News, Events and Programs
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Deterring America's Rivals and Enemies
The Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab
of Arizona State University
is proud to present
Deterring America's Rivals and Enemies
The world’s leading superpower has sometimes stumbled when it comes to deterring its rivals and enemies, from unenforced red lines in Syria to misreading the capabilities and intentions of al-Qaeda before 9/11. Today, the US must attempt to prevent Iran from widening the regional conflict in the Middle East, China from invading Taiwan, and Russia from winning the war in Ukraine. So, how has the US fared in exercising its deterrence capabilities over the past several years, and how might it continue to do so in the future?
An Address by
Peter Bergen
Author, documentary producer, podcast host, professor of practice at Arizona State University, vice president at New America, and CNN's national security analyst
Moderated by
Ambassador David J. Scheffer
Arizona State University (Washington, D.C.)
April 23, 2024
Lunch: 11:30 am ET
Program: 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
Zoom Option Available (9:00 -10:00 am AZ MST)
Location:
ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center
8th Floor Event Pavilion
1800 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
Please RSVP.
ID will be required at the door.
Events and Announcements Archive
Genocide Awareness Week
April 15 – 19, 2024 • ASU Tempe campus (in-person and online)
Join the discussion of human rights and preventing Genocide and Atrocities
Nationalism, State Violence and Genocide
This year’s conference theme of nationalism, state violence and genocide revolves around the role of the state in facilitating and shaping genocidal violence.
Speakers will explore different forms of authoritarian and exclusionary forms of nationalism; extremist form of national identity; race and racial science; cultural erasure; religious nationalism, and how mass violence is facilitated by genocidal states using technology and propaganda.
Note especially the two speeches by senior U.S. State Department diplomats on Thursday, April 18, 2024:
- 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM: Jeff Sizemore - “Promoting Democracy/Confronting Authoritarianism”
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Ludovic Hood - “Combating Anti-Semitism and other Forms of Intolerance; The U.S. State Department Role”
The Art of Peace in Times of Crisis
Join Ambassador Edward O'Donnell on February 9th, at 12:00pm MST and listen to his speech to the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (virtual online).
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The memorial ceremony takes place on Friday 26 January 2024 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST, in the UN General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters. Survivors of the Holocaust will join speakers who include the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations. The ceremony will be broadcast live.
To attend in person, register here: https://forms.office.com/e/LDpzWc6WrM?origin=lprLink
Corporate Foreign Policy to Deter National Security Threats
The Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab
of Arizona State University
is proud to present
Corporate Foreign Policy to
Deter National Security Threats
An Address by
Professor Kish Parella
Washington and Lee University School of Law
Introduced by
Ambassador David J. Scheffer
Arizona State University (Washington, D.C.)
November 28, 2023
5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Please arrive between 4:30 am and 5:00 am
Location:
ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center
8th Floor Event Pavilion
1800 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
Zoom Option Available
Drinks and lunch will be available
Please RSVP here by November 21st, 2023.
ID will be required at the door.
Global Literacy Masterclass - The U.S. and the World
November 20, 2023 from 12-2 p.m. AZ MST
An examination of the unique U.S. role in the world, how we got here, and where we are likely to go in the future.
Like in all our masterclasses, we strip away the jargon of international politics and speak in clear text about us as a people on an undeniably interconnected globe.
Will Putin be Prosecuted for War Crimes?: The Future of Investigations into International Law Violations in Ukraine
David Scheffer, Professor of Practice, FSI, first US Ambassador at large for War Crimes
Global Literacy Masterclass - Diplomacy First
November 1, 2023 from 12-2 p.m. AZ MST
A review of the development and execution of U.S. foreign policy from the ground up -- or rather the top down -- including a discussion of the value for U.S. diplomacy as the first and priority tool of America’s international engagement.
Ambassador-in-Residence Office Hour
ASU Ambassador-in-Residence Office Hour
Please join Ambassador Michael C. Polt for monthly office hours to discuss U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic and international affairs careers.
October 25, 2023 from 11:30am - 12:30pm AZ MST
Zoom: https://asu.zoom.us/j/5923679179?pwd=TUFYUVJuakt4WXRac1V3QUpWa0Nzdz09; Password:1111
Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan: Open House Event
Date: October 24th
Time: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Arizona State University, 1800 I St NW, DC 20006, Washington DC
RSVP: Eventbrite link
Introduction to the Alliance:
The American University of Afghanistan, in partnership with Education for Humanity at
Arizona State University, has established an alliance of organizations and groups engaged
in safeguarding and expanding access to quality education for women and girls in
Afghanistan. Alliance members will endeavor to amplify access, quality, and scope of online
and face-to-face educational opportunities for women and girls in a context of severe
restrictions, depletion of resources, and economic hardship. As part of the Alliance for the
Education of Women in Afghanistan, international and national members are creating a
community of practice that will provide measurable changes and time-bound solutions to
women and girls’ access to quality education in Afghanistan. The Alliance envisions a future
where every Afghan woman and girl has the opportunity to access and receive quality
education, empowering them to thrive and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous
society.
