| CODE | IRL5013 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Multilateral Diplomacy | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 9 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | International Relations | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces participants to the diplomatic interaction among more than two actors, with particular emphasis on the multilateral diplomacy represented by the United Nations system. The study-unit provides an overview of all protagonists and their roles, as well as of the complex framework, intricate rules and methods of multilateral diplomacy. These challenging topics are complemented by insights into the processes leading to the adoption of documents by states within international organisations, as well the current transformations affecting the multilateral system. Using illustrative case studies, the study-unit blends an academic perspective with the experience of current practitioners of multilateral diplomacy. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Provide an overview of multilateral diplomacy from its origins through to current changes introduced by globalisation and new information and communication technologies; • Describe the roles of traditional and new stakeholders with interest and influence in multilateral organisations; • Discuss the various forums and forms of multilateral diplomacy, from the formal to the informal, identifying the rules, methods, processes and actors involved in each; • Describe the institutional framework within which multilateral diplomacy operates; • Provide examples, and analyse how multilateral diplomacy is responding to factors such as political changes, globalisation and the growing influence of the business sector and civil society. Study Topics: • Origin, Evolution and Objectives of Multilateral Diplomacy: A brief historic preface covering key events that have marked the evolution of multilateral diplomacy. We examine existing intergovernmental organisations created by treaties concluded among member countries, dealing with the increasing number of issues that need international debate, action and regulation; • Actors: Sovereign states are still the main protagonists in multilateral diplomacy, but we are currently witnessing the increased involvement of non-state actors, including non-governmental organisations, representatives of civil society and the business community; both traditional and new actors are discussed; • Framework: We examine the increasingly diverse bodies within which governments and other actors cooperate, while their responsibilities and mandates cover ever more demanding areas and new challenges; • Rules: Despite the importance of the full observance of the constitutive acts of various international organisations, including their rules of procedure, multilateral diplomacy embraces constantly new forms of interaction, thus reflecting the need for flexibility and rapid adaptability to a dynamic environment; • Methods: Nowadays only a part of the multilateral diplomatic effort takes place in formal and solemn settings. The interaction among various actors extends to a number of modalities, including informal contacts and spontaneous coalitions of the willing. We look at both formal and informal methods of multilateral diplomacy; • Process: The preparation of diplomatic events is manifold, and depends on the level at which it is undertaken: national or international, formal or informal, on substance or on procedures; • New Developments: We consider the crucial changes which globalisation has introduced into the multilateral context, including the emergence of new stakeholders with interests and resources to influence the behaviour and power of states; • ICT and Multilateral Diplomacy: The development of new information and communication technologies offers an unprecedented potential for important changes in the traditional ways and means of conducting multilateral diplomacy. The tools, their impact, and implications, are analysed. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: • Berridge, G.R. (2005). Diplomacy: Theory & Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave • Berridge, G.R. and James, A. (2012). Palgrave-Macmillan Dictionary of Diplomacy, 3rd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave • Cooper, A. F., English, J. and Thakur, R. (eds). (2002). Enhancing Global Governance. Towards a New Diplomacy? New York: United Nations University Press • Muldoon J. P. et al. (eds.). (2005). Multilateral Diplomacy and the United Nations Today, 2nd edition, Westview Press • Walker, R. (2004). Multilateral Conferences: Purposeful International Negotiation. Basingstoke: Palgrave |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Online Lecture | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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