The Role of Higher Education in Diplomacy

James M. Flomo-Kellen
Additional contact information
James M. Flomo-Kellen: Department of Educational Policy and Leadership, University at Albany

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 6, 4769-4781

Abstract: This paper examines the evolving role of higher education in international diplomacy, distinguishing between knowledge diplomacy, characterized by reciprocity, horizontal collaboration, mutual benefits, and soft power approaches that rely on vertical relationships and competitive advantage. Through analysis of contemporary case studies, including the Pan African University’s continent-wide integration initiatives, Brown University’s BIARI program in humanitarian diplomacy, etc, the research demonstrates how higher education institutions transcend traditional diplomatic channels to become engines of global engagement, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. These institutions facilitate academic mobility, joint research, and ethical leadership development while acting as conveners for cross-sectoral partnerships. The study critically assesses challenges higher education institutions face in executing knowledge diplomacy, including balancing research security with openness, navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, and managing increasing private sector involvement in academic affairs. For developing nations, particularly, the paper reveals that investing in higher education serves not merely as a strategy for national advancement but as a critical diplomatic instrument for fostering societal resilience and cross-border collaboration. The analysis concludes with recommendations for advancing international student opportunities, strengthening global educational partnerships, promoting curriculum internationalization, and embedding sustainable development principles within higher education systems, ultimately calling for a deliberate realignment of higher education with diplomatic objectives to pursue a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable global order.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ ... ssue-6/4769-4781.pdf (application/pdf)
https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/arti ... cation-in-diplomacy/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-6:p:4769-4781

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science is currently edited by Dr. Nidhi Malhan

More articles in International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science from International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Pawan Verma ().