This course provides a comprehensive examination of best practices in international relations and diplomatic protocol, with a strong focus on soft power and various schools of international relations. It addresses the negative dimensions of diplomacy, particularly the use of diplomatic channels for espionage and other threats to national security. Combining academic theory with practical training, the course prepares professionals to excel in this complex and evolving field.

Course Modules:

1. Historical Overview: An introduction to ancient and modern diplomatic and consular history.
2. Terminology & Concepts: Clear definitions of key terms, including "diplomat," "diplomacy," "consular," and other essential concepts in diplomatic and consular affairs.
3. Establishment of Physical Missions: Mechanisms for establishing the physical infrastructure of embassies and consulates.
4. Mission Personnel & Hierarchy: Human resource composition, ranks, and diplomatic hierarchies within embassies and consulates.
5. Diplomatic Corps & Ranks: The structure of the diplomatic corps and the ranking of mission members.
6. Attachés & Mission Dynamics: Military attachés and other specialized personnel, including their operational relationships within diplomatic missions.
7. Diplomatic Life & Families: The diplomatic life and status of the families of mission staff.
8. Credentials & Accreditation: Letters of Agreement (Demande d'Agrément) and Letters of Credence (Lettres de Créance).
9. Appointment Mechanisms: Procedures for selecting heads of mission, comparing diplomatic and consular protocols.
10. Immunities & Privileges: Comprehensive analysis of diplomatic immunities and privileges compared to those of consular personnel.
11. Security & Military Attachés: The operational link between military attachés and consular security affairs.
12. Termination of Representation: Mechanisms for ending diplomatic and consular representation.
13. The Adverse Side of Diplomacy: The intersection of diplomacy with espionage, intelligence gathering, and national security threats.
14. Essential Terminology: Specialized terminology critical to daily diplomatic operations.

Duration: 70 training hours distributed over 4 weeks.

Target Capacity: 30 participants.

Instructional Team: Delivered by specialized academic faculty in diplomatic relations, alongside a select panel of experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.