This course provides students with an opportunity to learn about multilateral diplomacy as practiced within international organizations such as the United Nations. It does so through a combination of lectures, readings, and diplomatic role-play.

The course begins with a series of lectures and readings designed to explain the background, structure, issues addressed, and political process of the United Nations. The second part of the course requires students to explore multilateral diplomacy by taking part in a simulated UN General Assembly in which each student role-plays the ambassador of a different member state. Students will prepare for the simulation by researching the background and issue-positions of their country and by preparing White Papers outlining, among other things, how they propose to deal with four particular international issues. Over the course of several weeks, they will replicate the process of multilateral diplomacy to frame resolutions addressing these issues.

Prerequisites:  None