Reasons Why Students Should Study International Relations and Diplomacy

We need nothing more now than individuals who are interested in the well-being of the world as a whole. Two areas that address this crucial need are International Relations and Diplomacy. They are intertwined, yet they have distinctive characteristics.

International Relations is the study of state relations with each other and with international organizations, such as bureaucracies, political parties, and interest groups, and with certain subnational entities. Points of view from other academic fields, including political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, are often taught.

Not to be confused with International Studies, which focuses on all phenomena that are globally oriented? Diplomacy is a subset of international relations that uses dialogue, negotiation and other measures other than war and violence to influence how foreign governments and individuals decide and behave. A Master of Arts in Diplomacy Studies is offered by the University of Haifa, Israel, while Seton Hall University in the US offers a JD/MA in Law and Diplomacy.

These master’s degrees will suit those who enjoy discussing current global affairs, want to make a difference, and create highly demanding unique skill sets. The world is more interconnected than ever. The government decisions of one country can have a ripple effect on the entire international community. A diplomatic tiff between China and Australia, for example, has led China to warn students to reconsider travelling to Australia to study Australian beef imports and suspend them.

Graduates will have the skills and experience to become negotiators between states to deal with the above with a degree in Diplomacy. This can take on numerous forms and roles. There are three classes of mission heads, according to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations: Accredited ambassadors or nuncios to heads of state and other heads of missions of equivalent ranks; accredited envoys, ministers and internuncios to heads of state; and accredited chargés d’affaires to foreign ministers. Here are more reasons why you should consider studying diplomacy, apart from qualifying for these interesting careers:

Studying Diplomacy stop wars

Learning abilities in these fields of study could help stop wars and solve the climate crisis. Because of global warming, our planet is deteriorating in all aspects; all countries have to work together, requiring diplomatic experts to manage these links.

Gaining skills that you can use anywhere

Most International Relations and Diplomacy programs are designed to prepare students for roles that involve communicating across a range of cultures. Classes often offer insights into intercultural theory and approaches, as such. Some of these skills include analysis, research, public speaking, and other interpersonal skills to build strong stakeholder connections.

More than just about politics

Although a degree in International Studies and Diplomacy often leads to jobs related to politics, your career options are not limited to just that. International business, military intelligence, national security, activism, and so on are other different career paths, all of which can command pretty lucrative salaries.

After their studies, many students also become diplomats to work on a wide range of topics in areas such as environmental issues, climate change, conflict resolution, technology, science, human trafficking, global health and cultural property preservation.

Teamwork creates a dream job!

Diplomacy never operates on its own. Your job is always a collaborative one, whether you are in a board room or an embassy. To achieve one major international goal, diplomats work with many agencies to connect individuals with several different skills.

Broadening your cultural opinions

You will be exposed to different cultures from all over the world, just like studying abroad. You will be required to immerse yourself in it to become a successful international diplomat. Part of the job is to master the language of another country, with its traditions and cultures. This will not only make you a global citizen; it is very fulfilling as well.

Diplomacy modules

Strategy and decision-making, which is about negotiation and policy formation, are the Diplomacy programmes’ main modules. Economic diplomacy, which is all about climate change agreement negotiations and trade negotiations, also exists. Foreign policy analysis, a theory of international relations, would be another. A research workshop and a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words would likely exist. They can be found in the private sector to coordinate charitable operations or lobby national governments for specific legislation.