Diplomat in Residence Visit
Diplomat in Residence Info Session
Antoinette Hurtado will talk about State Department Careers and student programs for all majors and backgrounds and share her story as a U.S. diplomat.
Global Literacy Masterclass - International Trade and the American Worker
October 17, 2023 from 12-1:30 p.m. AZ MST
A fact-based discussion of international trade and how it affects American workers. How can international trade create quality jobs for American workers and what are the negative effects? How can increasing trade and investment outside the United States serve American interests? What are your concerns about international trade?
Webinar: How the Holocaust Influenced the Modern War Crimes Tribunals
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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How the Holocaust Influenced the Modern War Crimes Tribunals
How the Holocaust Influenced the Modern War Crimes Tribunals
Friday, August 25, 2023 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (MST)
FREE VIRTUAL SEMINAR
Featured Guest: Former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues, David J. Scheffer and member of the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab | Professor of Practice
LDNS Lab Fellow Devin Parker Highlighted by ASU News
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:
American Diplomacy Project at the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
American Diplomacy Project at the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
On Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. AZ, join the Phoenix Committee and Foreign Relations for dinner and a conversation with experienced diplomat Ambassador Marc Grossman as he discusses the "American Diplomacy Project." This effort was co-authored by Grossman, in partnership with Harvard University and Arizona State University, to reimagine and revamp the U.S. State Department and Foreign Service for the myriad of unprecedented challenges in the 21st century. Ambassador Barbara Barrett, the 25th Secretary of the Air Force and former U.S. Ambassador to Finland will moderate the discussion.
Policy Design Studio Information Session
Policy Design Studio Information Session
Learn about U.S. Diplomacy in Action—Semester-long case study of the U.S. Embassy. Join us Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 at 12 p.m. (Arizona time) on Zoom for an info session on POS 494: Policy Design Studio, a Fall 2023 course and internship program.
Students play the roles of U.S. embassy officials dealing with actual events as they happen in a real country under the guidance of former U.S. Ambassadors and LDNS Lab leaders, Ambs. Edward O'Donnell and Roderick Moore. This simulation introduces students to how U.S. foreign policy is developed and how it is executed in the field.
Salute to Service Panel Discussion Luncheon with Arizona Military Leaders
Salute to Service Panel Luncheon with Arizona Military Leaders
Friday, November 4, 2022
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. AZ
Old Main – Carson Ballroom
400 E. Tyler Mall, Tempe AZ, 85281
Panel Discussion 1: “How Are Military Services Adapting to New Domains of Warfare, Specifically Cyber and Space?” 12-1 p.m.
Panel Discussion 2: “The Give and Take of Service" 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Salute to Service: Why We Serve
Salute to Service: Why We Serve
On November 1, Join the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab for a Salute to Service Webinar. LDNS Lab co-founders Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley and Ambassador Michael C. Polt will moderate a discussion on "Why We Serve" with ASU-affiliated leaders who demonstrate strong records of service across multiple fields and sectors.
Panelists:
Christine Moore: Instructional Designer at EdPlus
Captain Tai Nguyen: Infantry Company Commander, A Company, 1-23 Infantry Battalion, US Army and MA-IAL Student
Kimberly Curry: Community Engagement Coordinator, International Rescue Committee and MA IAL Student.
Policy Design Studio Information Session
POS 494: Policy Design Studio Information Session
Monday, Oct. 24th 4 p.m. AZ
L1-84 Lattie F. Coor Hall
Join Ambassador Edward O'Donnell for an informal information session about POS 494: Policy Design Studio, an embassy simulation course.
RSVP at Ashley.A.Wright@asu.edu by Oct. 20
Film Screening and Conversation - Son of a Sweeper
Join the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab and ASU World Innovator Dr. Vimal Kumar, Founder of Movement for Scavenger Community, for a screening and discussion of Son of a Sweeper.
Dr. Kumar is the son of a sweeper, or “untouchable” in India’s cruel caste system. The film profiles his efforts to provide different options and more hope for other children of sweepers through education. Documentarians follow him around India as he manages his “Movement for Scavenger Community” and observe his challenges... and his success.
