at home of three written studies based on material discussed during classes or political news. 50%

(ii) Workshops in simulations based on cases studies, fictitious scenario or imaginary situation. 40%

(iii) Active participation in classes, participation in group discussions and case studies presentations. 10%

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 6 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 12 hours a semester