Foundations and practices of diplomacy
This course presents the foundations and practices of diplomatic activity in different regional contexts, with a thematic focus, for the 2026 edition, on political and strategic issues in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific. It will also familiarize students with the singularities of Taiwanese cultural and scientific diplomacy, and provide an insight into the ways in which relations between the island and its partners have intensified despite the absence of formal recognition of sovereignty.
Students will learn about decision-making circuits, political and legal frameworks and diplomatic practices, become familiar with the different contexts - bilateral or multilateral - in which international action is conducted, and take an interest in the interactions between international law and diplomatic negotiations.
At the end of some thirty hours of classes and exchanges with French, Canadian and Taiwanese researchers and practitioners, students will be able to formulate an analysis of diplomatic processes and methods. They will be able to pinpoint the particularities of different regional practices and agendas, identify the strategies to be favored in international negotiations, and will have acquired a better understanding of the pathways to diplomatic careers in France, Canada and Taiwan.
NB: The principle language of this edition will be English.
The summer school has been implemented since 2021 as part of a partnership between Inalco and the Ecole nationale d'administration publique de Montréal (ENAP). The Taiwanese edition is organized in partnership with National Normal Taiwan University (NTNU).
Open primarily to Master's level students and above, it is open to all with a limit of 10 places per co-organizing institution.
Participation in organizational costs amounts to:
- 500 euros for Inalco students
- 1000 euros for alumni or external students
- 1200 euros for external professionals
Travel, accommodation and catering costs on site are the responsibility of participants.
Timetable
- October: opening of pre-registration and review of applications as they come in
- December 1: communication of results (main list and waiting list) and opening of registrations (deadline set for December 15); back of the queue as withdrawals occur and continued review of applications as they come in, if necessary
- December 1: communication of travel assistance decisions (Inalco students only)
- January 7: deadline for partial reimbursement of registration fees in the event of withdrawal
