About LDNS
Our Mission
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.
Led by distinguished diplomatic and national security professionals, the LDNS Lab connects students with the people, ideas and real-world challenges shaping local, national and international affairs. Through rigorous learning experiences, practitioner engagement and a global network of partners, the Lab prepares learners to develop the judgment, integrity and skills required to lead with purpose.
Founding Vision
“The launch of the LDNS Lab demonstrates the opportunities ASU can offer our community by leveraging the university’s presence in Washington, D.C., and Phoenix. Freakley, Polt and O’Donnell each have decades of strategic knowledge and experience that our students and faculty can learn from to further engage with issues of importance locally, nationally and internationally.”
"We are excited to give learners this chance to engage with and learn from the most experienced and distinguished diplomacy and leadership experts our university has to offer.”
— ASU President Michael M. Crow
That founding vision continues to guide LDNS today: connecting learners with experienced leaders and preparing them to engage consequential issues with knowledge, character-driven leadership and purpose.