top of page
66490659_2520557318165434_53764210301327

SUMMER SCHOOL OF 2019 

DEMOCRACY & DIPLOMACY

How do diplomats function within the constraints of a democracy? Is it democratic that treaties, deals, and agreements which influence everyday life are negotiated by unelected representatives? Can and should we make diplomacy more democratic? What are the advantages and disadvantages of representing a democracy in the international sphere?


This short but intense summer course gave insights into the relationship and challenges between democracy, international diplomacy, and international negotiation. During the first three days participants were submerged in the theoretical side of the subject, while also gaining insights from experienced diplomats and visits to NGO's and landmarks of The Hague. Lecturers such as Dr. Paul Meerts, Ashely Longman, and Professor Simon Anholt provided a theoretical and practical basis from which the participants could develop the important skills for diplomats. These skills were highlighted again during the opening speech for the simulation by Professor Joris Voorhoeve. At the end of the week participants took part in a newly developed simulation. They represented, in pairs of two, an organisation or nation. They were expected to prepare a position, negotiate an agreement, and formulate a press and parliamentary address justifying the results. This simulation took place at the House of Europe in The Hague!

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAID...

Higly recommend this course, well organised and great learning content. Gives realistic and good experience what diplomacy is and how it is conducted. Change to speak and learn from high level professionals on the field.

My experience at the summer school of The Young Diplomat was incredible. It was a week full of cooperation, negotiation, and learning. We met with diplomats, experienced professors, officials, and citizens involved in the fields of diplomacy, justice, and human rights. For me, it was a great opportunity for networking and learning for my academic and professional career. I would absolutely recommend this summer school for future students.

We as participants of the Young Diplomat Summerschool of 2019 experienced a very intense and informative program in just 1 week! We visited key political institutions in the Hague, had many interesting lectures from real diplomats, scientists and professionals. Experienced plenty unforgetable moments, built a huge international network, gained real negotion skills and had a lot of fun. Highly recommend summerschool!

High Fives

PROGRAM SUMMER SCHOOL OF 2019
DEMOCRACY & DIPLOMACY

7th of July 2019

​

20.00 Welcome and introductions at Student Hotel The Hague (drinks not included)

​

8th of July 2019


09.00 - 12.00 

Introductions to International Negotiation & Diplomacy

Dr. P.W. Meerts (International Negotiation Analyst, Clingendael Institute & College of Europe)

Classroom 1, Student Hotel The Hague

​

13.00 - 15.00 

Democracy & Power

A.R. Longman, MSc. (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Departement of Public Administration & Sociology)

Classroom 1, Student Hotel The Hague

​

16.00 - 17.00 

Tour of ‘Het Binnenhof’ and the historical buildings surrounding it 

The Young Diplomat Organisation

​

17.30 - 19.00 

Developing the Rule of Law

W. van Nieuwkerk (director of the Center for International Law Cooperation (CILC))

CILC, Spui 1, 2511 BL The Hague

​

9th of July 2019

​

11.00 - 12.15 

Visit to the Peace Palace (full tour depending on availability)

​

13.00 - 15.00 

Introductions in Democracy & Diplomacy

H.B. van den Berg, MSc. (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Departement of Public Administration & Sociology, President of The Young Diplomat)

The Hague Humanity HUB, Fluwelen Burgwal 58, 2511 CJ The Hague

​

15.30 - 17.00 

Tea at Hotel Des Indes

Lange Voorhout 54-56, 2514 EG The Hague

​

19.30 - 20.30 

Do we need Justice for sustainable Peace and development?

Hague Talks & Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Hague Humanity HUB, Fluwelen Burgwal 58, 2511 CJ The Hague

​

10th of July 2019

​

09.00 - 10.30 

Panel discussion: Democracy & Diplomacy in Practice

Simone van der Post (directorate for the Middle East and Iraq), Sacha Oudolf (directorate Europe), and Max Valstar (directorate Asia & Oceania)

Classroom 1, Student Hotel The Hague


11.00 - 13.00

Grand Strategy

Prof. Simon Anholt (Independent policy advisor to Heads of State, Hon. Professor UEA)

Classroom 1, Student Hotel The Hague

​

14.00 - 16.00

Visit to the International Criminal Court (depending on availability)

​

11th of July 2019

​

09.30 - 10.30 

Opening speech

Prof. Dr. Ig. J.J.C. Voorhoeve (Prof. International Relations & Peacebuidling and former Dutch Minister of Defence)

House of Europe, Korte Vijverberg 5, 2513 AB The Hague

​

10.00 - 17.30 

Northern Macedonia Negotiations Simulation

House of Europe, Korte Vijverberg 5, 2513 AB The Hague

​

12th of July 2019

​

09.30 - 10.00

Welcome and introduction to the House of Europe

Thijs Bonenkamp (Projectmanager House of Europe)

House of Europe, Korte Vijverberg 5, 2513 AB The Hague

​

09.30 - 17.30 

Northern Macedonia Negotiations Simulation

House of Europe, Korte Vijverberg 5, 2513 AB The Hague

​

18.00 - 19.00 

Closing drinks (drinks not included)

To be announced

​

18th of July 2019

​

18.00 

Deadline handing in final assignment

Via email to info@youngdiplomat.org

Subject of the mail should be: Final Assignment [insert name]

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

©2019 by The Young Diplomat. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page