Diplomatic Correspondence

Introduction and meeting with the class in person

The meaning of diplomacy as an occupation, meanings of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, how is it perceived by the politicians and ordinary people, the role of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The rules and procedures to be followed to be a diplomat, the need for certain personal traits for a successful professional life in diplomacy, difficulties that newly recruited diplomats encounter, role of spouses at diplomatic life, advantages and disadvantages of being a Turkish diplomat, Features of diplomatic life, Personal traits need to be a good diplomat,

The role and function of the Embassies and Consulates abroad (ways and means for a diplomat to monitor political developments at the served country, what is a cable and its difference from ordinary reports, how to write an analysis report, the role of military, culture and trade attaches at the Embassies, how do the diplomats contribute to the public relations of their country with a special emphasis on social media, diplomatic immunities of diplomats at Embassies and Consulates etc.), The meaning of Letter of Credence, it’s ceremonial importance and the steps taken by the Ambassadors after the presentation of the Letter,

Types of diplomatic correspondence (Note Verbal, Note Signee, Note Circular, Diplomatic Letter, Aide Memoire, Talking Points etc.), diplomatic terminology used at diplomatic correspondence, Rules to be followed in writing official and non-official letters, Review of diplomatic letters exchanged between the Presidents, Diplomatic words used frequently at correspondence,

Analysis of international terrorism aimed at Turkish diplomats between 1975-1993 Discussion topic: Documentary entitled ”Şehitlerimiz” (Our Martyrs) (45 minutes) Optional presentations (10 minutes plus QA session),

International negotiations-conferences (conditions necessary for negotiations to start, types of international negotiations, communication between delegations during negotiations, ways and means in solving problems during negotiations, negotiation strategies, cultural differences of negotiating parties etc.), Case studies of international negotiations (Cod Fish Case between Iceland and the UK, Panama Canal Case between Panama and the US),

The negotiation and diplomatic tactics applied at the Lausanne Peace treaty both by the Turkish and British Delegations, Optional presentations (10 minutes plus QA session),

Vienna Diplomatic Convention and it’s contribution to the lives’ of diplomats, The meaning of immunity brought by the Convention,

The concept of Defense Industry (with a special emphasis of Turkish Defense Ind. from a historical perspective) and its role at the international relations.

The role of the protocol and etiquette rules) both at professional and daily life of a diplomat.

Propaganda techniques used by the states (with a special emphasis on propaganda methods used by the US government during the war in Iraq),

(Part 1) Presentation of small groups on the topics to be chosen (the presenters are expected to answer the questions posed by the class). Topics are expected to be analyzed taking diplomatic strategies followed by parties into consideration. The topics are as follows -Analysis of Turkish-Greek relations, -Cyprus issue, -Türkiye’s NATO membership, -Impact of Montreaux system on Turkish foreign policy, -Accession of Hatay to Türkiye, -Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, -The war in Ukraine, -The war in Syria, -Analysis of Arab-Israeli conflicts -Far right movements in Europe -Henry Kissinger’s impact on the international relations at global level, -Importance of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for the Middle Eastern peace Additional topics are welcomed following a brief discussion with the Professor.

(Part 2) Continuation of Week 12, presentations

Wrap up, summary, Q&A. **All issues in this syllabus are subject to change during the semester by the instructor, although none expected at this time.**