The Art of Diplomacy

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

Whether it be international public policy engagement, conflict negotiations or sensitive bilateral engagement, the most important diplomacy efforts often take place behind closed doors, in private, and often, over fine food and wine. It is the formal, or informal meal, that allows even the most challenging counter-parties to “break bread” and find a path forward. In many ways, the “art of diplomacy” is the meal – or even the reception – that allows for key dialogue that brings parties together. This special 1.5 credit, pass/fail class will explore this key diplomatic feature, through the diplomats who leverage it, every day. Taking advantage of the policy, international, security and diplomatic backgrounds of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium and a Georgetown alum and adjunct professor who served as United Nations war crimes prosecutor-turned White House Fellow and World Bank official and UNESCO advisor (and who is now focused on private diplomacy efforts), this course will be conducted in the Embassies and Ambassadorial Residences of Washington, bringing together two co-professors, as they co-host seven dinners over the course of the semester, with various Ambassadors in Washington, for ten master’s degree students at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy and School of Foreign Service. Focused on Public Policy and Diplomacy, this paper course will prepare students to resolve conflict and build bridges, with an emphasis on negotiation, mediation and facilitation. Building on Georgetown’s commitment to social justice, this course will explore some of the most challenging issues that countries and governments face, from complex public policy issues, political prisoners and hostage situations, to cultural diplomacy and military-security engagement. Over the course of the semester – and over diplomatic dinners with some of the leading Ambassadors in the world – this course will underscore Georgetown’s motto – Utraque Unum – and its desire to “drive to reconcile, to use conflict as an opportunity to bring together diverse points of view and create greater strength through understanding.” This course meets over seven weeks (as described above), understanding that meeting dates will likely shift, based upon the schedules of various Ambassador-hosts. This course will allow students to draft a paper, focused on the class topic. Please note that the class will be PASS/FAIL only.