The British Academy for Training and Development offers a training course on Factors Affecting International Relations for those who wish to improve their understanding of international relations and benefit from them in their professional field.

Relations between countries refer to the interactions between the foreign policies of nations. These interactions are expressed in many ways. Each country adopts the approach it deems appropriate for its internal and external policies. When we refer to the term "international relations," the first thing that comes to mind is often conflict, disputes, and the use of assertive methods known as "hard power," but there are other, less aggressive ways that influence people, such as some countries preferring to use their "soft power" to influence others. The risk lies in using force in its coercive form due to the threat it poses to economic growth and financial interests, as it has become far too costly compared to past centuries. This session will explain all these terms related to international relations. 

Who Should Attend?

• Diplomats working in embassies and consulates.
• Employees in international organizations.
• Government institution employees interested in international relations.
• International and multinational employees.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand different theories of international relations.
• Grasp the fundamentals and criteria of state relations.
• The meaning of hard power and soft power, and the differences between them.
• Understand why it is not advisable to use only one style of international relations.
• Recognize the optimal time for change in foreign policy.
• Assess the impact of one country on another using soft power policies, and its options based on its cultural, social system, value system, and institutions.
• The role of media, propaganda, and cultural dominance in the success of soft power policies.

Political Factors in International Relations

• Political Systems and Their Impact on International Relations
  • The effect of different political systems on foreign policies.
  • The role of governance and administration in making international political decisions.
  • The relations between democratic and authoritarian systems in international politics.
• Major Powers and International Conflict
  • The role of major powers in shaping the international system.
  • Relations between major powers and their impact on international crises.
  • The effect of conflict between major powers on global peace and regional stability.
• Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
  • Tools used in foreign policy (diplomacy, sanctions, alliances).
  • The role of diplomats and organizations in influencing relations between countries.
  • International negotiations and their impact on balancing international relations.

Economic Factors and Their Impact on International Relations

• International Trade and Globalization
  • The impact of globalization on the global economy.
  • The role of trade and economic agreements in enhancing international cooperation.
  • Economic challenges associated with international trade.
• Economic Sanctions and International Pressure
  • The use of economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool.
  • The impact of economic sanctions on relations between countries.
  • The relationship between the economy and national sovereignty.
• International Finance and Global Economic Organizations
  • The role of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in international relations.
  • The impact of global economic decisions on developing countries.
  • Monetary policy and its effect on international economic stability.

Cultural and Social Factors

• Cultural Diversity and Its Impact on International Politics
  • The impact of culture on diplomatic relations and foreign policy.
  • The role of religion and cultural values in influencing relations between countries.
  • The interaction between cultures and its effect on foreign policies.
• National and Regional Identity in International Relations
  • The impact of cultural and regional identities on foreign policy.
  • The role of nationalism in determining priorities in international relations.
  • The challenges posed by multiple identities in international conflicts.
• Migration, Refugees, and Their Impact on Relations Between Countries
  • The impact of refugee and migration movements on international relations.
  • The effect of migration on security, economy, and social policies.
  • Legal and political challenges resulting from refugee flows.

International Security and Regional Conflicts

• International Security: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Security challenges facing the contemporary international system.
  • The role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in maintaining international security.
  • Shifts in security concepts from the Cold War to modern-day conflicts.
• Regional Conflicts and Their Impact on International Relations
  • Analyzing major regional conflicts (such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Ukraine conflict).
  • The role of regional powers in driving and resolving conflicts.
  • International mediation and its impact on conflict resolution.
• Arms and Nuclear Security
  • The impact of armament on international relations and global security.
  • Nuclear challenges and their effect on international policies.
  • Arms control treaties and their effect on relations between major powers.

International Organizations and Their Role in International Relations

• The Role of the United Nations in International Politics
  • The structure of the United Nations and its tools in dealing with international crises.
  • The role of the Security Council in maintaining global peace.
  • Challenges faced by the United Nations in implementing its decisions.
• Regional Organizations and Their Impact on International Stability
  • The role of the European Union, the African Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
  • Regional cooperation as a tool to enhance stability and prosperity.
  • How to deal with regional crises through regional organizations.
• Non-Governmental Organizations and International Relations
  • The role of non-governmental organizations in influencing international politics.
  • Relations between non-governmental organizations, countries, and international institutions.
  • Challenges faced by non-governmental organizations in influencing international decisions.