Economic Diplomacy online course

Start date: 20 April 2026

Economic diplomacy addresses the nexus between power and wealth in international affairs.

Economic diplomacy has become a core instrument of statecraft, bridging cooperation, security, and long-term development. Through economic diplomacy, governments work with international partners and private actors to expand trade, increase foreign investment flows, promote tourism, and strengthen supply chains. In parallel, they also address challenges linked to increased protectionism, economic coercion, and technological rivalry. In this context, embassies and trade missions play a dual role: building the partnerships that will promote prosperity, while safeguarding national interests.

This online course is practice-oriented and aims at capacity development for addressing these evolving challenges. It explores ways in which embassies and trade missions may nurture cooperation to increase trade and investment flows, while also adapting to shifts in the current geo-economic landscape.

Reviews

Economic Diplomacy

Text – Philip Bob Jusu

uvnTPCQz Philip Bob Jusu alumni reviewsWhat I liked about the course was how knowledgeable and proactive the training team was. The lecturers used a structured approach to deliver the course, providing lots of useful handouts and documentation. They also followed up on every post and responded in real time to questions and comments, thereby encouraging everyone to think outside the box and reflect on how to develop their economic diplomacy skills further.

– Mr Philip Bob Jusu, Socio-Economic Officer, African Union Permanent Mission to the EU, Belgium

Text – Sadia Abbassy

 Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Clothing, Hoodie, Knitwear, Sweater, Sweatshirt, Nike ArdillaThe course equipped me with essential tools to better understand global economic relations. The focus on international trade and geopolitical tensions was particularly relevant to my research, enhancing my ability to navigate international economic challenges and strengthening my professional perspective. I highly recommend this course to diplomats and economists.

– Ms Sadia Abbassy, PhD candidate in Economics at Indonesian International Islamic University-UIII, Indonesia

Text – María José Torillo Medrano

María José Torillo Medrano - Diplo AlumnaThe course provides helpful information and insights enriched by discussions with experienced lecturers and peers from different nationalities and backgrounds. It encourages interesting exchanges of ideas, sources, practical examples, and good practices, which is valuable for diplomats and other international professionals.

– Ms María José Torillo Medrano, Consul for Cultural Affairs and Citizens’ Services, Consulate General of Mexico, Shanghai, P.R. China

Text – Harriet Sexton Morel

Diplo alumna Harriet Sexton Morel I found the course incredibly useful. The lecturers were knowledgeable, informed, and willing to share their learning and experience. The interactive nature of the course and the opportunity to engage with other participants from across the globe was very beneficial. The course is particularly useful for those diplomats responsible for economic affairs and a ‘must to do’ before going on a posting.

– Ms Harriet Sexton Morel, Deputy Director for Oceania, Pacific and Strategy, Asia Pacific Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland

Text – Bamituni Etomi Abamu

Bamituni Etomi Abamu alumni reviewsThe course lecturers have experience in this field and took a practical approach to economic diplomacy. What I did not expect was to learn from my fellow classmates. They shared their knowledge and valuable experiences, especially how investment and trade promotion work in their countries. This was a feature that really stood out.

– Mr Bamituni Etomi Abamu, Doctoral Researcher in Economics and Finance, University of Gdansk, Faculty of Economics, Poland

Text – Marcela Mancera

Marcela Celorio Mancera alumni reviewsThe course equipped me with the skills needed to represent my country’s demands abroad. The subject of ‘economic sanctions’ captured my special interest and allowed me to understand the importance of cultivating strong economic alliances with business and nonprofit organisations and how this interacts with the promotion of economic interests and investments. I highly recommend the course as an innovative professional resource adaptable to any career background.

– Ms Marcela Mancera, Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico

Text – Lilia Paola Ureña Martínez

u4RYTHrV Lilia Paola Urena Martinez alumni reviewsI found this course very useful because it provides you with the fundamental tools for advancing your knowledge on everyday promotional tasks. I learned many things and gained fruitful insights through thought-provoking exchanges with other professionals from around the globe and the highly experienced lecturers. Don’t forget to read the resources given by Diplo, they are an absolute delight!

– Ms Lilia Paola Ureña Martínez, Consul of Economic Affairs, Consulate General of Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Text – Beverley McDonald

 Accessories, Earring, Jewelry, Body Part, Face, Head, Neck, Person, Photography, Portrait, Adult, Female, Woman, Thoko DidizaThe course enhances my knowledge of economics and trade while improving my professional skills. It offers valuable insights into understanding how economic diplomacy connects closely with politics, the public and other work via trade offices, embassies, consulates, and specially appointed trade envoys.

– Ms Beverley McDonald, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Guyana

Text – Alfonso Sesma Julián

Alfonso Sesma Julián - Diplo AlumnusThe course gave me new tools for my professional performance. I highlight the course’s practical approach and enriched content thanks to the exchange of experiences between participants, as well as the expertise and commitment of the teaching staff.

