The Professional Practice of Commercial Diplomacy (PPCD) builds practical analytical and advocacy skills for diplomacy aimed at influencing domestic and foreign government policies and regulatory decisions affecting global trade and investment. PPCD focuses on analysis, strategy, and advocacy in the international public policy arena. Today’s interdependent world demands skills and knowledge over a wide range of governmental activity affecting international commerce –in areas such as health, safety, and environment standards; consumer protection; competition policy; bribery and corruption laws: agricultural support programs; industrial subsidies; and regulations covering services such as banking, telecommunications and accounting. Commercial diplomacy blends the science of economics, business and law with the art of building consensus among domestic and international stakeholders when developing national policies that affect international commerce and international trade agreements.