Leadership Quarterly Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
LDNS Lab Partners with The Diplomats
Lounge
We are proud to partner with The Diplomats Lounge, a collaborative initiative with the American Diplomat podcast and the American Academy of Diplomacy. This monthly forum brings honors students together with experienced diplomats for dynamic, student-led conversations exploring the global challenges shaping Gen Z’s future.
Focusing on the world of 2028 and beyond, students explore future U.S. foreign policy scenarios—developed with AI—and debate the balance between ethics and realpolitik and their implications for national security. Moderated by experienced practitioners, the conversations challenge students to rethink traditional institutions and consider how diplomacy must evolve in an era of rapid technological change, cyber threats, and democratic pressures.
Click here to learn more.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
American Diplomat Podcast Welcomes Co-Host, Ambassador Dan Rosenblum
Co-hosts Ambassador Dan Rosenblum and Laura Bennett
With more than two decades of senior service in the U S government, Ambassador Rosenblum has led complex diplomatic efforts across Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia managing large teams and resources, negotiating high-stakes agreements, and shaping U.S. policy. His work has included assembling billion-dollar aid packages to stabilize countries in crisis, coordinating interagency counterterrorism initiatives, and strengthening partnerships across Central Asia Earlier in his career, he held roles with the Free Trade Union Institute, served as a legislative assistant to Senator Carl Levin, and worked as a research assistant in the House of Lords. From 2014 to 2019, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Ambassador Rosenblum was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan in 2018 and, following confirmation by the Senate in April 2019, was sworn in on May 9, 2019. He presented his credentials later that month and served in the role until August 2022. In June 2022, President Joe Biden nominated him as U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan; he was confirmed by the Senate in August 2022 and presented his credentials to President KassymJomart Tokayev on November 14, 2022.
Want to know what it’s really like on the frontlines of international diplomacy? Each week, Amb. (Ret.) Dan Rosenblum and co-host Laura Bennett sit down with active and retired US diplomats to pull back the curtain on the gritty, human side of international affairs. From dealing with foreign leaders to navigating the chaos of war zones, these diplomats share the stories that drive the headlines. Listen in here.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review NSA Working Group
Arizona State University is launching a new effort to reexamine the future of U.S. national security. Ambassador Michael Polt is guiding the working group’s early discussions, highlighting why this issue is resurfacing, which lessons from the post-1947 era remain relevant, and why a thoughtful, bipartisan approach is critical.
Over the next year, the ASU working group—led by the Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab—will engage diplomats, senior military and defense leaders, intelligence professionals, faculty, and students. As the next generation of leaders, students will play a key role in shaping these conversations.
At its core, the initiative reflects a simple idea: the American people deserve a national security framework they can understand and trust. This effort will explore what a modern successor to the National Security Act of 1947 should look like in today’s complex global landscape.
Ambassador Michael Polt
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Spring 2026 Global Literacy Masterclass Series Masterclasses are for Everyone!
Ambassador Michael Polt Ambassador-in-Residence
The LDNS Lab Masterclass Series is bringing big conversations to campus and beyond. Offered through the Lab’s Ambassador-in- Residence, Ambassador Michael Polt, and ProfessorofPractice,AmbassadorEdwardO’Donnell,theseries invitestheASUcommunityandthepublictoengageindynamic discussionsonU.S.foreignpolicyandAmerica’sevolvingrolein globalaffairs.
This year, we are expanding our reach through exciting collaborations with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at ASU and Mirabella at ASU, creating new opportunities for connection across generations and experiences. While these partnerships deepen engagement, the Masterclass Series remains open to all students, professionals, and community membersalike.
Join the conversation! Visit our website to explore upcoming sessions launching in fall 2026 and be part of the dialogue shaping tomorrow’s global leaders.
Ambassador Edward O’Donnell Professor of Practice
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Accountability in Action: Ambassador Scheffer Addresses Ukraine and the Challenges of War-Time Justice
Ambassador David Scheffer
On March 25, 2026, Ambassador David Scheffer, ASU Professor of Practice, testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at a hearing titled “Ukraine: Abducted Children and Mechanisms for Accountability.” His testimony, “The Imperative Need to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression in the Situation of Ukraine,” underscored the urgent need to hold perpetrators accountable for the full scope of violations arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In his remarks, Ambassador Scheffer emphasized that while ongoing efforts to document war crimes and crimes against humanity are essential, they remain incomplete without addressing the crime of aggression— the foundational act
that enabled subsequent atrocities, including the unlawful deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children. He highlighted the importance of developing credible legal mechanisms to ensure accountability at the highest levels of leadership and to reinforce the integrity of the international legal order
The hearing brought together policymakers, legal experts, and advocates committed to advancing justice for victims and strengthening global accountability frameworks in response to grave human rights violations. Both the video recording and written copy of his testimony can be found here.
