The Art and Science of International Diplomacy

Dates: March 2-23, 2021
Meets: Tu from 10:00 AM to 12 N
 Location: Online Presentation
Cost:  $55.00

Sorry, the signup deadline has passed.

Date Day Time
03/02/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N
03/09/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N
03/16/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N
03/23/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2020 - 2021 OLLI at MSU Membership or 2021 - 2022 OLLI at MSU Membership

Contrary to popular belief, diplomacy is not about getting along: its purpose is to advance national interests through cooperation and competition. In this course, Robert Loftis, a retired foreign service officer, will describe how diplomacy is conducted, its legal underpinnings in tradition and the Vienna Conventions, the infrastructure of diplomatic missions, the qualities that make for a successful diplomat and the unique challenges that face diplomats and their families. The instructor draws on over three decades of experience.
Fee:  $55.00

Online Presentation

This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.

We will send you a reminder email with login instructions one business day before the program start date. If there are additional sessions, we will send reminders the morning of those sessions.

Robert Loftis

Retired ambassador Robert Loftis served in Africa, Latin America, Europe, Oceania, and Washington from 1980 to 2013. He was the lead negotiator on burden-sharing agreements with Korea and Japan, opened U.S. military bases in Romania and Bulgaria, concluded Status of Forces Agreements worldwide, managed U.S. delegations to the U.N. Human Rights Commission and the World Health Assembly and negotiated a UN health agreement, among other notable achievements.
Date Day Time Location
03/02/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation
03/09/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation
03/16/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation
03/23/2021Tuesday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation

  • Participants will gain an understanding of how modern diplomacy is conducted.
  • Learn about the roles of embassies and foreign ministries and the various types of diplomatic personnel.
  • Learn about the special challenges of being a diplomat, including security.
  • Gain an understanding of the rules, both legal and traditional, that govern diplomacy.