Global Politics, Diplomacy and Identities

Course Lecturer: Bhavna Dahiya

Bhavna Dahiya, a top graduate of St. Stephen’s College, India, is an acclaimed author and researcher with over 19 international publications. She has significantly contributed to international relations and climate diplomacy, representing India at global forums. As the founder of I-Social, she advances sustainable development for marginalized communities, earning recognition for her impactful work in international diplomacy.

Week 1-2: Foundations of Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy

Week 1: Understanding Soft Power in Global Politics

• End of Hard power giving rise to Soft power
• Changing paradigms and Practicality of Soft power

Week 2: Digital Diplomacy and Fifth Dimension of Cyberwarfare

• Overview of Digital colonialism/ Data imperialism
• Scramble for Digital Resources and evolving relationships between Global South and Global North

Week 3-4: Neo-Literature and Violence Politics

Week 3: Rise of New Political Expressions

• Intersection of Violence Politics, Power and Expression
• New form of writing by poor, illiterate women in their native languages

Week 4: Media and Literature as Neocolonial forces and Power Narratives

• Representations and single-story narratives defining hegemony
• Redefining human rights through White Man’s Burden

Week 5-6: Understanding Orientalism and Evolving Global Identities

Week 5: Orientalism and its impact on understanding Global Politics

• Historiography of Identities Empowered by Colonial Manichaeism

Week 6: Evolution of Branding of “Climate Refugees”

• Origin of the “brand”, displacement politics and new understanding of peace

Week 7-8: Reconceptualization of Basic Human Rights

Week 7: Human Rights’ Categorization based upon Region, Race and Power Dynamics

• All humans are NOT equal – But, WHY?

Week 8: Destabilization of a Region for Economic Imperialism and Changing Regional Power Dynamics

• Rich keeps on getting richer and poor gets poorer during conflicts
• Juxtaposition of conflicts and economic power establishment

Week 9-10: Future Trends and Capstone Projects

Week 9: Debate Session

• Poll in the group to choose one theme from all eight weeks and the highest voted topic shall be the topic of discussion – For/Against – Two groups

Week 10: Capstone Projects and Graduation

• Capstone project presentations: Choose any theme from all weeks and prepare a presentation about your thoughts, voice and opinions.
• Graduation ceremony: Awarding certificates and celebration of achievements