Where Tomorrow's Leaders Learn from Those Who Have Led
The LDNS Difference
Leadership Is Built Through Experience
Today's leaders face increasingly complex global challenges. Meeting those challenges requires more than knowledge alone.
At LDNS, students and professionals learn directly from former U.S. ambassadors, senior military officers, senior Foreign Service officers, policymakers, executives and other accomplished practitioners who bring decades of real-world experience into the learning environment. Through immersive experiences and leadership development grounded in values, ethics, trust and sound judgment, LDNS prepares leaders to navigate complexity, make informed decisions and serve with purpose.
Explore Opportunities
MA in International Affairs and Leadership
Earn a flexible online master's degree that brings leadership and international affairs to life through accomplished practitioners, with the option to travel to Washington, D.C., for an immersive week of learning, networking, and engagement.
Policy Design Studio
Spend a semester studying in Washington, D.C., or participate online while tackling real-world policy challenges with guidance from experienced practitioners.
ASU World Innovators Study Abroad
Learn how leadership is practiced across cultures by engaging with global leaders who share how values, ethics, and trust shape leadership in their countries and communities.
Professional Certificates
Build your leadership credentials through professional certificates designed for students, professionals, and organizations. Learn from experienced practitioners, develop skills you can apply immediately, and strengthen your résumé and professional profile.
Leadership Development
Develop leadership through immersive experiences—from Gettysburg to customized programs—that challenge students and professionals to strengthen judgment, decision-making, and leadership in practice.
Global Literacy Masterclasses
Learn directly from two former U.S. ambassadors and an accomplished business leader in live, interactive sessions where you can ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from their real-world experience. Select Masterclasses can also count toward two LDNS professional certificates.
Advancing Character-Driven Leadership
ASU is committed to innovation, global transformation, international impact, and cultivating a global perspective among its students and university partners. Unique among the globe’s higher education institutions, the University is a powerful champion of preparing character-driven leaders committed to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons, in America and around the world.
ASU Ambassador in Residence
Ambassador Michael C. Polt brings 35 years of U.S. diplomatic experience to ASU, including service as U.S. Ambassador to Estonia and Serbia and Montenegro. As ASU's Ambassador-in-Residence, students have direct access to his experience, insights, and mentorship.
Explore Ambassador Polt's work across diplomacy, foreign affairs, and national security initiatives at ASU.
Connect with Ambassador Polt
ASU students can connect directly with Ambassador Polt to discuss U.S. foreign policy, international affairs, diplomacy, careers, leadership, or current global issues. Join a scheduled office-hours session or request an individual one-on-one meeting.
Fall 2026 Office Hours
September 14
October 12
November 16
December 7
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM (AZ MST)
Experience LDNS
See how LDNS brings leadership to life through accomplished practitioners, immersive experiences, and opportunities that challenge students and professionals to learn, engage, and lead with purpose.
National Security
LDNS brings together senior military officers and accomplished practitioners from diplomacy, government, business, law, and national security to examine complex security challenges facing the United States and the world. Through initiatives including the Flag Officer Advisory Council, Credible Deterrence Series, and Salute to Service, LDNS connects real-world experience and expertise with education, dialogue, and public engagement.
American Diplomat Podcast
Go behind the headlines with U.S. diplomats who have been there—sharing candid stories about world events, international crises, and the human side of diplomacy.
Create Opportunities for Students
Your support helps students take learning beyond the classroom through experiences in Washington, D.C., study abroad and other hands-on opportunities.