Global Structures, International Law, Theories of Diplomacy, and International Negotiations

Program Introduction

This intensive one-year program is designed for those interested in thoroughly understanding international structures and their governing laws (international law) while familiarizing themselves with theories and practices of diplomacy, international negotiations, and diplomatic law. The program has been developed by the International Alternative Theories Think Tank (with permanent consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council) and is led by Dr. Mahmoud Masaeli.

Program Objectives

• Understanding international structures and their legal frameworks
• Learning diplomacy theories in a changing world
• Becoming familiar with diplomatic law, protocol, and rules of conduct
• Understanding transitional justice processes and their application in transitional contexts

Target Audience

• Those interested in international relations and international law
• Political and civil activists interested in understanding global structures
• Students and graduates of political science, law, and international relations
• Individuals interested in diplomatic futures and activity in international institutions

Program Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with fundamental concepts of international relations (preferably)
• Relative proficiency in English (some resources and slides are presented in English)
• Access to stable internet for participation in online sessions
• Commitment to regular attendance and completion of assignments

Program Fee

The fee for this program is equivalent to $350 USD. This amount covers the costs of hiring an assistant, website maintenance, video editing, Zoom costs, and other related expenses.

Program Certificate

Participants who actively attend all classes and complete the required assignments will receive a completion certificate. This certificate can serve as evidence of academic and specialized qualifications in the field of diplomacy and international relations.

Program Structure

This program consists of four main sections, each taught by distinguished experts:

Course 1: Global Structures and International Law

Instructor: Dr. Mahmoud Masaeli

Duration: 8 weeks + 2 weeks break for assignments
Start Date: April 4, 2025

Weekly Content:

• Week 1: Nature of the International System (Westphalian system, sovereign and independent states)
• Week 2: International Legal Personality (international actors, criteria for state formation)
• Week 3: Sources of International Law (hierarchy of laws, treaties, customary law)
• Week 4: Break and assignments
• Week 5: Law of Treaties (Vienna Convention, components of international treaties)
• Week 6: Customary International Law (concept of crime, peremptory norms)
• Week 7: Relationship between National Law and International Law (dualism/monism)
• Week 8: Break and assignments
• Week 9: International Territorial Law (state sovereignty, territorial integrity)
• Week 10: Concepts of International Criminal Law (international responsibility of states)
• Week 11: Prohibition of the Use of Force in International Relations (UN Charter)

Assessment Method:

• Submission of two essential questions for each session
• Analysis of one of three topics presented at the end of April (in two pages)
• Analysis of a case presented in the International Court of Justice

Course 2: Diplomacy Theories in a Changing World

Instructor: Dr. Mahmoud Masaeli

Duration: 8 weeks + 2 weeks break for assignments
Start Date: June 4, 2025

Weekly Content:

• Week 1: Where Do We Stand in the World? (Globalization conditions, basic concepts and theories of diplomacy)
• Week 2: International Relations Theories (political realism, institutional liberalism, critical theory)
• Week 3: Contemporary Diplomacy and International Structures (diplomatic practices after World War II)
• Week 4: Break and assignments
• Week 5: Traditional Theories of Diplomacy and Modern Diplomacy (the art of dialogue in diplomacy)
• Week 6: Global Diplomacy and Diplomatic Practices in the United Nations
• Week 7: Diplomacy and Civil Society (role of non-governmental organizations)
• Week 8: Break and assignments
• Week 9: Public and Cultural Diplomacy
• Week 10: The Future of Diplomacy: Challenges and Perspectives

Assessment Method:

• Submission of two essential questions for each session
• Analysis of one of three topics presented at the end of February (in two pages)
• Analysis of a diplomatic case at the end of the course

Course 3: Diplomatic Law, Protocol and Rules of Conduct

Instructor: Dr. Mahmoud Masaeli

Duration: 4 weeks
Start Date: Mid-September to end of October 2025

Course Content:

• Overview of international diplomatic law
• Diplomatic privileges and immunities
• Diplomatic etiquette and formal international relations
• Diplomatic missions and their duties
• Dispute resolution in diplomacy
• Challenges of diplomatic law in the contemporary world

Course 4: Transitional Justice Process

Instructor: Dr. Nireh Ansari

Duration: 4 weeks
Start Date: November to December 2025

Course Content:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Transitional Justice (pre-transition, during transition, and transitional government)
• Lesson 2: Principles of Transitional Justice (right to know the truth, right to justice, victims’ rights)
• Lesson 3: Environmental Justice and Rational Governance as a Solution
• Lesson 4: Jurisdiction of Criminal Courts and Transitional Justice Processes

Program Delivery Method

• Pre-recorded videos (4 videos of 25 minutes each per week)
• Weekly online sessions via Zoom (2 hours per week)
• Slides and study resources in Telegram channel
• Periodic exercises and assessments to deepen learning

Online Session Times

• Iran: 7 PM
• Europe: 4 PM
• Eastern Canada and USA: 11:30 AM
• Western Canada and USA: 8:30 AM

Program Registration

For registration and more information, please contact us:

• Email: President@apgc.ca
• Website: https://apgc.ca

The program begins on April 4, 2025. Please register as soon as possible to secure your place.