Strategic Comms-Intl Orgs

Effective communication is critical to the success of international organizations (IOs). Whether securing funding from member states, raising awareness of global challenges, or countering misinformation, IOs rely on strategic communications to fulfill their mandates. As noted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “strategic communications is central to the success of all our work.” This course equips students with interdisciplinary tools to understand and support the communications work of IOs. Students will explore the unique structures and missions of IOs, the role of public and digital diplomacy, brand management, and communication for development (C4D). The course also addresses specialized practices such as peacekeeping communications and celebrity diplomacy. By bridging theory and practice, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, critique, and contribute to communications efforts in IOs. The course prepares students for careers in IO communications teams or for policy and academic analysis in this evolving field.