Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute

  Figure 1. Regional Cooperative mechanisms in place for Indian Ocean Today’s global geo-strategic environment is based on maritime activity; and matters maritime are embedded from economies to governance. Thus, as islanders it is indeed   important for the population to   understand the need of   navy in today’s global context. The above figure 1. illustrates   some of the regional cooperative mechanisms of global scale available in the Indian Ocean region and it is pertinent to note that the Sri Lanka Navy (SL Navy) is directly or indirectly involved as a   partner in   these maritime cooperative mechanisms. In today’s geo-strategic posture and in diplomacy , the Navy is  continuing to be an integral and valuable component. Naval prowess is in fact a deciding criterion of  diplomacy, and Gunboat Diplomacy is a terminology that originated through this necessity. During the cold-war era it was the naval might that flexed muscle  to carry...

The preface of Acharya’s book underscores the principal assumption driving his argument: that regions are socially constructed. In other words, the policymaking elite’s desire for a Southeast Asian regional identity coupled with “intraregional patterns of interaction, play a crucial role in the making of Southeast Asia as a region” (p. xi). The book builds on the first edition published by Oxford University Press under the title The Quest for Identity: International Relations of Southeast Asia in 2000 . The second edition contains two new chapters, one of which (chapter 2) draws upon secondary (historical and anthropological) literature and the second (chapter 8) explores several non-traditional security threats facing the region. To complement this lengthy text, Acharya also adds an interesting collection of historical pictures interspaced in different sections of the book. This brings the book to a hefty 410 pages divided into nine chapters.  The book begins by addressing the el...

Initially, during the enrollment in the Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs course, I viewed this programme as a bridge to the amazing world we live in, where I could expand my contours on global affairs. Day by day, and session by session, through the eminent knowledge and experience that this course gifted, I now view this programme as a mentor for existence, cooperation and understanding in the ever-fluctuating globe. Moving back to the very first day of lectures at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), I recall how elated and excited I was to participate for the session. I remember the very first glance through the course guide; it comprised of substantive and pragmatic modules related to diplomacy, and the separate module on International Law captured utmost interest since my career was based on law. Starting from the initial day of commencement of lectures, the BIDTI ensured that the lectures were conducted by experienced Diplomats which include...

In a rapidly evolving world in which major new developments take place in the blink of an eye, a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the international arena is immensely beneficial for all individuals. Following the Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs offered by the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) is the ideal opportunity for any individual to gain extensive knowledge about the field of international relations. When I first set foot in the BIDTI, I was a little fledgling who had just left school and was still months away from starting university. The knowledge I had pertaining to the field of diplomacy was practically non-existent. Fortunately, we were blessed with an extremely conscientious panel of lecturers who were well-aware of the fact that they were catering to a diverse group of students from different educational and professional backgrounds. Starting at the very basics of diplomacy, we went on to explore more complex realms li...

Does it make sense to talk about warfare without the understanding of multilateral relations among states? What about the association that impacts peacebuilding through public diplomacy? These topics have created an endless fascination in me since my high school days of Model UN to representing my university at the National UN, New York and the Harvard UN, Rome leading me to a keen interest in what revolves around us through questioning the linkage between a vast majority of subjects. There was a great force in me to pursue the understanding of how these topics affect our nation and the history that lies upon it. With my desire to pursue a career in the Sri Lankan foreign service I came across BIDTI that offered the course I longed for. It had an exemplary structure of topics that covered a wide variety of understanding. As eager as I was, I would turn up early to grab a front row seat. It was exciting and I was amazed by the diverse group of colleagues (friends) I met that had similar...

  Growing up in India, the subjects of History and Geography and how they influenced International Relations always fascinated me. Though circumstances made me a banker, my passions always lay with the world of Diplomacy. In January 2019, my husband’s posting brought me to Sri Lanka. Within weeks of arriving, at a diplomatic event at the Indian High Commission, I was suggested to explore the ‘Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs’ course at BIDTI. The following day, I walked into the offices at BIDTI to find out more. When I went through the curriculum, I simply couldn’t believe my eyes. A course offered by Oxford University UK which I had dreams of pursuing but was out of my reach was being offered right here in Colombo! This was a dream come true! I still recollect the skepticism I felt when signing up for this Diploma, reminded of the fact neither did I have a background in the subject nor was I a Sri Lankan citizen. All my hesitations were simply met with a welcoming smile by ...

Thirst for knowledge, learning, exploring diversified fields and thirst for the exposure in different arenas led me seek my passion towards exploring a completely new field which broadened my horizons and line of thinking. I still remember the day I came across the advert for the Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs offered by the renowned institute of Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) and was eagerly waiting for the course to commence. After going through the names of lecturers and the core modules entailed in the Diploma I knew beforehand that this journey towards learning the integrities and core concepts of becoming a Diplomat and exploring this new aspect will be a remarkable experience. Being a student of BIDTI gave me that very reason to grow my enthusiasm and venture into the world of Diplomacy which entailed a wide scope on International Law, World Economics, International Relations, Geo-Political studies of Sri Lanka and other interesting subj...

  In a world of a miscellany of living organisms, humans are renowned for their cognitive and mental capacity to form systems of inter-personal relationships that stretch way beyond the nucleus of the immediate family. There are ample of research that go to form the opinion that today human intelligence stems not to simply solve ecological problems but rather to promote the survival of humans in large and social groups. Henceforth the importance of understanding the thoughts and emotions of others, traits such as empathy, patience, theory of mind and primacy attributed to the use of symbols, tools and language have proven to be necessary for the flexible cooperation of humans in large numbers. With the orthodox belief that diplomacy solely aims to initiate cooperation during peace and war, it is also correct to be of the stance, that to assert your opinion or idea, to know how, when and where to say it without compromise to a relationship you share and without jeopardizing your aff...

  Diplomacy is often interpreted by most only in the conventional sense – the art of statecraft. To the common man: the sensitive world of well dressed, serious men and women discussing matters regarding politics, international agreements or something of a similar nature. The first image that comes to mind are the dark suited officials who shake hands with some political figure or speak at an international forum like the United Nations. It isn’t entirely a wrong image – but there’s more to it than that. What most people don’t realize is that diplomacy is something we all employ on a daily basis. Humans, as the world’s most social creatures cannot avoid interactions with others. Regardless of whether it’s family, friends or complete strangers, we will interact. At home, school and work; or even on the road, we rely on diplomacy to bargain for a better outcome. Diplomacy is about being sensitive to the needs and expectations of another and acting with tact. It is about using one’s ...

A look into why gender-sensitive responses matter. Sahana 1 applies a thick coat of foundation over her blackened eye – a scarring reminder of her intoxicated husband’s – expected -- outburst last night. A continent away, Rafiya 2 holds on to the last few morsels of tinned fish for the week. Being a sex worker in her locality, food aid can be hard to come by. And with signs of infection on the cards, Valentin 3 grapples with the decision to loosen his chest binding; the odds did not work in his favour. A few borders away, a single mother, Geetha, begs to have her job back. The truth that COVID-19 impacts all genders is a seed that states and decision-makers find difficult to digest. Therein, it goes without saying that the need for gender-sensitive response mechanisms to fight a deadly pandemic has become palpably clear.   Gender inequality is both universal and multi-dimensional. But the political, social and economic workings of gender between the global North and...