The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) and partners are excited to announce the upcoming International Crisis Management certificate course for Ukrainian university students. Others may join by separate arrangements, under local academic supervision.

The course is free of charge. The format will be by Zoom (synchronous) and will require a Gmail account to access Google Classroom course materials.

APPLICATION

Ukrainians in Ukrainian Universities:

Submit a statement of interest and CV to Dan Whitman at dwhitman89@gmail.com no later than July 15, 2024. Please also state whether you plan to (1) audit; or (2) complete course requirements as a candidate for certificate of completion. [Option: you may submit a WhatsApp telephone number/code for increased communication and alumni group information.]

Results will be announced on August 15, 2024. The course will run from September 12 to December 9 (thirteen weeks).

Auditors in Other Countries:

Send a brief email to Dan Whitman stating the reason you wish to be included. You will need a Gmail address to have access to the Google Classroom contents.

Students of non-Ukrainian nationality are very welcome to audit the course. If you wish evaluation and certificate candidacy, you will need to arrange this with your local academic institution.

COURSE PARTNERS

Dan Whitman, PhD, Foreign Service Officer (ret.) In collaboration with Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia (FPRI) Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES), George Washington University.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Not all human and natural disasters yield “resolution.” Effective planning requires a clear description of the challenge, and a stated vision of the desired outcome, sometimes called the “End State.” In cases of conflict, planners must understand the motives of the opposing force, even when the latter is committing criminal acts.

The course engages students in simulated task force operations, drawing on real-life situations adapted for the classroom. Scenarios will put the student in the position of analyzing and addressing crisis situations within working groups. Active class participation is essential.

Students wishing a certificate of participation will attend sessions, take notes, maintain weekly readings, and submit 5-6 short reflection papers, an After-Action Report, and a short final project. Estimated preparation time of 4-6 hours per week outside of class. The course calls for 8 hours of work per week, for 12 weeks. B1/B2 comprehension and writing skills in English required.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Understand the nature and recent history of international politics and conflict.
• Gain an overview of the theory and practice of foreign policy formulation and implementation. • Develop analytical skills needed to assess major global and regional foreign policy challenges.
• Practice international legal advocacy in the peaceful settlement of disputes.
• Conduct simulations drawn from recent crisis management approaches by the US, UN, and other policymakers.

SCHEDULE

Sessions will take place Mondays and Thursdays at 1000 Washington time, for 75 minutes. Note that the time changes in the United States November 3. Alternating sessions will include lecture/discussion sessions, usually on Mondays; and selected speakers, usually on Thursdays.

COURSE PHASES

• Conflict/strategy – Definition and examination of each. From the origins – Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Tolstoy -to the Grand Strategies of the Cold War (George F. Kennan and “The Long Telegram”) – to the present (Sir Lawrence Freedman, Michael Kimmel, John Arquilla).
• Simulation – A real-time role play requiring quick research in a simulated crisis. Courtesy of the US Department of State’s National Museum of American Diplomacy.
• Public Diplomacy – A discussion of the history and objectives of “PD,” and demonstrate public information strategy. “Hard, soft, smart power” (Joseph Nye).
• Disinformation – Tracking the history and technique of disinformation, with available technologies for countering it.
• Managing an Embassy – A brief history of diplomacy, protocol, intra-organizational communication, and management. ICS process (State Department Integrated Country Strategies for US embassies abroad).