UNC8001 - Introduction to Diplomacy

• Offered for Year: 2026/27

• Module Leader(s): Dr Myriem El Maizi
• Owning School: School of Modern Languages
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Aims

This module provides a foundational understanding of diplomacy and its role in international relations while also exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on diplomatic practices. Delivered in a blended format, it combines in-person academic immersion with interactive online learning sessions guided by experienced UN professionals and practitioners. The module is designed to bridge traditional diplomatic theory with contemporary digital advancements, equipping students with a well-rounded, future-focused skillset.

Outline Of Syllabus

The three-day block sessions will cover the following:

• History and Evolution of Diplomatic Practice

Students examine the origins of diplomacy, from early bilateral treaties and emissaries to modern multilateral negotiations. Emphasis is placed on key moments that shaped diplomacy, such as the Congress of Vienna, the creation of the League of Nations, and the post-World War II multilateral order. This topic encourages students to reflect on the shifting nature of diplomatic power and the enduring principles of sovereignty, representation, and international dialogue.

• Understanding the UN System

An in-depth look at the structure, principles, and primary functions of the United Nations and its affiliated agencies. Students explore how diplomacy is carried out within and through the UN framework, including peacekeeping missions, development goals, humanitarian coordination, and normative agenda-setting. The topic provides the tools to navigate and understand the multilateral machinery and appreciate its influence on global governance.

• Tools and Techniques for Diplomatic Communication

Participants learn the fundamentals of drafting diplomatic notes, delivering interventions, and applying protocol in formal communications. Real-world examples and simulations are used to practice concise, respectful, and effective language, with a focus on multicultural sensitivity and the strategic use of tone and body language. This topic also prepares students to act as intermediaries and communicators in multilingual settings.

• Global Diplomacy

This section covers both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, highlighting the rise of soft power and the importance of cultural diplomacy. Students explore how countries use national branding, cultural influence, and public engagement to achieve strategic objectives. The module also introduces key geopolitical trends and the lexicon of diplomacy used in high-level negotiations.

The weekly webinars will focus on the following:

• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diplomacy

This topic introduces students to current and potential applications of AI in international relations, from AI-assisted negotiations to data-driven foreign policy analysis. Real case studies demonstrate how AI is influencing decision-making, policy forecasting, and crisis response mechanisms.

• State of Affairs: AI Tools in Conferences

Participants assess how AI tools like automated interpretation, real-time speech recognition, and sentiment analysis are transforming diplomatic events and conferences. The topic includes a handson component in which students evaluate and compare various AI platforms used in international forums.

• Ethical Considerations of AI in International Relations

Students are introduced to the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, including algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and accountability in decision-making. This topic encourages critical thinking about the governance of AI in diplomacy, emphasizing the role of international institutions in setting norms and regulatory frameworks.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The 3-day in-person block teaching on the Newcastle campus will comprise of lectures and workshops to provide students with a foundational understanding of diplomacy and its role in international relations. Lectures will introduce students to the key concepts and debates relevant to understanding the functions and purposes of diplomatic practices found within the international political sphere. This will provide the basis for self-directed study and workshop discussion. The weekly webinars will explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on diplomatic practices via interactive online learning sessions. The in-person workshops and the webinars will provide an environment in which students can explore and deepen their understanding of the topics and issues raised in lectures and readings through discussion. They will also provide the context in which students will develop many of
the learning skills outcomes associated with the module.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Component	Length	Semester	When Set	Percentage	Comment
Written Examination 1	90	1	A	70	N/A

Other Assessment

The unseen written examination will comprise of 4 to 5 essay questions which will test the students' knowledge and understanding of the module content addressed during the 3-day block learning sessions (History and Evolution of Diplomatic Practice / Understanding the UN System / Tools and Techniques for Diplomatic Communication / Global Diplomacy). The unseen multiple choice assessment will assess students' knowledge and understanding relating to the content addressed over the course of the weekly webinars (Diplomacy and AI).

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/