Message from the President of AGSIRD

When heading an institution such as the AGSIRD that has as a mission to teach international relations and diplomacy, one knows that some of the students are, of course, going to become diplomats, or go into government, others will work in IOs, others NGOs. And some will do something entirely outside the international relation field. There are no rules on what one does with an ID & D diploma. So what does one want them to learn while with AGSIRD. There is a certain amount of information that must be given ; IR theories and methodology for example. However, this would mean little without knowing the history and culture of different countries, the geography, the law, the economics….one cannot understand international relations without a deep understanding of all the related subjects. Then one needs to teach the students how to research, how to understand and to critically analyse what is being researched, how to then to be able to report on this, concisely, objectively and in a pertinent manner. They must learn the art of negotiating. The capacity to recognise and to resolve problems on many levels. The abilty to work in a team but also to lead the team.

If that was it, it would actually not be too difficult in many of the students cases. AGSIRD is a small institution. And that by choice. We believe that our professors are with us to share with the students not only their knowledge but their time. There are those students who work well independently and those who need more support. Our professors and staff are there to give the help needed. But only to a reasonable extent. Ours is a graduate school. Students must learn to work on their own as much as possible. Each student has his/her own potential—we strive to assist the student to reach it as much on their own as possible. This gives one the confidence that is then needed to continue after AGSIRD.

However, there is so much more one wants to instill in the students. Learn to listen, particularly to those who disagree with you. Learn to be intellectually honest with oneself. Learn that conflict can be resolved in peaceful manners if not allowed to progress too far---so that one needs to learn to recognize the first apparence of the conflict—no matter how small it seems at first---and then work to stop it from escalating. Decide what is important for them to do in life. The “making the world a better place” is all fine, however, each one needs a personal goal—a doable goal.

Ethics, morals, idealism, peace, charity, right and wrong---all these terms that one avoids not to seem foolish—naive. These are values I personally would give to every student that wishes to study at AGSIRD. And any student who hopes to come to us, will be given the chance to do so if we feel that they can academically profit from our international experience. We do not look for the student on the right or left side of the political scale. Our professors are from varied backgrounds and beliefs. We do not want to modify our student’s beliefs. We only want them to make the effort to confront any preconceived notions they may have—put themselves into question—and then proceed.

Eileen Servidio

President
American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy
Paris, France