This course introduces students to diplomacy as a distinct area of study. It opens by analysing classical accounts of diplomacy as consisting of a process of dialogue and negotiation between agents of the state, and proceeds to examine how processes of globalisation and fragmentation have affected the nature of diplomatic activity.
Particular attention is paid to three aspects of transnational diplomacy:
- The developments of cross-border partnerships between state and non-state actors in setting and promoting multilateral political agendas;
- The contribution of formalised ‘second-track’ diplomacy to the management of relations between states, and between state and non-state actors; and
- The involvement of professional diplomats in rebuilding disrupted states.
The course draws extensively on concrete examples to highlight recent changes in diplomatic practice, and explores political, legal and ethical questions to which the changing character of diplomacy gives rise.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse classical accounts of diplomacy as consisting of a process of dialogue and negotiation between agents of the state, and proceeds to examine how processes of globalisation and fragmentation have affected the nature of diplomatic activity:
- Examine the developments of cross-border partnerships between state and non-state actors in setting and promoting multilateral political agendas:
- Assess the contribution of formalised ‘second-track’ diplomacy to the management of relations between states, and between state and non-state actors;
- Analyse the involvement of professional diplomats in rebuilding disrupted states;
- Apply knowledge and skills in appraising concrete examples to highlight recent changes in diplomatic practice, debating political, legal and ethical questions to which the changing character of diplomacy gives rise.
Indicative Assessment
- Research Essay (1,500 words) (25) [LO 1,2]
- Major Research Essay (2,500 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Take-home exam (2,000) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6000 words of assessment or the equivalent.
Prescribed Texts
Not required
Areas of Interest
- Development Studies
- Environmental Studies
- International Relations
- Law
- Policy Studies
- Political Communication
- Political Sciences
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2445 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| 3379 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |