International Pilot Student Training Module
Venue: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (Kardeljeva ploščad 5, Ljubljana, SI)
Time: 26 February–1 March 2024
Participating Universities:
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Milan (Italy)
- Istanbul Commerce University (Turkey)
- Istanbul University (Turkey)
- University of Bucharest (Romania)
- University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- University of Tartu (Estonia)
Credits: The University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences recognizes the study load of the completed pilot programme equivalent to 3 ECTS. The mentioned scope of activities is in accordance with Article 123 of the Statute of the University of Ljubljana (ECTS).
Goal: This one-week intensive module offers students from 6 European universities that are part of the DD-Tech consortium the opportunity to explore the fundamental puzzles of contemporary diplomacy in digital contexts under the guidance of experts from both the academia and diplomatic circles.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the basic advancements in digital technology and how they impact diplomacy
- Understand the differences between traditional and digital diplomacy (including the advantages and deficiencies of each)
- Understand how digital diplomacy is incorporated in contemporary diplomatic work
- Identify the milestones in the evolution of digital diplomacy
- Recognize the main features of digital diplomacy
- Critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges created by digital technology in terms of democracy and governance and the related role of digital diplomacy
Evaluation: Self-assessment quizzes after each topic and a final team project to be presented at the end of the program.
Instructors: Teaching staff from 6 partner universities, as well as guests from diplomatic circles and representatives of the digital technology industry
Special keynote: dr. Ilan Manor, a digital diplomacy scholar at the University of Oxford
Funding: Participation costs for students attending the mobility are covered by the project. The selection process and funding of the mobility are managed by each participating university for its own students and teaching staff.
ACADEMIC TRAINING TOPICS
Each topic includes a theoretical and conceptual introduction followed by a series of practical individual and team exercises.
1. New Types and Features of Diplomacy
Introduction to the basics of contemporary diplomatic work in historical, institutional, political, economic and socio-cultural contexts. This section presents how, when and under which conditions modern diplomatic activities have developed, and what are the features and forms of modern diplomacy. It specifically introduces the definition and outlines the main features of digital diplomacy.
2. Shaping the Future: Trending Technologies
Introduction to the basics of contemporary technologies that have a significant social, economic and political impact, with a focus on the new trends in technology such as big data analysis, cyber world, blockchain, Open Innovation 2.0, artificial intelligence, augmentative reality, social media analysis and ICTs.
3. Innovation, Digitalization and Digital Culture
Presentation of the contemporary nexus between innovation, digitalization and digital culture, as well as the challenges and opportunities that derive from it. Special attention is given to the use of technology and innovation in addressing common global problems (also for specific sectors). The role of digital literacy and digital diplomacy in this process is particularly highlighted.
4. Digital Diplomacy Governance and Transformation of Institutions
Exploration of the dynamics of contemporary global governance, as well as its relation to digitalization and digital diplomacy. The lectures introduce the major concepts and debates on global governance in the context of digitalization. The impact of institutional and normative change sparked by digitalization on (digital) diplomacy is also addressed.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
- A guest lecture by prof. dr. Milan Jazbec, former Ambassador to Turkey and North Macedonia (28 February 2024)
- A workshop on the perils and issues of Digital Diplomacy (tbc)
- A guest lecture by dr. Ilan Manor (University of Oxford)
- A guided tour of the Slovenian Parliament
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
MONDAY, 26 February 2024
10.00–10.30 Registration
10.30–11.45 Welcome address
12.00–16.30 Training (coffee breaks and lunch on site)
18.30–20.00 Special evening session – guest lecture
TUESDAY, 27 February 2024
9.00–16.15 Training (coffee breaks and lunch on site)
18.30–20.00 Special evening session – guest lecture
WEDNESDAY, 28 February 2024
9.00–14.00 Training (coffee breaks and lunch on site)
14.00–20.00 Preparation of student presentations (work in groups)
THURSDAY, 29 February 2024
9.00–12.00 Preparation of student presentations (work in groups; coffee breaks and lunch on site)
14.00–16.00 Guided tour of the Slovenian Parliament
16.00–20.00 Preparation of student presentations (work in groups)
FRIDAY, 1 March 2024
9.00–12.30 Team presentations
12.30–14.00 Farewell lunch
About the host institution: Faculty of Social Sciences (University of Ljubljana) is Slovenia’s largest interdisciplinary public institution for education and research in social sciences. It boasts an in-house research institute, a central social sciences library and a publishing house; and develops a range of disciplines – including international relations. Its Centre of International Relations (CIR) conducts research in the fields of international relations, international economics and international business, politics of international law, diplomacy and human rights, international organisations, and European integration. You can connect with CIR on Linkedin or follow its activities on its website.
The module is developed as part of the Digital Diplomacy: Building the Common Future with Technology (DD-Tech) project, which is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, KA203 Cooperation partnerships in higher education.