The objective of this postgraduate level online course offered by DiploFoundation is to acquaint participants with bilateral diplomacy; one of the essential building blocks of international relations. Teaching of basic theory is combined with concrete experience resulting from the actual practice of diplomacy. The course should give participants a complete overview of the content and methods of bilateral diplomacy, with practical examples that equip them to analyse international affairs. This course is conducted entirely online, over a period of two months. Participants will receive a course orientation pack by mail prior to the course, access lecture materials online, and attend weekly online sessions with the lecturer. Successful candidates will receive a postgraduate level certificate from DiploFoundation.

 Lecturer: Ambassador KISHAN S. RANA retired as ambassador to Germany in 1995, after 35 years in the Indian Foreign Service (serving as ambassador/high commissioner in Algiers, Prague, Nairobi, and Mauritius, and consul general in San Francisco). He was a joint secretary in Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's office from 1981 to 1982. Ambassador Rana specialised in economic diplomacy, and worked initially on Chinese affairs. Since 1995 he has worked as a business advisor, assisting international and Indian companies, and taught at the Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi. He has written a study of the diplomatic process, Inside Diplomacy (October 1999), and is co-author of Managing Corporate Culture, a book on business culture in India (November 1999). His most recent publication is Bilateral Diplomacy (2002).

 Who should apply:

— Practicing diplomats or other civil servants who would like to refresh or expand their knowledge of this important topic with an experienced practitioner;

— Students of diplomacy or international relations with a particular interest in bilateral relations;

— Students or practitioners in other fields who wish to gain insight into the world of diplomacy.

 DiploFoundation is a non-profit organisation which works to assist all countries, particularly those with limited human and financial resources, to participate meaningfully in international affairs, through education and training programs, research, and the development of information and communications technologies for diplomatic activities. DiploFoundation is a leading international provider of online training and education in the field of diplomacy and international relations, with 10 years of experience.

For more information on the course, please visit http://www.diplomacy.edu/Edu/online/bilateral.asp

e-mail .

Location: online

Deadline: May 14, 2004

Website: http://www.diplomacy.edu