Goldstein Attends IFDT Meeting in Washington DC

Erik Goldstein, Professor of International Relations and History at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, participated in the 45th meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT) from September 19-22, 2018 held in Washington D.C.

The gathering brought together heads of Diplomatic Academies and related institutes from around the world. The first day was held at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, and the following days provided a series of sessions when experience and ideas on current and future approaches and needs for the training of diplomats were discussed.

Topics ranged from the Weaponization of Trade, the Growing Importance of Municipal and other sub-state actors in diplomacy, and whether there was a need for a professional Diplomat’s Code of Ethics.

Goldstein began his involvement in the training and professional education of diplomats with his participation in delivering the British Know How Fund programs for diplomats from countries in transition during the 1990s. He is also the founder-editor of the journal Diplomacy & Statecraft. This meetng was the first time a member of the Pardee School has been invited to participate in an IFDT gathering. The IFDT was established in 1972, as a yearly Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Academies and Institutes of International Relations.

Erik Goldstein’s research interests include diplomacy, formulation of national diplomatic strategies, the origins and resolution of armed conflict, and negotiation. He has published in numerous journals, including Review of International RelationsMiddle Eastern StudiesEast European QuarterlyHistorical ResearchHistorical JournalByzantine & Modern Greek Studies, and the Hague Journal of Diplomacy.