Information Package / Course Catalogue
Public Diplomacy and Lobbying
Course Code: İLT359
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

Purpose of the Public Diplomacy and Lobbying Course The purpose of this course is to examine the concepts of public diplomacy and lobbying from both theoretical and practical perspectives, and to analyze the communication, persuasion, and representation strategies used by states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other actors to influence target audiences. The course explores the role of public diplomacy in foreign policy processes, methods of shaping international public opinion, the influence of interest groups on decision-making mechanisms, and the ethical, legal, and political dimensions of lobbying activities. It aims to equip students with analytical thinking and evaluation skills in these areas.

Course Content

This course examines the fundamental theories, historical development, and practical applications of public diplomacy and lobbying. It explores the role of public diplomacy in foreign policy, international communication, nation branding, and public opinion formation, while analyzing the communication strategies employed by states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector actors. The course also addresses the definition, functioning, actors, methods, and influence of lobbying on decision-making processes. Furthermore, it covers lobbying practices in different countries, ethical and legal regulations, the activities of interest groups, digital diplomacy, and contemporary case studies related to public diplomacy and lobbying. The course aims to help students understand influence-building processes at both national and international levels and develop analytical skills for evaluating these practices.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Defines the conceptual framework: Explains the concepts of public diplomacy and lobbying, their historical evolution, and theoretical foundations.
2.Analyzes strategic tools: Identifies soft power elements and persuasion methods used by state and non-state actors.
3.Designs campaigns: Plans a lobbying and public diplomacy campaign aligned with specific political, economic, or social goals.
4.Evaluates international relations: Examines the impact of perception management, media, and public opinion on foreign policy in global political processes.
5.Knows legal and ethical boundaries: Distinguishes the legal regulations and ethical principles of lobbying activities at national and international levels.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Özkan, Abdullah (Ed.). Turkey’s Public Diplomacy. Istanbul: TASAM Publications, 2012.
2.Digital Diplomacy: Theory and Practice – Corneliu Bjola, Marcus Holmes (Translated by: Collective Translators), Hece Publications.
3.Lobbying in International Relations – Savaş Biçer, Siyasal Bookstore Publishing.
4.Ethnic Lobbies in the Western World – Kemal Çiçek, Yeni Türkiye Publications.
5.Public Diplomacy – Tarık Oğuzlu, Kadir Has University Publications.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction and Core Concepts: Definition, historical development, and interdisciplinary nature of public diplomacy and lobbying.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Soft Power and Smart Power: Joseph Nye’s power theories; sources and construction of soft power in international relations.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Traditional Diplomacy vs. Public Diplomacy: Transition from state-to-state to state-to-people diplomacy; differences in actors and methods.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Tools and Methods of Public Diplomacy: Cultural diplomacy, educational exchange programs, humanitarian aid, and media management.
Week 5 - Theoretical
The New Public Diplomacy and Digital Diplomacy: Social media, disinformation, perception management, and the role of digital networks in international politics.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Nation Branding: Image, cultural identity, and reputation management strategies of a country; successful country case studies.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Concept of Lobbying and Theoretical Framework: Definition of lobbying, historical origins, pluralist theory, and its impact on decision-making processes.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Types and Strategies of Lobbying: Direct lobbying, indirect (grassroots) lobbying, corporate lobbying, and coalition building.
Week 9 - Theoretical
Lobbying in International Relations and Ethnic Lobbies: Lobbying activities in the US and EU; examples of Jewish, Armenian, and Greek lobbies.
Week 10 - Theoretical
The Role of Global Corporations, NGOs, and Think-Tanks: The rising power of non-state actors in public diplomacy and lobbying, and policy-making processes.
Week 11 - Theoretical
Ethics, Law, and Transparency in Lobbying: Legal framework of lobbying activities, registration systems , bribery, and ethical debates.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Crisis Management, Public Diplomacy, and Lobbying: Public opinion shaping and diplomacy management during international crises, wars, and conflicts.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Turkey's Public Diplomacy and Lobbying Policies: Turkey's soft power instruments (TİKA, YTB, Yunus Emre Institute, TRT) and foreign lobbying activities.
Week 14 - Theoretical
General Summary of the Course
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures5%5
Quiz1%10
Midterm Examination1%25
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143384
Reading2114
Individual Work4028
Quiz1000
Midterm Examination1819
Final Examination119120
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
OÇ-1
4
5
4
OÇ-2
4
5
4
OÇ-3
5
5
OÇ-4
4
5
4
OÇ-5
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026