Nabil Ayad


Nabil Ayad is an academic in the field of diplomacy and international governance. He is currently a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Royal Institute of International Affairs and an Associate Member of the London Diplomatic Association.
Ayad coined the term "virtual diplomacy" in 1986. During that time period, he pioneered exploration of information technology's impact on diplomacy. He has done extensive pioneering work in the area of diplomacy and through his vision, Diplomacy has become a discipline unto itself, and London Diplomatic Academy has been recognised as the world leader in the field.
In recognition of his contribution to world diplomacy and the training of the new generation of diplomats in Central Asia, and the development of education in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the government of Uzbekistan conferred two honours on Dr. Ayad: an Honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan, September 1999, and an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy by the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
Dr. Ayad lectures on Diplomacy in Islam; Intelligence and National Security and Intercultural Communication, as part of the MA degree in Diplomatic Studies. In 2011, Dr. Ayad introduced four master's degree programs at London Academy of Diplomacy on the following:
Prior to joining UEA London in August 2010, Dr. Ayad pioneered in 1980 the introduction of integrated diplomatic training programmes at the University of Westminster and organised courses and training programmes for diplomats and other government officials from the Commonwealth, Arab World, Africa, Eastern and Central Europe, the Caribbean, Central Asia and China. Most of these training programmes were sponsored by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council as well as groups sponsored by their own governments such as Kuwait, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China.
He was also involved in the supervision of research students. For example, during the academic year 2009-2010, four of his research students have been awarded PhD degrees on topics including:
Since 1995, he has organised a series of international symposia entitled Diplomacy Beyond 2000 and Diplomacy in the 21st century in London and Paris for the benefit of the student body. The have attracted members of the London and Paris Diplomatic Corps, senior UK government officials, academics and decision makers from overseas governments. Conferences included:
In March 2012 Dr. Ayad will organise the seventeenth international symposium in the series of Diplomacy in the 21st Century entitled: "Diplomatic Practice, Global Commerce and International Security in the Age of Heteropolarity"
At London Academy of Diplomacy, Dr. Ayad continues the tradition of innovation in diplomatic training and the conduct of international relations in a rapidly changing international environment in the age of heteropolarity.

Selected publications

Articles in books

Lectures