The six areas of study in the AFSP include:
- Consular Affairs
- International Politics, Law and Organizations
- Economic Affairs
- Public Diplomacy
- Leadership Development
- Area Studies
The Consular Affairs field of study offers short-term training courses, where students learn how to protect the interests of Azerbaijani citizens abroad (for example, assisting victims of crime), how to conduct a visa applicant interview, the best way to address policy and procedural issues and how to interpret consular law and regulations. Students also study and practice the leadership skills they need to carry out consular procedures and guide the day-to-day business of a consular section effectively. Teaching methods include solving case studies and participating in mock scenarios with analytical discussions following each practice activity.
International Politics, Law and Organizations
The International Politics, Law and Organizations field offers short-term training courses, where students learn about paradigms and models of national and international politics, differences between bilateral and multilateral reporting and negotiating, effective interviewing strategies, and the preparation of memoranda and other written materials. They study examples of successful political representation and participate in simulations of actual cases. Topics of study and training will include: national security interests of Azerbaijan, current global issues, human rights in the foreign policy making process, arms control and non-proliferation, combating terrorism, international negotiation skills etc.
The Economic Affairs field offers short-term training courses, where students learn to integrate political issues with economic issues while enhancing their skills in negotiating economic questions. Topics of study and training include: international trade relations and diplomacy; World Trade Organization history and principles; the petroleum and gas industry; tourism, and banking and finance, investments promotion, customs and taxes. The courses from this area of study are designed to provide the analytical and policy tools required by economic officers. There will be an emphasis on international oil and petroleum markets and building a familiarity with the dispute resolution mechanisms for bilateral and multilateral agreements to which Azerbaijan is a party. Students will practice new skills through case studies and in-depth class discussions.
Courses in the Public Diplomacy field of study will help students understand how best to reach out to the Diaspora and tell the Azerbaijan story to foreign audiences. Classes will look closely at trends of public diplomacy, and the role of civil society in diplomacy as well as how foreign culture intersects with foreign policy. Students will learn how to develop strategies for handling the most difficult public diplomacy issues and situations. Exchange programs are studied as part of this field.
The Leadership Development field is offered to build and enhance leadership and management skills of foreign service officers and civil servants. It is designed to improve the functioning of the Azerbaijani government in the area of international affairs and its sub-disciplines. A major objective of the program is also to advance interagency dialogue and collaboration within the government. Courses range from team building to effective communications to organizational development and change management.
Courses in the Area Studies provide knowledge about a region or country and Azerbaijan’s interests and policies related to that region or country. The Area Studies cover the history, politics, economics, religion, society and culture of a specific country or region. Course instructors will be acknowledged experts in these areas and will provide students not only with academic expertise, but also real life advice on how to work effectively in the societies involved.
