Events and Announcements

Guest speaker, Professor of Ethics and Law, Kish Parella, of Washington and Lee University, discusses the intersection of law and business in corporate foreign policy. In her conversation with Ambassador David Scheffer, she shares her thoughts on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implications for war.

Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gcKKsCnJ

Watch the full lecture here: https://lnkd.in/g8vqTWdA

Thank you for tuning in to our first quarterly newsletter — designed to provide updates on LDNS Lab events, projects, research and opportunities for students and partners. With these newsletters, we aim to showcase more of what we do, and who we are. Whether you're an ASU student or alumni, staff, or community member, we look forward to connecting with you!

Read our Newsletter

Congratulations to the 2023 MA-IAL Graduates!

The ASU LDNS Lab team congratulates the following students on graduating from the M.A. International Affairs and Leadership program!

Brandon Axelrod, Muriel Batta, Austin Bennett, Shamiah Bullock, Kimberly Curry, Ismail Dashti, Sean Gallagher, Suzanna Gardner, Jacob Gleason, Emma Hager, Breck Heltzel, Nicolas Khonaysser, Thomas Koch, Logan Montel, Mallory Montour, Emily Muller, Stephen Salter, Tara Toone, Brian Valencia Arvizu, and Quinn Vlacich

We wish these students the best of luck as they continue their leadership journey in the field of international affairs. 

The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab was honored to host a discussion with Arizona State University Distinguished University Fellow and former National Security Advisor LTG HR McMaster in February 2023. This event, sponsored by the ASU Competitive Statecraft Initiative, served as a precursor to the ASU Forum on Innovating for Competitive Statecraft, which came to Tempe March 29-31, 2023. 

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Watch the Discussion

In the March issue of the American Foreign Service Association's Foreign Service Journal, Ambs. Grossman and Ries, co-directors of the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab-supported American Diplomacy Project, lay out the blueprints for Foreign Service reform proposed in the ADP-II and reinforce the importance of this project as it heads into Phase III: Implementation.
 

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Applications are still open for the 2023 ASU World Innovators Study Abroad Program!

The ASU World Innovators Internship/Study Abroad program allows students to work directly with ASU World Innovators (AWIs) around the world on projects ranging from entrepreneurship in Morocco to refugee support in Jordan to democratization in Georgia. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of March 31. 

There are both virtual (Lesotho) and in-person (Jordan, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, India, Albania) opportunities available!

Learn More and Apply

Applications are open for the 2025 ASU World Innovators Study Abroad Program!

The ASU World Innovators Internship/Study Abroad program allows students to work directly with ASU World Innovators (AWIs) around the world on projects ranging from entrepreneurship in Morocco to refugee support in Jordan to democratization in Georgia. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of January 31.

Learn More and Apply

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:

ASU Ambassador-in-Residence

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

“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.”

Read More

Happy start of the Spring 2023 semester, Sun Devils!

This weekend, our in-person School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University Policy Design Studio students arrived in Washington, D.C. to a warm welcome from the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab team.

These students will be participating in internships across sectors while diving into the world of U.S. Foreign Policy through an Embassy simulation course taught by former U.S. Ambassadors.

Learn more about the program here:

Learn More

Congratulations to the 2022 MA-IAL Graduates!

The ASU LDNS Lab team congratulates the following students on being amongst the first cohort of graduates of the M.A. International Affairs and Leadership program!

Megan Amen

James Baker

Tommaso Carli

Joey Joson

Sal Lee

Ben Valdez

We wish these students the best of luck as they continue their leadership journey in the field of international affairs. 

Two MA-IAL Students Profiled in ASU News

Kara Moriarty and Thomas Morgan, two students in the LDNS Lab-affiliated M.A. in International Affairs and Leadership Program, were recently profiled by ASU News for their incredible leadership journeys. Learn more about how their participation in Washington Week helped advance their knowledge and networks in international affairs in the articles below:

Kara's Story 

Thomas' Story

Lauren Pukalo, an intern with the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab-sponsored American Diplomat Podcast was featured in a recent ASU News piece. 

“I honestly cannot speak highly enough of the faculty and the lab,” Pukalo said. 

“I’ve learned so much from the faculty; they truly care about the students and are willing to help by providing opportunities and resources. All in all, the experience has really helped influence my path and future career.” 

