Module manager: Rachel Lin
Email: Y.R.Lin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
N/A
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
How has diplomacy been used to address key global challenges such as war, mass migration, terrorism, and the climate crisis? What forms of diplomacy are successful, and who takes part in diplomatic activities? This module uses chronologically arranged historical case studies drawn from the Global South and North, and the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, to trace how and with what consequences diplomacy has evolved. Case studies may include Cold War interventions, the Middle Eastern conflict, humanitarianism, and transnational activism.
The module introduces you to the roles diplomacy has played in international affairs in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, reconsidering what forms of diplomacy were practiced and by whom. It begins with a conceptual discussion of what constitutes diplomacy, how it was understood in the past, and how understandings of the term have changed and broadened over time. Subsequently, through a series of historical and contemporary case studies, the module examines how different forms of diplomacy were attempted, to what extent they were effective, and how far different diplomatic approaches interacted with one another. Themes examined may include the diversification of diplomatic practices through sporting and cultural activities, NGOs, green diplomacy, and South-South solidarities, alongside more traditional forms of diplomacy between state diplomats and foreign ministries.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically assess narratives surrounding the role of diplomacy and diplomatic interventions
2. Identify and analyse the role of a variety of diplomatic actors and actions.
3. Evaluate and appraise diplomatic practices in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries with concrete historical examples and case studies.
4. Engage with the most recent literature on diplomacy in a critical and nuanced manner.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Assess constructively different arguments and evidence, using evidence to form arguments and ideas.
6. Present complex arguments and ideas, both in written and spoken form.
7. Search, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 280 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
In order to help prepare for the book review you will receive written feedback on a plan (which will include the identification of other texts relevant to the book being reviewed). To familiarise you with the book review format, we will read and discuss book reviews and h-diplo roundtables during the seminars. You will receive written feedback on their book reviews so that you can implement any lessons learned in their end-of-module essay.
You will also have the opportunity to meet with your tutor for one-to-one meetings to get feedback on your approach to each assignment prior to the deadlines.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Coursework | Book review | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team