ASU LDNS Lab co-founders Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley and Ambassador Michael C. Polt will moderate a discussion with Dr. Kumar following the film on democratizing character-driven leadership within oppressed communities.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Pizza and soda will be provided. This is a hybrid event with the option to attend virtually or in-person at the Barrett & O'Connor Center. Attendees joining virtually will be emailed a Zoom Webinar link prior to the event.
*Note: Registration has now closed. Learn more about Vimal's work in the article below.
The American Diplomacy Project II - Presentation of the Blueprints
ASU Washington Diplomatic Roundtable
The American Diplomacy Project II - Presentation of the Blueprints
September 8, 2022 | ASU Barrett & O'Connor Center, Washington, D.C. | 12:30 p.m.
The ASU Washington Diplomatic Roundtable is a quarterly event hosted by the University’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab. Following its launch in January this year, this is the second Roundtable dedicated to ASU’s engagement in support of the modernization of U.S. diplomacy. The Phase II project team, in collaboration with the Una Chapman Cox Foundation and ASU, has assembled detailed blueprints for four critical areas of State Department reform. At this event, team leaders will present their work and take audience questions.
This Zoom Webinar is open to the public. Please click the button below for more information and the link to attend.
American Diplomacy Project - Phase II Midterm Report
May 31, 12:30 p.m. EST
The ASU Washington Diplomatic Roundtable is a quarterly event hosted by the University’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab. Following its launch in January this year, this is the second Roundtable dedicated to ASU’s engagement in support of the modernization of U.S. diplomacy.
The Phase II project team, in collaboration with the Una Chapman Cox Foundation and ASU, is assembling detailed blueprints for four critical areas of Foreign Service reform. At this event at the midpoint of the effort, team leaders will provide a brief progress update and take audience questions.
Global Literacy Masterclass - Diplomacy First
April 18, 2022 12-2 p.m.
A review of the development and execution of U.S. foreign policy from the ground up -- or rather the top down -- including a discussion of the value for U.S. diplomacy as the first and priority tool of America’s international engagement.
Genocide Awareness Week 2022
Not on Our Watch
The 10th Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation Genocide Awareness Week, held April 4-9, 2022, is a series of lectures, exhibits and storytelling by distinguished survivors, scholars, politicians, activists, artists, humanitarians and members of law enforcement. This week-long event seeks to address how we, as a global society, confront violent actions and current and ongoing threats of genocide throughout the world, while also looking to the past for guidance and to honor those affected by genocide.
Global Literacy Masterclass - International Trade and the American Worker
March 24, 2022, 12-1:30 p.m.
A fact-based discussion of international trade and how it affects American workers. How can international trade create quality jobs for American workers and what are the negative effects? How can increasing trade and investment outside the United States serve American interests? What are your concerns about international trade?
Analysis of the Foreign Malign Influence in Montenegro
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.
Internship Opportunities with DOD
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.
Diplomats at Work by the American Foreign Service Association
Continuing our celebration of USAID's 60th birthday this month, Diplomats@Work will chat with Nancy Ostrowski about the work of USAID and her life as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. From her work in more traditional USAID programs like Moldova to her evacuation from South Sudan, her experiences provide a good representation of the varied work USAID does around the world. There will be opportunities for Q&A.
December Virtual Roundtables for Universities from USIP
December 1st, 3 – 4pm ET: State Fragility and Peace in Latin America
In this 1-hour moderated discussion from the U.S. Institute of Peace, attendees will hear from USIP experts about state fragility and peace priorities in northern Central America, Latin America, and the region. The session will explore regional dynamics in the hemisphere, current challenges in places like Haiti and Venezuela, and the ongoing peace process in Colombia, and participants will have the opportunity to join the conversation on U.S. policy priorities.
November Virtual Roundtables for Universities from USIP
November 9th, 3 – 4pm ET: Countering Violent Extremism
In this 1-hour moderated discussion from the U.S. Institute of Peace, attendees will hear from USIP experts on the priority theme of countering violent extremism (CVE) and on peace and security challenges in Mozambique, and will have the opportunity to participate in a conversation that explores peacebuilding approaches and practical ways forward.
The Micro to Macro Workshop
Our PDS Alumnus, Michael Garlid, would like to invite you to the Micro to Macro workshop on Friday, November 5th from 17:15 - 18:15 CET. If you would like to participate, please follow the registration directions on our LinkedIn event page here.
The Summer of the Cockroaches
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.
