This course examines in detail a range of contemporary issues that present challenges for diplomatic practitioners and which appear to demand innovative diplomatic responses. There are an increasing number of global and regional issues which can only be managed through diplomatic processes, not through the use of force. But how best to manage these issues is exceptionally challenging. For example, the increase in violent international terrorism is putting the debate about whether diplomacy is a necessary but not sufficient management under the spotlight. Moreover, there are other types of challenges that are the result of new methods of practicing diplomacy, such as digital diplomacy and network diplomacy. Into the mix, the increasing networks of state-based diplomats and non-state actors, raise questions about the exact nature of diplomatic challenges from the perspective of the different players.
These challenges raise practical and intellectual questions. For example, in a globalising and interdependent world exactly what comprises states’ interests and who decides – how do the representatives of the state, the state-based diplomats, attempt to reconcile their state’s national interests around issues that require collective action. What does sovereignty mean today and how do state-based diplomats and non-state actors frame and negotiate sovereignty? How are global and regional multilateral institutions and regimes negotiated and in whose interests and values? Is international law or politics the structure that directs diplomatic agency and practice? Does the analysis of diplomatic practices concerned with contemporary diplomatic challenges provide generalisations that inform a theory of practice?
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Recognise, analyse and explain why particular frames, or cognitive maps, such as those based on legal, ethical, economic, socio-cultural, political or security factors, are adopted and others rejected by different diplomatic actors involved in contemporary diplomatic challenges.
- Evaluate the extent to which the responses of different diplomatic actors to diplomatic challenges are explained by such factors as norms based on law and justice or interests based on power and sovereignty.
- Analyse and evaluate the practices of state-based and non-state actors in managing diplomatic challenges and explain whether or not an examination of these practices informs a critical reading of theoretical propositions in academic literatures.
- Explain the nature of contemporary diplomatic challenges, including those in the Asia-Pacific, and design diplomatic strategies for managing them.
Indicative Assessment
- 1,000 word essay (25) [LO 1,2]
- 2,000 word essay (35) [LO 3,4]
- Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
10 Hours per week over 12 weeks, comprising 2 hours of seminar attendance and 8 hours of self study
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
A compilation of prescribed readings will be distributed to students at the beginning of the semester.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4177 | 20 Feb 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | 26 May 2023 | In Person | View |