– Mr Alfonso Sesma Julián, Investment and Tourism Promotion, Embassy of Mexico, China

Text – Naheeda Fokeerbux

hkBUsJJa Naheeda Fokeerbux alumni reviewsThis course was extremely informative and delivered in a way that was engaging, clear, and concise. I received numerous valuable inputs through class discussions. Also, the course materials are detailed, well-structured, and most importantly, updated to current situations.

– Ms Naheeda Fokeerbux, Management Support Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration & International Trade, Mauritius

Text – Laura Elena Montes de Oca Briseño

Dz7UkTnb Laura Elena Montes de Oca Briseno alumni reviewsThe course is well organised and comprehensive, and teaches you the practical and theoretical terms of economic diplomacy. It helped me grasp the key toolsets and skills and how to implement them, and to be an avid promoter of economic diplomacy at a professional level.

– Ms Laura Elena Montes de Oca Briseño, Advisor to the Undersecretary for North America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico

Text – Berenice Díaz Ceballos

wnEHe0N9 Berenice Diaz Ceballos alumni reviewsIt was an awesome, eye-opening, interesting, and very formative experience that helped to broaden my perspective on the complex scenario of economic diplomacy in our increasingly changing world. It gives you an accurate and updated view, as well as the tools you need to face the many challenges of economic diplomacy in the 21st century.

– Ms Berenice Díaz Ceballos, Head, Consulate of Mexico, Oxnard, California, USA

What will you learn?

  • Describe how economic diplomacy has evolved, and how it plays a key role in international affairs, closely connecting with domestic priorities and development objectives in states
  • Understand the regulatory environment that shapes economic diplomacy, including emerging types of regulatory frameworks, focused on the digital economy; explain the role played by different actors, both state and non-state, in developing whole-of-country policies; apply this knowledge to trade promotion and investment strategies carried out domestically or by diplomatic missions abroad 
  • Apply the learning also to the promotion of business delegations exchanges and participation in trade exhibitions.
  • Assess current geo-economic trends influencing the evolution of trade and investment flows

Course lecturers

Marília Maciel

Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo

 Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Indoors, Adult, Male, Man, Accessories, Glasses, Clothing, Coat

Asoke Mukerji

Former Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, New York

Rashid S. Kaukab

Senior Expert, International Trade and Development Negotiations

Who should apply

  • Practising diplomats, civil servants, and others working in international relations
  • Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing to gain deeper insight through interaction with practising diplomats
  • Postgraduate students or practitioners in other fields seeking an entry point into the world of diplomacy
  • Journalists, staff of international and non-governmental organisations, translators, businesspeople, and others who wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics

Overview

The course consists of 4 modules:

  1. Economic diplomacy: Evolution and state of play. This module explains the historical evolution of economic diplomacy and discusses the various ways in which the term is defined today. The concept of ‘economic diplomacy’ is unpacked into its key areas and tasks. The module analyses how economic diplomacy connects with other branches of diplomatic work. In doing so, it places economic diplomacy in the context of the broader ‘techniques of statecraft’, and discusses the use of economic means to achieve foreign policy goals.
  2. Trade and investment promotion. This module highlights the importance of market access, exports and product diversification for trade prosperity. It focuses on key practical strategies, such as exhibitions and specialised trade fairs, the organisation of business delegations, and the role of economic missions in working with both outbound and homebound groups. The strategic role of foreign direct investment (FDI) is also examined,  including investment promotion, investment facilitation, and partnership management.
  3. The regulatory environment. This module explores the regulatory environment as a core dimension of economic diplomacy. Special attention is given to current WTO rules and plurilateral initiatives, preferential agreements, and regional initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also covers new issues being addressed in digital economy agreements, including artificial intelligence and digital identities.
  4. Emerging geo-economic challenges. This module examined how the growing emphasis on geo-economic competition is reshaping economic diplomacy, which is now increasingly guided by both prosperity and security goals. It explores how national and international policies – from tariffs to economic security frameworks – influence trade and investment flows. Economic coercion has become more common, and the role of economic sanctions and export controls is given particular attention. The module also considers the impact of current global shifts on developing countries, which must also navigate changes in the evolving geo-economic landscape.

Methodology

The course will last for a total of 5 weeks, structured as follows:

  • 1 week split between the course introduction and the wrap-up
  • 4 weeks dedicated to addressing the course topics individually

The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a four-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:

  • Asynchronous interaction, using a custom-developed commenting tool
  • Synchronous interaction, through live class meetings held in real time

Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as quizzes and exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.

To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.

Course materials and the necessary tools for online interaction and course tasks are provided in a virtual classroom.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.

To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.

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Studying online with Diplo Academy

Prerequisites

  • Regular internet access
  • An undergraduate university degree, OR 3 years of work experience, and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
  • Sufficient English language proficiency to undertake postgraduate-level studies

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €500. 

  • Diplo alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on the course fee.
  • A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and professionals working in international relations from developing countries
  • Group discounts are available for multiple participants from the same institution.

Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.

How to apply

Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. 

Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background
  • Your reasons for applying to the course
  • Why you believe you should be offered the opportunity to participate, and how your participation would benefit you, your institution, and/or your country

Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available. 

Cancellation policy

A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.

Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.



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