Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.” - Jesse Owens
Welcome
The Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab (LDNS Lab) advances character-driven leadership, diplomacy, and national security education and training in support of the full range of university enterprises. Led by diplomatic and national security professionals, The Lab dedicates itself to learner-centered solutions and thought leadership through a global network of partners employing state of the art learning tools.
Upcoming Events and Programs
Spring Global Literacy Masterclasses
Spring Global Literacy Masterclasses
The LDNS Lab Masterclass Series, offered through the Lab’s Ambassador-in-Residence, engages the ASU community in a broad–ranging conversation about America’s foreign policy and world affairs. Classes are held from 12-2 p.m. AZ.
The International Supply Chain in Real Time: February 28 - March 2, 2023 (12-1 p.m. AZ)
Migration, Borders, and Our Homeland: March 15, 2023
Understanding America to Represent America: March 22, 2023
The U.S. and the World: April 19, 2023
Ambassador-in-Residence Spring Office Hours
ASU Ambassador-in-Residence Spring Office Hours
Please join Ambassador Michael C. Polt for monthly office hours to discuss U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic and international affairs careers. Spring 2022 office hours will be held 12-1pm AZ MST on the following dates:
March 1, 2023
March 23, 2023
April 20, 2023
May 18, 2023
Zoom: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82092629073?pwd=VlVGOHpSWm5IRWQ0bEJOck90cWo5dz09; Password:1111
Announcements
ASU student Alyssa Porta selected for State Department internship
AWI Study Abroad Participant Selected for State Department Internship
ASU political science senior Alyssa Porta was selected for a prestigious paid internship with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
Alyssa participated in the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab's ASU World Innovators study abroad program last summer, during which she supported AWI Vimal Kumar and his work advocating for education access in India.
Alyssa aims to continue to work in public service as a Foreign Service Officer after graduation, and credits LDNS Lab leader Amb. Polt for preparing her for this opportunity and offering invaluable application advice. Learn more about how you can reach your career goals with help from ASU Ambassador-in-Residence Michael Polt:
Anniversary of ADP-II Launch
Anniversary of the Launch of ADP-II at Arizona State University | Jan. 31, 2022
One year ago, in partnership with the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab launched the American Diplomacy Project - Phase II, which endeavored to develop four detailed blueprints to modernize U.S. Diplomacy. Over the following months, the ADP-II team, led in part by LDNS Lab co-founder Ambassador Michael C. Polt, researched and crafted these four blueprints. With the help of ASU Student Research Aides, the final report was presented to foreign policy leaders in September, 2022.
On this anniversary, ASU looks forward to continually supporting the mission of these blueprints as this project moves into its next phase of advocacy and implementation.
Take a look back at the project
ASU News Features First Graduating MA-IAL Class
ASU News Features First Graduating MA-IAL Class
“I am incredibly proud of our first graduates,” said Ambassador Roderick Moore, professor of practice at ASU and director of the master’s degree program. “Through their hard work and commitment, they have established a high standard of academic achievement that we hope many future generations of IAL graduates will match. ... We expect to see them in rewarding careers in international affairs in the years ahead.”
Lab Topics
ProPublica, ICIJ
In Montenegro, Ljubomir Filipovic, a political scientist and former deputy mayor of Budva, said Djukic helped spread chaos and dysfunction in a country that has struggled to establish an identity since it became a sovereign nation in 2006.
“He went beyond what an ordinary honorary consul would do. He went even beyond what an official diplomat would do,” said Filipovic, who tracked Djukic’s activities as consul. “The intention was to damage the social fabric of Montenegro — and he did that.”
BBC
LDNS Lab Distinguished Fellow Amb. Kurt Volker speaks on US aid in Ukraine in this video for BBC World.
FCW
How a short video speaks volumes about current U.S. approaches to diplomacy in China...
Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab
Robert Lavender, a Fall 2022 ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab Fellow, recently published an article about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and its impact on global diplomacy.