Negotiating Successfully in International Affairs and Diplomacy



Overview

Strengthen your ability to negotiate effectively in complex diplomatic environments. This two-day, practice-focused course is designed for diplomats and international affairs professionals who want to build confidence and adaptability at the negotiation table. 

Led by experienced European diplomat, Martin Albani, you’ll explore key negotiation techniques and develop the interpersonal tools needed to navigate high-stakes conversations, from strategic preparation to handling manipulation, managing pressure and sustaining trust over time. 

You’ll take part in scenario-based exercises and simulations grounded in real-world contexts, with personalised feedback to help refine your style and approach. Build your capacity to respond with agility, manage competing interests, and balance your institution's priorities with long-term relationship building. 

Whether you’re working bilaterally, multilaterally or across institutional boundaries, this course equips you with the tools and perspective to move negotiations forward with purpose and lasting professional benefits.

Programme details

Day 1 - 16 April

Session 1 - Introduction and Foundations of Diplomatic Negotiation

  • Core concepts of diplomatic negotiations
  • Distinctions between diplomatic and business negotiations
  • Understanding positions, objectives, interests, and constraints 

Session 2 - Strategic Preparation and Context Analysis

  • Stakeholder analysis
  • Scenario planning and anticipating challenges
  • Practical activity: Strategic preparation simulation

Session 3 - Negotiation Approaches: Distributive vs. Integrative Techniques

  • Competitive vs. collaborative negotiations
  • Balancing short-term gains and long-term relationships
  • Role-play: Bilateral negotiation scenario

Session 4 - Simulation Debriefing and Personalised Feedback

  • Identifying your strengths and areas for improvement
  • Guidance for enhancing your personal effectiveness

Day 2 - 17 April

Session 5 - Managing Manipulative and Coercive Tactics

  • Recognizing and responding to pressure tactics
  • Developing resilience under negotiation stress
  • Interactive activity: Handling difficult negotiation tactics

Session 6 - Negotiating Complex Value Conflicts

  • Navigating value-based disagreements
  • Scenario-based practical task

Session 7 - Advanced Multilateral Negotiation Simulation

  • Comprehensive scenario: complex diplomatic dynamics
  • The art of strategic adaptability in negotiations

Session 8 - Comprehensive Debrief and Action Planning

  • Individual and group reflections on key lessons learned
  • Action planning: Applying new skills to real-world diplomacy and international affairs 
  • Course review and reflection

Attending Your Course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date.  

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information

Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate. 

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, as well as share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
1. Standard course fee £1120.00
2. Discount fee package: 13 - 17 April 2026 £2445.00

Payment

This course can be taken separately or as part of a discount fee package including Artificial Intelligence and Diplomacy: Power, Governance and Practice (13-15 April 2026), a saving of £270.

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the “book now” button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or personal records, please contact us. The Course Administrator will then email you an invoice. Payment is accepted online by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer. Please do not send card or bank details by email.​

Tutor

Martin Albani - Tutor

Martin Albani is a senior European diplomat with extensive experience as a negotiation and mediation trainer. He brings nearly 20 years of expertise in political negotiations at both national and international levels, having served most recently as Head of the Peace Mediation and Dialogue Sector in the European Union’s Diplomatic Service (EEAS).  

An internationally recognised negotiation trainer and coach, Martin regularly advises senior executives and professionals. His clients include European Union Ambassadors and Special Representatives, as well as institutions such as the United Nations, political foundations, businesses and NGOs. 

Martin's particular expertise lies in complex negotiations involving challenging counterparts and value-based conflicts. He lectures on negotiation and peacebuilding at University St. Gallen and SciencesPo Paris and holds an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics. 

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click 'Ask a Question' at the top of this page. 

Level and demands

This course is aimed at:

  • Diplomats and civil servants from government ministries that are negotiating with international counterparts   

  • International Affairs professionals from NGOs, think tanks, international charities, international humanitarian agencies and private companies  

  • Professionals and students that are pursuing a career that involves international negotiations or are preparing for it

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support