Read more about all of the experiences she's taken advantage of through the LDNS Lab:

Read Article

The American Academy of Diplomacy seeks two individuals interested in American foreign policy and the practice of diplomacy, as well as in the inner workings of a nonprofit organization, for their Spring 2023 internship program. The candidates must be able to commit to the entire spring term (20-40 hours/week, virtual or in-person). Applicants who cannot do so will not be considered. Applications are due November 20, 2022.

More Info

The American Diplomacy Project - Phase II Report, supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation and the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab, was presented on Sept. 8, 2022 at the ASU Center in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the project via this ASU News article.

Read More from ASU News

Congratulations to ASU Senior Political Science student Lauren Pukalo for being selected as a Diplomacy Podcast Intern with the American Diplomat Podcast, a show that features former and current diplomats' takes on current world affairs. The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab, a sponsor of AmDip, is excited to expand our collaboration and engage ASU students!

 Learn more 

ASU World Innovator Ljubo Filipovic, a political analyst from Montenegro, was recently interviewed concerning the recent no-confidence vote that occurred in his country, leading to another fall of its government. Learn more about the Montenegrin political environment and how church-state relations influenced this recent vote in the clip below.

Watch Here

Arizona State University is a top producer of Foreign Service Officers, according to data from the State Department. 

Visit the ASU Ambassador-in-Residence page to explore opportunities in international affairs and diplomacy from ASU Ambassador-in-Residence Michael Polt.

ASU Ambassador-in-Residence

ASU students, staff, and faculty can access online international affairs content from Foreign Policy Magazine via ASU Libraries.

To access, click the link below, then select "Foreign Policy" under "Available Online"

Happy reading!

Read Here

This Spring, ASU World Innovator Zaw and ASU LDNS Lab team member Ashley teamed up to connect ASU, Mount Vernon High School, and Kachin students from the Alen Bum School for Internally Displaced Persons through a letter exchange.

Through this project, American students learned about the Kachin conflict in Myanmar, which is largely underreported. ASU students wrote letters of encouragement to 75 Kachin students, fostering mutual understanding, awareness, and support. 

Congratulations to Zaw and Ashley for such an impactful and inspiring project!

"Earlier this year, Arizona State University’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab convened ambassadors and foreign service experts to discuss actionable steps that can be taken to revive, reform and reimagine the U.S. Foreign Service for the 21st century in an online open discussion, 'The American Diplomacy Project – Phase II.' The discussion was organized as part of the Inaugural ASU Washington Diplomatic Roundtable, a quarterly event connecting ASU with the Washington foreign affairs community."

ASU News reports on the LDNS-led American Diplomacy Project - Phase II

Read Here

The LDNS Lab is currently seeking two highly motivated undergraduate students to participate in its innovative Undergraduate Research Fellows Program for the Fall 2022 semester. Students accepted into the program will work directly with faculty mentors on current research projects involving leadership, diplomacy and national security and will qualify for a $2,500 scholarship.

Requirements:
• Preference for first-generation college students
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• All ASU undergraduate majors/years are eligible
• Time Commitment: 5-7 hours/week
• Location: Virtual, weekly Zoom meetings

Deadline: July 15

More Information + Application Form:

"But what can we learn from this new reality? How do we build a more resilient future? And what should we have done differently in the heady days of the end of the Cold War to fend off the resurgence and ascendancy of autocrats abroad and here at home?" 

Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab Co-Founder and ASU Ambassador-in-Residence Michael C. Polt shares his views on how the West can build a more resilient future, one that fends off the resurgence and ascendancy of autocrats, in this piece from the George W. Bush Institute.

Read here

The Australian-American Leadership Dialogue is hosting the 30th Anniversary Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD) July 12-14, 2022, in Washington, DC. The Leadership Dialogue is requesting interns to support the administrative matters of the event. The interns would enjoy the broad scope in the program and the high-level bilateral engagement of delegates and dialogue.

Note: All interns must be in the D.C. area and available to attend all of the AALD forum events between July 11 - 14. Interns must be current ASU/LDNS Lab students or alumni. 

Deadline Extended: Friday, June 17 by 11:59 p.m.

Learn More + Apply

Congratulations to LDNS Lab Team Member Nikki Hinshaw on her recent graduation from The George Washington University! She earned a Master's in Global Communication with concentrations in international education and public diplomacy. We're excited to have her transition into a full-time role with our team next week. 

