Digital Public Diplomacy online course
The digital revolution, especially social media, has radically changed the ways governments engage with foreign publics.
A new form of interaction has emerged between governments and the public in the international arena, influenced by factors such as:
- The digital revolution and the arrival of AI
- The rise of social media platforms and influencers
- Greater global competition, affecting multilateral diplomatic collaboration
- Globalisation
With unprecedented public interest in foreign affairs, citizens are demanding greater scrutiny of diplomacy, and governments are obliged to respond by providing information about the policies they pursue and the results that they achieve. At the same time, governments are engaging with foreign citizens online, particularly through social media.
This course explores the essentials of digital public diplomacy, highlighting how social media and AI shape governments’ strategies for engaging with foreign audiences, and illustrating these through case studies.
What will you learn?
- What digital public diplomacy looks like in practice – its key features, tasks, and methods
- How to identify and apply digital tools and methods for public diplomacy purposes
- How to harness digital technology, including AI
- How to design and implement digital strategies for public diplomacy activities
Course lecturers
Rodrigo Márquez Lartigue
Mexican diplomat
Katarina Bojović
Director of Digital Diplomacy, Diplo
Who should apply
- Practising diplomats, civil servants, and others working in international relations
- Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing to gain deeper insight through interaction with practising diplomats
- Postgraduate students or practitioners in other fields seeking an entry point into the world of diplomacy
- Journalists, staff of international and non-governmental organisations, translators, business people, and others who wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics
Overview
The course consists of 4 modules:
- The digitalisation of public diplomacy. This module introduces the concept and evolution of digital public diplomacy. It explores how globalisation and the digital revolution have reshaped diplomatic practices, highlighting the new roles, tools, and expectations that governments face when engaging with international publics.
- Public diplomacy and social media. This module examines the role of social media platforms and influencers in shaping diplomatic communication. It analyses both the opportunities and the risks of direct engagement with foreign audiences, offering practical insights into how governments inform, persuade, and build trust in the digital arena.
- AI and public diplomacy. This module investigates the growing impact of AI on public diplomacy. It considers AI-driven communication, data analysis, and audience targeting, with attention to the rise of generative AI. Ethical and strategic concerns are addressed, equipping participants with the knowledge to evaluate and apply AI tools responsibly in diplomatic practice.
- Digital public diplomacy strategies and challenges. This module focuses on designing and implementing effective digital public diplomacy strategies. It examines planning processes, success factors, and case studies, while addressing challenges such as misinformation and increasing global competition.
Need more info:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street
Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
+356 21 333 323;[email protected]
Methodology
The course will last for a total of 5 weeks, structured as follows:
- 1 week split between the course introduction and the wrap-up
- 4 weeks dedicated to addressing the course topics individually
The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a four-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:
- Asynchronous interaction, using a custom-developed commenting tool
- Synchronous interaction, through live class meetings held in real time
Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as practical exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.
To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.
Course materials and the necessary tools for online interaction and course tasks are provided in a virtual classroom.
Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.
To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.
Studying online with Diplo Academy
Prerequisites
- Regular internet access
- An undergraduate university degree, OR 3 years of work experience, and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
- Sufficient English language proficiency to undertake postgraduate-level studies
Fees and scholarships
The fee for this course is €500.
- Diplo alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on the course fee.
- A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and professionals working in international relations from developing countries.
- Group discounts are available for multiple participants from the same institution.
Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.
How to apply
Fill out the short form to begin your application process for this course.
Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:
- Details of your relevant professional and educational background
- Your reasons for applying to the course
- Why you believe you should be offered the opportunity to participate, and how your participation would benefit you, your institution, and/or your country
Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.
Cancellation policy
A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.
Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.