Yolanda Spies

Dr Yolanda Spies is Director of the Diplomatic Studies Programme at the University of Oxford's Department for Continuing Education, a role she assumed on 1 June 2021. She is also a Senior Research Fellow at the SARCHI Chair in African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg, and a Senior Fellow at DiploFoundation, Geneva. Previously, she served as Associate Professor in International Studies at Zayed University (UAE) and adjunct professor at Webster University, Accra. She founded and directed the Master of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Pretoria until 2016.

Her research focuses on diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, international law, conflict resolution, changing global power structures, African politics, and the theory and ethics of international relations. Her interdisciplinary work reflects both practical diplomatic experience and academic rigor. She is the author of two books published in 2019: Global Diplomacy and International Society and Global South Perspectives on Diplomacy.

Dr Spies brings an extensive blend of academic and practical diplomatic expertise, having served as a South African diplomat for 18 years before entering academia in 2005. Her work emphasizes training and capacity-building in diplomacy, particularly for developing countries.

She has held affiliations with multiple institutions across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, reflecting her global engagement in diplomatic education and research. Her current leadership at Oxford continues her mission of shaping diplomatic studies through inclusive, interdisciplinary, and globally representative frameworks.

Academic Appointments:

• Director, Diplomatic Studies Programme, University of Oxford (2021–present)
• Senior Research Fellow, SARCHI Chair in African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg (2016–present)
• Senior Fellow, DiploFoundation, Geneva (2020–present)
• Associate Professor: International Studies, Zayed University, UAE
• Adjunct Professor, Webster University, Accra, Ghana
• Director, Master of Diplomatic Studies, University of Pretoria (2005–2016)

Dr Spies has contributed significantly to diplomatic education and research, particularly in African and Global South contexts. Her advisory and grant-related activities are not explicitly detailed, but her leadership in programme development and international research collaborations suggests strong engagement in academic and policy-oriented initiatives.

She is affiliated with research networks and institutions focused on diplomacy and international policy, including the SARCHI Chair and DiploFoundation, contributing to both academic scholarship and practical diplomatic training.