Read more

The American Academy of Diplomacy seeks an individual interested in American foreign policy and the practice of diplomacy, as well as in the inner workings of a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. A student or a recent graduate with continuing education goals and interest in the Department of State and the Foreign Service will find this internship particularly rewarding, as they will be able to interact with our esteemed members, learn about the Foreign Service, and gain insights into the workings of how foreign policy is carried out. Because the Academy is small, the internships offer students a unique opportunity to become a core part of the organization’s team. As an integral part of the Program, the intern will attend meetings and events with some of the most distinguished retired American ambassadors. The Intern will be involved in: managing all the Academy’s social media accounts, event and meeting planning and implementation, communicating with Academy members and distributing their published articles, updating content for the Academy website, managing contact lists, supporting the professional staff, and creating their own project. The Program and Finance Assistant will provide detailed guidance and constructive critique to maximize the learning experience. The intern will devote 15 to 30 hours a week depending on their availability. The candidate must be able to commit to the entire Spring term. Applicants who cannot do so will not be considered. Applications are due November 19, 2023 at 11:59pm.

The Academy seeks an individual interested in American foreign policy and the practice of diplomacy, as well as in the inner workings of a nonprofit organization. Because the Academy is small, the internships offer students a unique opportunity to become an integral part of the organization’s core team. A student or a recent graduate with continuing education goals and interest in the Foreign Service will find this internship particularly rewarding, as they will be able to interact with our distinguished members, assist with the distribution of their published articles through social media, learn about the Foreign Service and gain insights into the workings of how foreign policy is carried out. As an integral part of the Program, the intern will attend meetings and events with some of the most distinguished retired American ambassadors. The Intern will be involved in: managing all the Academy’s social media accounts, event and meeting and implementation, communicating with Academy members, updating content for the Academy website, managing contact lists, supporting the professional staff, and creating their own project. The Program and Finance Assistant will provide detailed guidance and constructive critique to maximize the learning experience. The intern will devote 20 to 40 hours a week depending on their availability. The candidate must be able to commit to the entire spring term. Applicants who cannot do so will not be considered. Applications are due November 1, 2024.

On May 7, Arizona State University and ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab Distinguished Fellow Gen. H.R. McMaster served as the keynote speaker for the Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony.

He recognized the value of an education at ASU "to develop further the knowledge, the skills, the abilities that will permit you to go on and make even greater contributions to our nation and all of humanity.”

Congratulations to all of the ASU Spring 2022 graduates, especially our LDNS Lab students and fellows!

Read more

Congratulations to Arizona State University for being selected as a CIEE Council on International Educational Exchange Bridge Builder Award winner!

This honor recognizes institutions that have strengthened the field of international education and exchange and have contributed to building mutual understanding across cultures.

The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab is honored to play a part in ASU's efforts in global education.

Learn More

Watch the Celebratory Video

The Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab offers its congratulations to Herb and Laura Roskind following the dedication of Roskind Great Hall on ASU's Tempe Campus this past week. Their generous donations and engagement with the University have positively impacted countless students and departments, including the LDNS Lab.

Learn more about the Roskind's and their incredible work below:

ASU News Article

Meet the Roskind's

Great Hall Dedication

The Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab is a proud sponsor of the American Diplomat Podcast. LDNS Lab co-founder and former Ambassador to Holocaust Issues Edward O'Donnell is featured on the recent episode, "Countering Genocide." 

About the episode: "War crimes and genocide, from the Holocaust of World War II to Ukraine today, and many other places on earth. Moved by his experience of the civil rights movement as a youth in the South, Ed O'Donnell devoted his life to preventing the emergence of genocides worldwide and bringing justice in their aftermath."

Listen here

The Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab is a proud sponsor of the American Diplomat Podcast. LDNS Lab co-founder Lt. General Benjamin Freakley is featured on the recent episode, "Ukraine: The Will to Fight."

About the episode: "No one guessed Ukraine could succeed in combatting Putin. How has the country done it? What has Putin got wrong? General Ben Freakley is back with insights on the will to fight, military strategy, and values-based leadership."

Listen here

The April Edition of the Foreign Service Journal is out now!

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider’s perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

Check out the article on "Core Precepts," which covers traits important for those aspiring to work in the Foreign Service, like diversity, substantive knowledge, leadership, communication skills, and more.

Read the Journal

As a part of Genocide Awareness Week at Arizona State University, ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab co-founder and former Ambassador to Holocaust Issues Edward O'Donnell discussed the role of the U.S. government in preventing and responding to atrocities.

Watch the Presentation

Ambassador O'Donnell served on and moderated several additional panels throughout Genocide Awareness Week. For the full playlist of presentations from #GAW22, visit this link:

All Recordings

Global Literacy Masterclasses are back for the Spring!

The Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab (LDNS Lab) Masterclass Series, offered through the Lab’s Ambassador-in-Residence, engages the ASU community and ultimately all audiences in partnership with the university, in a broad–ranging conversation about America’s foreign policy and the country’s role in world affairs. Spring course offerings include:

International Trade and the American Worker | March 24 12-1:30 p.m.

The U.S. and the World | April 12, 2022 12-2 p.m.

Diplomacy First | April 18, 2022 12-2 p.m.

Register for Classes
 

Robert Lavender, 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.

Read his article here:

Pardis Mahdavi relays her experience of the Iranian sexual revolution and similar movements in the Middle East, including Afghanistan. Why was the summer of the cockroaches her favorite? There weren't enough cockroaches for everybody! And this is to say nothing of the orgies. Listen and find out what all of this could possibly mean.

Listen to the Podcast 

The Office of the Secretary of Defense/Washington Headquarters Services (OSD/WHS) offers volunteer opportunities to students enrolled in an accredited high school, trade school, college and/or university. These opportunities allow students to explore career options in their field of study and develop personal and professional skills. Volunteer students are exposed to the work environment while learning about the Department of Defense missions and responsibilities. 

For more information 

Analysis of the Foreign Malign Influence in Montenegro 2019-2021 by Ljubomir Filipovic 

For many years now, the Republic of Montenegro has been facing numerous threats of a hybrid nature that are aggressively attacking its national and state-building identity. The level and intensity of malicious activities has changed over the years, from assassination attempts to inciting (and violent) protests in the streets to influence the election process. 

Read the Analysis 

Our Spring '23 ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab Fellow and M.A. Int'l Affairs and Leadership student, Devin Parker, was recently highlighted in a news profile by the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University!

In addition to her work on Genocide Awareness Week with LDNS Lab co-founder Amb. O'Donnell as a Lab Fellow, Devin has also participated in Washington Week and the Diplomacy Lab course as an ASU Online M.A. International Affairs and Leadership student. Read more about Devin's incredible leadership within our Lab in the article below:

Read More

Featured Guest: Former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues, David J. Scheffer

Former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues, David J. Scheffer is the Professor of Practice in the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab & is a Senior Fellow of the Council of Foreign Relations (Washington Office). From 2006 through 2020 Professor Scheffer was the Mayer Brown/Robert A. Helman Professor of Law at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law & Director Emeritus of the Center for International Human Rights. Professor Scheffer was the first US Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues (1997-2001) and led the US delegation to the U.N. talks establishing the International Criminal Court. Further, he negotiated the creation of five war crimes tribunals and chaired the Atrocities Prevention Inter-Agency Working Group (1998-2001). He served on the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council and as Senior Adviser and Counsel to Dr. Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, from 1993-1996. His latest publications include, “All the Missing Souls: A Personal History of the War Crimes Tribunals,” and “The Sit Room: In the Theater of War and Peace.”

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Watch the Discussion

The world is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rise of populism, the erosion of traditional alliances, and the pervasive influence of social media. As populist leaders gain prominence across the globe, the very foundations of democracy are being challenged, leading to increased polarization, instability, and a growing sense of uncertainty about the future of democratic governance.

Author: Dr. Dael Dervishi, ASU World Innovator

Disclaimer: The views are the author’s own and not those of the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab or Arizona State University.

Gain hands-on experiences as an intern at an organization of interest to you. Options include the White House, Congress, courts, government agencies, lobbying firms, advocacy groups, media outlets, think tanks and non-profit organizations. Research solutions to real-world foreign policy issues in a weekly seminar taught by a former U.S. Ambassador, visit government agencies and historical sites and participate in networking events.

More Information

Apply Here

Author: Zaw Tu Hkawng, ASU World Innovator

A deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake — the worst in Myanmar’s recorded 184-year history — has devastated the country. Tragically, instead of focusing on saving lives or conducting rescue operations, the military junta has carried out aerial bombings and heavy artillery attacks more than 20 times within just four days of the earthquake.

Read more here