Study Abroad

What is Global Diplomacy Study Abroad?

This post-Cold War era includes many conflicts between states and non-state actors. Among the many threats to global cooperation and peace, we will consider a few: the danger of nuclear proliferation by states and terror groups, globalization and trade as the financial system and markets struggle to absorb the shock of the current crisis, and concern over the promotion and protection of human rights. One important byproduct will be the chance to consider the uses and challenges of international organizations, global governance and the process of diplomacy.

As we consider the “diplomatic dance” among governments and institutions, students will gain a first-hand understanding from key players and observers. We will discuss and debate these select issues and see how diplomacy works outside the classroom. Students will return better prepared to achieve academic and career goals with a global perspective.

Programs are administered by BYU’s David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies.

Programs

• 2020: Global Diplomacy + Journalism: Explore the connections between diplomacy and media across Europe.
• 2015: Global Diplomacy Europe: Learning in London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Venice, Siena, Rome, and Paris.
• 2013: Global Diplomacy Mediterranean: Learn about the historical foundations and future trends of diplomacy and international organizations in London, Paris, Geneva, Rome, Lisbon, Marrakesh, and Barcelona.
• 2010: Global Diplomacy Europe: academic study abroad program, Spring Term in New York, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Brussels, The Hague, and Istanbul.
• 2009: Global Diplomacy Europe: short-term 12-day study program including Geneva, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria.

Global Diplomacy Europe Highlights

• Students will discover the opportunities and challenges of diplomacy where it happens, focusing on three thematic policy areas: security, economic, and social issues, specifically nuclear non-proliferation or regional conflicts (Ukraine, Syria, Iran), the global and European financial crisis, and human rights or immigration.
• Experience official negotiations at United Nations Headquarters in New York City and the Palais des Nations in Geneva—also the location of the original League of Nations—through the official non-governmental accreditation status of the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. Previous meetings included the H1N1 World Health Organization Summit and a Conference on the Global Financial Crisis.
• Western diplomacy has deep roots in France, and in Paris we will UNESCO—a body once eschewed by the United States—and the Economic Commission for Europe.
• In Vienna we explore UN City and surrounding area, a center of intrigue during the Cold War and the location of the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as one of the newest UN bodies, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization.
• International law plays a key role in understanding diplomacy. At The Hague we will learn about the International Court of Justice as well as one of the more recent additions to the global system, the International Criminal Court.
• Brussels is headquarters to the European Union, where economic and political integration forge a new type of international organization—what T.R. Reid calls, “The United States of Europe.”
• The program concludes in Istanbul, a key regional power, bridge between East and West and modern secular state where Islam is the predominant religion.
• Our format includes briefings, site visits, lectures, one-on-one interviews, meetings, and interactions with diplomats, scholars, policymakers, government officials, journalists, and businesspersons.