Virtual Panel Discussion: "Leading with Character in Uncharted Waters"
The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab and Phoenix Council on Foreign Relations will host four exceptional leaders as they discuss their leadership journey in the U.S. Armed Forces. Tuesday, September 28, 2021 12:00 p.m. MST | 3:00 p.m. EDT
Complimentary registration code (not to be shared on social media) is "leadership."
Zoom Webinar: The Balkans on Tenterhooks
Please join the Harriman Institute for a roundtable discussion on current events in the Balkans. This discussion is situated at a momentous time of political strife that cuts across the Western Balkans region against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our AGL alumni leader, Ljubomir Filipovic, will participate in this discussion. October 12, 2021 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
Global Literacy Masterclasses
The 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.
NEW Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership (MA IAL)
NEW Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership (MA IAL), offered by the School of Politics and Global Studies
Priorty deadline for Spring 2022: December 14, 2021
For more information, please contact Ashley Wright at Ashley.A.Wright@asu.edu
U.S. Department of State Fall 2021 Student Internship Program
The U.S. Department of State Fall 2021 Student Internship Program will open for application soon for one week only. This is a limited amount of time to apply for these positions; we encourage you to start preparing today. Here are three steps you can take:
1. Learn about the Student Internship Program
2. Create your USAJOBS account, build your resume, and get your transcript
3. Research the U.S. Department of State’s Bureaus and Offices to find the right internship opportunity for you.
If you have any questions or would like to search for topics of interest, please visit U.S. Department of State forums or FAQs at careers.state.gov.
What the Passing of Queen Elizabeth Means for Global Diplomacy - Robert Lavender
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:
Spring Global Literacy Masterclasses
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.
U.S. Diplomacy: Preventing Genocide
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.
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:
Foreign Service Journal - April Edition
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.
American Diplomat Podcast - Ukraine: The Will to Fight
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."
American Diplomat Podcast - Countering Genocide
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."
Roskind Great Hall Dedication
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:
CIEE Bridge Builders Award
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.
Gen. H.R. McMaster Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony Keynote
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!
Spring 2024 Internship Opportunity with the American Academy of Diplomacy
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.
Congratulations to LDNS Team Member Nikki Hinshaw
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.
Australian-American Leadership Dialogue (AALD) Internship
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.
There Never Was a Threat from the West, Mr. Putin
"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.
LDNS Lab Undergraduate Fellows Program Application
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:
ASU News: American Diplomacy Project - Phase II
"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
ASU-Kachin Letter Exchange
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!
Foreign Policy Magazine
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!
ASU a Top School for Foreign Service Officers
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.
AWI Ljubo Filipovic on Montenegro's No-Confidence Vote
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.
American Diplomat Podcast - ASU Intern
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!
American Diplomacy Project - ASU News
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.
Spring Internship Opportunity with the American Academy of Diplomacy
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.
Lauren Pukalo ASU News Highlight
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:
MA-IAL Students Profiled for ASU News
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:
Congratulations to our 2022 MA-IAL Graduates!
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.
Welcome Back, Sun Devils!
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:
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.”
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 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:
Summer 2023 AWI Study Abroad Application Is Still Open!
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!
American Diplomacy Project - Foreign Service Journal
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.
LTG H.R. McMaster Competitive Statecraft Event with the LDNS Lab
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.
Congratulations to our 2023 MA-IAL Graduates!
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.
LDNS Lab Newsletter
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!
Guest speaker discusses intersection of law and business in corporate foreign policy
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
Lab Topics Collection
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with David Scheffer, former ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues, about Israel's defense to allegations that it is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel is facing allegations of genocide in a landmark case underway at the U.N.'s highest court. David Scheffer, former U.S. ambassador at large for war crimes issues, joins CBS News to unpack the case.
A follow-up conversation with David Scheffer about South Africa and Israel at The Hague.
NPR
NPR's Scott Simon speaks to David Scheffer, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, about the limits of international laws governing how wars are fought.
Solicitors Journal
EyeWitness to Atrocities, an initiative established by the International Bar Association (IBA), has welcomed the esteemed international law experts, David J Scheffer and David Tolbert, as Counsellors to its Board of Trustees.
This article explores the intricate web of RussoSerbian influence operations in Montenegro, examining their multifaceted nature and their profound impact on the country's politics and society. It investigates the joint efforts of Serbia and Russia in shaping narratives that significantly influence Montenegro's social dynamics, its political processes, identity politics, religious identification and interethnic relations.
