Magic and mystery or, more properly, a belief in the former and an acceptance of the latter, certainly play a part in diplomacy’s effectiveness, and the term has a talismanic quality. We consecrate attempts to negotiate an important agreement, achieve an interest or obtain recognition, for example, as diplomacy in the hope that this will help to secure what we want and avert what we fear. We may also identify developments that we do not want or do not like as the fruits of diplomacy as a black art, since a talisman can be used for good and bad purposes.
In both its good and its bad applications, however, we use the term diplomacy in the hope that it may help convince others and possibly ourselves that a mysterious power is at work. The question arises, therefore, is there any more to diplomacy and diplomats than this? To say they have a talismanic quality is surely to imply that there is, for there must be some reason why people think them powerful. Even magicians have their own rules and magic its accounts of how and why it works. Yet here mystery is compounded by a puzzle, for neither the diplomats nor those who study them provide much insight into how and why diplomacy works [Diplomatic Theory of International Relations- Paul Sharp 2009. Cambridge University Press]
Specialized Diplomatic Course for Foreign Service Officers
Specialized Diplomatic Course is a rigorous graduate-level programme designed for new entrants into the Foreign Service of Pakistan. The aim is to broaden the knowledge and intellect of our trainees, to promote cross-cultural understanding and to hone their analytical and public relations skills. The curriculum includes :
- Foreign Policy,
- International Law,
- International Politics,
- International Economics,
- Diplomacy and Negotiations.
The Junior Diplomatic Course (JDC) is a six-week long programme offered to foreign diplomats.
The Course aims to develop diplomatic skills of the participants through intensive curriculum in international relations and diplomacy. It includes an overview of the basic concepts and issues relevant to contemporary diplomacy, particularly from a developing world perspective. Participants of the course are also introduced to Pakistani culture and society, government and politics, as well as its economy.
During their stay in Islamabad, the participants have the opportunity to experience and study first hand, Pakistan, its people, history, cultures & cuisines as well as its prospects and potentials.
The Junior Diplomatic Course is a scholarship programme. During entirety of the course, the participants are guests of the Foreign Service Academy. Nominations for the courses are made by respective governments. The number of participants in each Course is around 35.
The Programme
The course curriculum has six major themes:
- Pakistan, International Politics,
- International Economics,
- International Organizations,
- Diplomatic Theory, Practice and Protocol and Skills Development.
Each subject in the curriculum is coordinated and delivered by course coordinators through lectures and interactive sessions. Each lecture typically comprises 60 minutes of talk followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.
Throughout the programme, we strive to promote
- communication and inter-personal skills
- stimulate team-building
- problem-solving abilities of the participants.
To acquaint them better with Pakistan, the participants are taken on orientation tours to governmental institutions, key industries, and museums, as well as historical and tourist sites in and around Islamabad. In addition, overnight visits to other cities are also organized. The Academy also facilitates interaction of the participants of the course with young Pakistani diplomats.
The Advanced Diplomatic Course (ADC) is a six-week long programme offered to foreign diplomats.
The Course aims to develop diplomatic skills of the participants through intensive curriculum in international relations and diplomacy. It includes an overview of the basic concepts and issues relevant to contemporary diplomacy, particularly from a developing world perspective. Participants of the course are also introduced to Pakistani culture and society, government and politics, as well as its economy.
During their stay in Islamabad, the participants have the opportunity to experience and study first hand, Pakistan, its people, history, cultures & cuisines as well as its prospects and potentials.
The Advanced Diplomatic Course is a scholarship programme. During entirety of the course, the participants are guests of the Foreign Service Academy. Nominations for the courses are made by respective governments. The number of participants in each Course is around 35.
The Programme
The course curriculum has six major themes:
- Pakistan,
- International Politics,
- International Economics,
- International Organizations,
- Diplomatic Theory, Practice and Protocol and Skills Development.
Each subject in the curriculum is coordinated and delivered by course coordinators through lectures and interactive sessions. Each lecture typically comprises 60 minutes of talk followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.
Throughout the programme, we strive to promote communication and inter-personal skills and stimulate team-building and problem-solving abilities of the participants. To acquaint them better with Pakistan, the participants are taken on orientation tours to governmental institutions, key industries, and museums, as well as historical and tourist sites in and around Islamabad. In addition, overnight visits to other cities are also organized. The Academy also facilitates interaction of the participants of the course with young Pakistani diplomats.
SOURCE: FOREIGN SERVICE ACADEMY
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan
