Tillotoma FoundationTillotoma Foundation

For students and early-career professionals aiming at diplomacy, foreign policy, international affairs, think tanks, civil services and global organisations

International Diploma Course on Diplomacy, Strategy & Foreign Policy

Learn to read global events the way practitioners do — and to speak, write and negotiate in the language of statecraft.

Offered by Tillotoma Foundation, an institution working at the intersection of diplomacy, strategy and global affairs.

Duration
4 months
Format
Fully online
Next cohort
Begins 20 September
Certification
Diploma on completion
Eligibility
Open to all
Language
English

Taught by world-class faculty — senior experts and diplomats who have worked inside the rooms where policy is made.

Admissions for the cohort beginning 20 September close before the start date.

The Tillotoma academic ecosystem

Rigorous learning, shaped around each participant

Tillotoma Foundation offers a distinguished portfolio of short- and medium-duration academic programmes across a diverse range of disciplines, designed and delivered by leading scholars, diplomats, and practitioners from our global expert network.

Each programme brings together international cohorts of learners and experts in an immersive and intellectually rigorous environment that combines academic excellence with practical, hands-on learning. Through simulations, policy exercises, and mentorship interactions, participants gain not only theoretical insight but also the professional skills essential for success in today’s interconnected world.

The Foundation emphasizes personalized academic guidance, ensuring that every participant’s learning journey is tailored to their individual aspirations and professional trajectory. This holistic approach fosters both intellectual growth and global competence, offering a truly transformative educational experience.

Graduates of our academic programmes and integrated internships have gone on to pursue impactful careers with the United Nations, leading international organizations, research institutions, and global think tanks, reflecting the strength, value and reach of the Tillotoma Foundation’s academic ecosystem.

3 months of Research internship experience

Beyond the coursework, every participant is placed into a structured research internship with Tillotoma Foundation — working on live geopolitical and policy questions, building a portfolio and learning how research informs real-world analysis.

What you walk away with

A way of thinking you will use for the rest of your career

01

Think and write like an analyst

Build the analytical habits behind serious policy work: framing a question, weighing evidence, and defending a judgement in writing that decision-makers actually read.

02

Understand negotiation and statecraft

Work through how states, institutions and corporations bargain — interests, leverage, signalling and the quiet mechanics of getting to agreement.

03

Read the world strategically

Move past headlines to the structural forces — geography, economics, alliances, technology — that decide how events actually unfold.

04

Learn from practitioners, not just texts

Sessions led by senior experts and diplomats who translate lived experience into method you can use.

05

Earn a credential that signals seriousness

A diploma from Tillotoma Foundation that tells admissions committees and employers you have done structured work in this field.

06

Study without relocating

Fully online across four months, designed for people already carrying a degree, a job or an exam preparation schedule.

Want the full syllabus, fees and admission steps?

Course structure

Four months, six areas of serious study

01

Foundations of Diplomacy

  • The state system, sovereignty and recognition
  • Bilateral, multilateral and summit diplomacy
  • Diplomatic practice, protocol and instruments
02

Strategy and Statecraft

  • Classical and contemporary strategic thought
  • Instruments of power: military, economic, informational
  • Deterrence, coercion and escalation management
03

Foreign Policy Analysis

  • How foreign policy is actually made
  • Domestic politics, institutions and decision-making
  • Comparative case studies across major and middle powers
04

Geoeconomics and Global Governance

  • Trade, sanctions, supply chains and industrial policy
  • The UN system, regional bodies and international law
  • Climate, technology and emerging governance domains
05

Negotiation and Crisis Diplomacy

  • Negotiation frameworks and simulation exercises
  • Mediation, back-channels and Track 2 diplomacy
  • Managing crises under time and information pressure
06

Applied Capstone

  • Write a policy brief on a live international question
  • Structured feedback from faculty practitioners
  • Present and defend your assessment

The faculty

Taught by people who have done the work

Sessions are led by world-class faculty — senior experts and diplomats with direct experience of negotiation, policy formulation and international institutions. You learn method from practice, not only from textbooks.

Practitioner-led

Senior experts and diplomats

Structured method

Analysis, writing, negotiation

Recognised credential

Diploma on completion

Portrait of Dr Meena Singh Roy

Key faculty

Dr Meena Singh Roy

Centre Head (West & Central Asia) & Senior Fellow

Tillotoma Foundation

Dr Meena Singh Roy has more than three decades of experience in teaching and world-class research in International Relations, Geopolitics, Area Studies and Defence Studies. She is one of India's leading experts on the Middle East, Central Asia and Eurasia.

Programme perspectives

A serious programme for globally minded learners

Explore the breadth of the course, its international faculty and the academic support designed for students and working professionals.

Tillotoma Foundation programme artwork outlining major topics and learner benefits
Tillotoma Foundation programme artwork featuring Dr Meena Singh Roy

Campaign artwork may refer to earlier programme formats. Current cohort details are stated on this page and confirmed by the programme office.

From our participants

What past students say

Portrait of Ankita Bhattacharyya
Ankita BhattacharyyaAlumna, Nov ’25–Jan ’26 Cohort
The Diploma Course has had a very positive and constructive impact on my academic understanding of diplomacy. As I am currently pursuing a PhD on Digital Diplomacy, it was a great opportunity to learn Diplomacy and International Relations from its basic foundation. The classes were very useful. The overall management was very efficient in running the course. Thanks to Kamakshi ma’am for seamlessly running the sessions and the discussion.
Portrait of Isabel Fiafilio Rodriguez
Isabel Fiafilio RodriguezAlumna, May ’22 Cohort
Having done this program, I have been able to learn more about international politics, an enriching vision from experts in the field, not only at a theoretical level but they are very involved in the current context. The cultural, political and economic approach of the different topics learned have contributed to my professional growth with a global vision.
Portrait of Demi Atreya
Demi AtreyaAlumna, Spring Cohort (March–April 2023)
My journey with the Tillotoma Foundation has been one of the most enriching experiences. Discussions on topics like Space diplomacy, India-Japan relations and Counter-Insurgency provided me with a constructive view of India’s diplomatic engagements and the global scenario. Each insightful session with distinguished guests has been interactive and, for an IR enthusiast like me, it helps to understand different perspectives. I am extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunity.
Portrait of Aman Kakkar
Aman KakkarAlumnus, Spring Cohort (Feb–Mar 2023)
This cohort was magical for me. As an International Relations enthusiast, it was a pleasure listening to Ambassadors sharing their lifetime experiences. Every session was based on a different topic. I loved how the theoretical meaning of every topic was related to the current geopolitical scenario. For those looking for knowledge way beyond textbooks, I highly recommend joining the Tillotoma Foundation cohort.
Portrait of Yogyata Joshi
Yogyata JoshiAlumna, Spring Cohort (March–April 2023)
From gathering knowledge about world affairs and diplomacy to understanding their real-time facets, the diploma course was an insightful step further into the International Relations arena. Talks delivered by experienced and esteemed ambassadors, professors and experts gave an overview of India and its international standing in world affairs. The course was unique in providing direct interaction with experts through enriching Q&A sessions. The comprehensive assessment on Science Diplomacy and Border Security broadened my knowledge of prevailing challenges, opportunities and significant upcoming trends in geopolitics and Indian Foreign Policy.
Portrait of Rajathadri M
Rajathadri MAlumnus, Nov ’25–Jan ’26 Cohort
The Diploma Course was a highly enriching experience for me. The opportunity to engage in discussions with eminent IFS officers and policy makers was particularly valuable. Each session was interactive, intellectually stimulating, and provided practical insights into real-world governance and foreign policy dynamics. Overall, the course significantly enhanced my understanding and analytical perspective, and I truly appreciate the effort put into curating such a meaningful learning journey.
Portrait of Amal Raj
Amal RajAlumnus, Spring Cohort (March–April 2023)
I had the privilege of participating in the Diploma Course on Diplomacy and Indian Foreign Policy conducted by Tillotoma Foundation, and it was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all my expectations. I gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of diplomacy and the nuances of Indian foreign policy, thanks to the exceptional guidance and expertise provided by Dr Kamakshi Wason and Mr Soham Das. The inclusive learning environment encouraged participants to express their ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions, and their commitment to academic excellence was truly inspiring.
Portrait of Anshita Arora
Anshita AroraAlumna, Spring Cohort (March–April 2023)
My experience with the Tillotoma Foundation has been immensely knowledgeable and has helped me look at global trajectories from different lenses of perception. This Diploma Course on Diplomacy and Indian Foreign Policy has pushed me to think about establishing my own school of thought in the sphere of international relations and foreign policy. I am grateful to the Tillotoma Foundation.
Portrait of G. Gowri Likhitha
G. Gowri LikhithaAlumna, Spring Cohort (March–April 2023)
I’m delighted to have been part of the March–April ’23 cohort of the Diploma Course on Diplomacy and Indian Foreign Policy, where we were given the chance to learn from and interact with dignitaries. The lectures expanded our horizons of knowledge while helping us realise the ground realities of different situations. Session recordings and a responsive team made it possible to revisit the learning and ask questions about international affairs. I am grateful to the dignitaries who shared their time and expertise, and to Mr Soham Das and Dr Kamakshi Wason for making the cohort smooth and organised.
Portrait of Rudrani Garg
Rudrani GargAlumna, Spring Cohort (February–March 2023)
Learning from professionals felt both surreal and deeply engaging after encountering politics and international relations mainly through textbooks. Seeing experts apply ideas in a practical context was the best part. The sessions taught me to approach issues with an open mind and to look for possibilities in difficult situations. I am especially grateful for the session recordings, the prominent speakers and the opportunity to learn directly from them.

The next cohort begins 20 September. Speak to the programme office today.

Register

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Complete the registration form and the programme office will confirm your seat, share the admission steps and guide you through enrolment for the cohort beginning 20 September.

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  • Confirmation of registration by email
  • Admission steps and fee structure shared on confirmation

Diploma Registration

Next cohort begins 20 September

Educational background

Registration places you on the admissions list. The programme office confirms your seat and shares the admission steps by email.

Admissions

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Portrait of Kamakshi Wason

Programme leadership

Kamakshi Wason

Executive Director of Academic Programmes

Guiding the Foundation’s academic vision, programme experience and engagement between learners, diplomats, scholars and practitioners.

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