Health officials in Gaza report that at least 18,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its bombardment of the region, in retaliation for Hamas’s October 7 attack that left 1200 Israelis dead and 240 more taken hostage.
The concept of aggression in modern international law is rooted in a complex history of war and conflict. Defined as the use of armed force by one state against another in the absence of the justification of self-defense or the authorization of the United Nations, aggression has been a recurring issue on the global stage. The legal framework surrounding the crime of aggression has evolved over the years, with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) now confirming a crucial definition and criminalization of aggression...
Featuring Ambassador David Scheffer, current LDNS professor of practice, Senior Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations, & founding father of the International Criminal Court
Israel has the right to defend itself and deter further invasion, but foreign policy insiders, and now Sullivan and Biden, are increasingly discussing the thresholds for retaliation, particularly under the covenants of international law. What does that mean for Israel—and Hamas?
Article by Ambassador David J. Scheffer
The atrocities Hamas committed against Israel on October 7 have sent shockwaves around the world and prompted the Israeli government to embark on a war of still-unknown magnitude and character against the Palestinian militant group.
Ethnic Cleansing Is Happening in Nagorno-Karabakh. How Can the World Respond?
Article by Ambassador David J. Scheffer
The ethnic Armenian population of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in Azerbaijan, a largely Christian community in a predominantly Muslim nation, is experiencing ethnic cleansing at warp speed. Over the last week, almost all of the estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh have fled west to Armenia. This exodus follows clashes with the Azerbaijan army that have reportedly killed upwards of four hundred people, including some civilians. The renewed conflict demonstrates the failure of years of diplomatic efforts to prevent the persecution of ethnic Armenians, and remaining options to address the situation with the tools of international law are limited.
The Fate of Justice in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
By Ambassador David Scheffer
September 25, 2023
While the final chapter of the Russia-Ukraine war has yet to be written, the prospects of any negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace remain distant. But it is not too soon to consider how accountability, particularly criminal accountability, would fare if any such talks were held between Russia and Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship
The Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related bachelor’s or master’s degree and a career as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist (IMS), supporting diplomacy through technology around the world.
Apply today and prepare for a global career!
Just Security
Crimes against humanity involve a specific set of grave human rights violations committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population (more on that below). If the United States is serious about fighting impunity for the repeated patterns of atrocities committed in Ukraine and many other situations around the world, it should close the crimes against humanity loophole in U.S. law as soon as possible.
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.
The Hill
"Learning and celebrating our history should help restore our confidence in who we are as Americans. Pride in nation should not derive from a contrived happy view of history but rather from a recognition that our experiment in freedom and democracy always was and remains a work in progress."
The Jamestown Foundation
Montenegrin political analyst and LDNS Lab ASU World Innovator Ljubomir Filipović comments on the impact of Russian information policy and propaganda in Serbia and Europe at large in this Jamestown Foundation piece.
The George W. Bush Institute
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.
PEW Research Center
Americans know a great deal about certain global leaders and institutions...However, as a new Pew Research Center survey shows, Americans are less familiar with other topics...
The New York Times
I’m from a fortunate generation. I can remember a time — about a quarter-century ago — when the world seemed to be coming together. The great Cold War contest between communism and capitalism appeared to be over. Democracy was still spreading. Nations were becoming more economically interdependent. The internet seemed ready to foster worldwide communications. It seemed as if there would be a global convergence around a set of universal values — freedom, equality, personal dignity, pluralism, human rights.
Inspiring Quotes
As we recognize Black History Month and the many contributions of black Americans to our country, we believe these wonderful statements by the innovators of the Harlem Renaissance inspire us today as they did when written.
The Hill
We have all seen the disturbing images from the evacuations at Kabul airport. Most Americans supported ending our military mission in Afghanistan, but likely not in the way the departure has played out.
Barrett Values Centre
Our values inform our thoughts, words, and actions. Our values are important because they help us to grow and develop. They help us to create the future we want to experience.
strategy+business
Understanding how female leaders have developed over time can help us embrace the potential for their future advancement.
BBC
Myanmar's military has seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders.
Troops are patrolling the streets and a night-time curfew is in force, with a one-year state of emergency declared.
Florida Today
From where I sit, it doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert; leadership comes down to one important detail: character. The traits, values and virtues of a leader trickle down to staff and should be driven by the core values of the organization itself. In the wise words of John Wooden, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”
The Washington Post
George P. Shultz is a former U.S. secretary of labor, treasury and state, and was director of the Office of Management and Budget and a distinguished fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution writes about how he's struck that there is one lesson he learned early and then relearned over and over: Trust is the coin of the realm.