International Affairs and Diplomacy

This course offers a comprehensive study of the legal frameworks governing relations among states, international organizations, and global actors. Students will examine the sources of international law, state sovereignty, treaty-making, diplomatic privileges and immunities, and the mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between legal norms and political realities, exploring how international law shapes diplomacy, conflict management, and global cooperation. Through case studies, landmark decisions, and simulations, students will develop the analytical tools necessary to interpret complex legal issues and evaluate the role of law in contemporary international affairs.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical foundations and institutional structures that shape international relations and global governance. Students will examine major IR theories, the evolution of the international system, and the role of global institutions in addressing security, economic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. Key topics include multilateralism, global leadership, international regimes, and the growing influence of non-state actors. Through analytical debates and applied research, students will develop the capacity to assess global governance mechanisms and understand their impact on international stability and cooperation.

This course focuses on the applied study of geopolitical dynamics and their influence on
global power relations, territorial disputes, and strategic decision-making. Students will analyze how geography, resources, demographics, and cultural factors shape the political behavior of states and regions. Emphasis is placed on contemporary geopolitical hotspots, scenario analysis, and strategic forecasting. Through case studies, map- based exercises, and policy simulations, students will develop practical analytical skills to interpret geopolitical trends and assess their implications for diplomacy, security, and international strategy.

This course traces the historical evolution
of the international system, examining key diplomatic episodes, shifting alliances, and
major transformations from early statecraft to modern global diplomacy. Students will explore the development of foreign policy practices, the impact of revolutions and world wars, decolonization processes, and the emergence of international organizations. Emphasis is placed on understanding how historical contexts inform contemporary diplomatic challenges. Through primary-source analysis and historical case studies, students will acquire a solid foundation for interpreting current international dynamics through a long-term, historically grounded perspective.

This course explores both the conceptual foundations and practical dimensions of diplomacy in contemporary international affairs. Students will study negotiation techniques, diplomatic protocol, mediation practices, strategic communication, and crisis diplomacy. The curriculum also examines the role of embassies, consular services, multilateral diplomacy, and the increasing relevance of public diplomacy. Through simulations, scenario-based exercises, and analysis of real diplomatic cases, students will develop practical competencies in negotiation, representation, and strategic decision- making essential for diplomatic and international careers.

This course investigates the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and cyber-enabled crime. Students will analyze contemporary forms of cybercrime—including identity theft, digital fraud, hacking, and AI-driven exploitation—while exploring the technological infrastructures that enable them. The curriculum emphasizes risk assessment, cybersecurity strategies, digital forensics, and the regulatory challenges posed by autonomous systems and algorithmic threats. Through applied projects and scenario-based exercises, students will acquire practical skills to understand, detect, and mitigate cyber risks in an increasingly interconnected world.

This course provides an in-depth study of how states, international organizations, and non-state actors prepare for, respond to, and manage international crises. Students will examine crisis typologies—including geopolitical confrontations, humanitarian emergencies, financial shocks, and hybrid threats—and the strategic and institutional mechanisms used to address them. Key themes include early warning systems, negotiation under pressure, resource coordination, communication strategies, and the role of leadership in high-risk environments. Through simulations, case studies, and analytical exercises, students will develop practical skills for evaluating crises, designing response strategies, and understanding the political and ethical complexities of decision-making during periods of instability.

This course explores the legal, political, and
ethical foundations of human rights and their
role in promoting peace, justice, and global
security. Students will examine international
human rights instruments, peacebuilding theories, conflict transformation, transitional justice, and the operations of global institutions tasked with protecting human dignity. Emphasis is placed on analyzing contemporary human rights challenges— such as displacement, discrimination, gender-based violence, and digital rights violations—within broader peace-building frameworks. Through critical debates, case studies, and applied policy analyses, students will develop the analytical tools to assess human rights issues and contribute to sustainable peace initiatives in diverse contexts.

This course examines the sociological dimensions of violence, moral transgression, and radicalization processes in contemporary societies. Students will explore how cultural narratives, group dynamics, identity formation, and ideological systems contribute to acts perceived as “evil,” from individual deviance to large-scale atrocities. Key topics include extremism, radicalization pathways, charismatic authority, propaganda, and the sociopolitical conditions that facilitate extremist movements. Through theoretical debates and case-based analysis, students will develop the tools to interpret complex forms of destructive behavior and analyze strategies for prevention, deradicalization, and social resilience.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary security challenges, intelligence practices, and the evolving landscape of terrorism. Students will examine the foundations of national and international security, the structure and functions of intelligence agencies, and the methodologies used to assess threats and prevent attacks. Key topics include counterterrorism strategies, risk analysis, radicalization pathways, and the geopolitical dimensions of global security. Through case studies, scenario-based discussions, and analysis of real-world intelligence failures and successes, students will develop critical skills in strategic thinking, threat evaluation, and policy assessment.

This course explores the principles, practices, and transformative potential of restorative justice within contemporary legal and community settings. Students will study restorative models that prioritize accountability, dialogue, and the
repair of harm, examining how these approaches differ from traditional punitive systems. Key themes include victim–offender mediation, community conferencing, reintegration practices, and the ethical foundations of restorative processes. Through case studies and experiential activities, students will develop the ability to evaluate restorative initiatives, understand their psychological and social impacts, and consider their application in criminal justice policy and conflict resolution.

This course offers an in-depth study of organized crime systems and the global networks that sustain transnational mafias. Students will investigate the historical evolution, organizational structures, and economic activities of major criminal groups, with attention to illicit markets, money laundering, corruption, and the infiltration of legal economies. The curriculum also explores state responses, international cooperation, and the challenges of combating criminal enterprises operating across borders. Through comparative case analyses and interdisciplinary perspectives, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how organized crime adapts to global dynamics and influences political, economic, and social systems.