Fall 2026
United Nations and Multi-lateral Diplomacy
Dates: September 14, 2026 – December 18, 2026Day/Time: Sunday; Wednesday 1:00 AM - 2:20 AM EDT
Level: 400-Level
Certificate: Global Studies, Human Rights
Global Studies certificate requirement: Introductory course on international relations, globalization, global affairs.
Human Rights certificate requirement: Elective.
Instructor: Shoaib Timory, American University of Afghanistan
Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has played a vital role in promoting international law, peace, and global order. Although it has not been able to prevent all conflicts, it is difficult to imagine the scale of global instability without the UN system. Through its specialized agencies, the UN has built an extensive framework of cooperation and support among member states in areas such as environmental protection, public health, human rights, refugee protection, and labor rights. A key example is the role of the World Health Organization in combating COVID-19 and distributing vaccines to developing countries. This course explores how the United Nations functions, how states negotiate and compromise within the UN system, and how rival countries reach consensus on complex global issues. It also examines the UN’s central role in shaping international law and advancing multilateral diplomacy, both within and beyond the UN framework. Another important topic covered in this course is sanctions. Students will study the UN sanctions regime, as well as unilateral coercive measures (UCMs), with a special focus on sanctions imposed on the Taliban in Afghanistan. Given the significant role the UN has played in Afghanistan and its potential impact in the future, this course provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical insights into UN diplomacy and international cooperation. In addition, the course examines the impact of US withdrawal from UN agencies and the impact of President Trump's Peace Council on the future of the UN.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS