OADI 2255 - Carrots and Sticks: humanitarian and political diplomacy in action (Lecture)

***UPDATED for 2026/27***

Building on an in-depth analysis of real life and on first hand case studies, the course aims to:

• Explain the background, root causes of some of the major crises affecting the international community in the last 45 years;
• Provide students with some necessary tools needed to advance effective negotiations;
• Understand the complexity of international crises, how to try to defuse them and to limit their effects on people.
• The course will also touch on the analysis of current geopolitical conflicts.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop concrete skills to analyze complex geopolitical and humanitarian crises and identify their core causes;
• Learn how to negotiate in conflictual international environments and use creative problem-solving techniques;
• Develop a team spirit approach in tackling diplomatic negotiations while proposing ‘out of the box’ options;
• Learn and develop public speaking skills and techniques in the context of official diplomatic events or press conferences;
• Understand procedures, skills and techniques in order to successfully compete for international positions.

Professional Skills

➢ Develop negotiation strategies and skills.

➢ Develop your ability to predict and interpret the behavior of those you face in crisis situations.

➢ Test and develop your communication skills.

• Students will be regularly stimulated during the lessons: they will have to engage in teamwork and to present case studies of operational negotiations based on real cases presented by the teacher;
• Students will also be asked to engage in a process based on ‘diplomacy today’: a group of students will be asked to present a current diplomatic event/issue/crisis, then the other students will review it and discuss with the assistance and the teacher the possible options for a solution and expected outcomes.

• Participation 10%
• Oral team presentation 40%
• Final take-home exam 50%

In Class Presence: 24 hours a semester