On April 23, 2026, Ambassador Scheffer spoke at the annual meeting of the American Society of International Law in Washington, DC on a panel titled “War and Reconciliation: Is Transitional Justice Possible in the Midst of War?” He explored the challenges of advancing transitional justice during active conflict, emphasizing the importance of accountability mechanisms even in the midst of ongoing war
Leadership Quarterly
WWII Studies Join LDNS Lab for Washington Week Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Students from the World War II Studies and Public History program joined the LDNS Lab in March 2026 for Washington Week, contributing to an engaging, interactive experience that connected historical scholarship with leadership in practice.
At key Washington, D C memorials including the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt Memorials and the Eisenhower Memorial LTG (Ret) Benjamin Freakley and Ambassador Polt guided students through character-driven leadership discussions that examined the nature of their leadership and the historical challenges they navigated. At the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Monument, Ambassador Edward O'Donnell led a discussion emphasizing the role of memory, responsibility, and historical preservation in informing ethical leadership.
WWII Studies students also joined MA-IAL students at the LDNS Credible Deterrence event at the Washington Center, featuring journalist Julia Ioffe. The discussion offered a timely perspective on deterrence and global security, reinforcing the relevance of historical understanding in navigating current geopolitical issues
This collaboration between the World War II Studies and Public History program and the LDNS Lab reflects the strength of interdisciplinary engagement, preparing students to lead with historical awareness, ethical clarity, and practical insight.
Students visit the FDR Museum in Washington, D.C., with Ambassador Michael Polt and LTG Benjamin Freakley
Credible Deterrence Speaker Series Spring 2026 Semester in Review
The LDNS Lab hosted two distinguished speakers this semester, each offering powerful insights at the intersection of history, law, and global affairs. The discussions, moderated by Ambassador David Scheffer, ASU Professor of Practice included engaging Q & A sessions
On January 30, former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd spoke on the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, reflecting on the role his father, Thomas J. Dodd, had played as a U.S. prosecutor. Drawing on both personal insight and historical perspective, Senator Dodd discussed his father’s experiences at Nuremberg and examined how the trials helped establish the foundations of modern international criminal justice. He also emphasized the enduring importance of these lessons and their continued relevance to contemporary global efforts to uphold accountability and the rule of law
On March 10, foreign affairs journalist Julia Ioffe, staff writ for Puck and author of Motherland: A Feminist History Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy, delivered wide-ranging talk on history, global politics, an contemporary Russia. Drawing on her 2025 National Bo Award–finalist work, she explored how the experiences women illuminate Russia’s trajectory through revolution, w and autocracy.
Julia Ioffe
Senator Chris Dodd
Leadership Quarterly Spring 2026 Semester in Review
MA IAL Students Go Global Over Spring Break
Thispast March, two of theLDNS Lab’s MAIAL students Carmen Cruz and Zahraa Manasir studied abroad in Paris, France through ASU’s Global Intensive Experience Program, Paris as a Planetary Classroom: Rethinking Global Citizenship, Education, and Democracy. The course covered various topics in collaboration with the Learning Planet Institute in Paris, including concepts of modern citizenship and democracy and how these concepts are now being challenged in a rapidly changing world in the context of climate change, migration, displacement, rising extinction rates, authoritarian regimes, and AI
Zahraa shared that she chose the experience because “it offered a way to explore international affairs beyond theory and engage directly with the spaces and institutions where ideas about citizenship and rights have evolved”. While in Paris, the students had the opportunity to visit UNESCO as well as attend events including, Higher Education Today and Tomorrow, which marked the launch of the UNESCO publication “Transforming Higher Education: Global Collaboration on Visioning and Action”. In addition, they also visited cultural sites including the Louvre, Versailles, and the Arc de Triomphe. Carmen shared “during my time in Paris, I was able to explore the different arrondissements as well as nearby smaller towns, giving me a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity and the historical realities that helped shape global perspectives”. On the experience, Zahraa noted “the course directly connected to my studies in the IAL program, where I examine complex global challenges and how they are addressed through policy, law, and leadership. It reinforced the role of diplomacy in addressing transnational issues and, more importantly, shifted how I think about leadership, not just as operating within systems of power, but as understanding responsibility on a broader, global scale”. Overall, this was an excellent way to learn outside the classroom!
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Bridging Experience and Education: FOAC Engages ASU’s Next Generation
ASU’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab hosted the Spring 2026 Flag Officer Advisory Council (FOAC) meeting in Tempe on April 7–8, convening senior retired military leaders who advise President Michael M. Crow on matters of national significance and provided strategic insight to university leadership to advance key strategic priorities. A central focus of the visit was leadership development, with council members mentoring ROTC cadets, midshipmen, and students from the Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC), offering candid, real-world insights on ethics, decision- making, and leading in high-stakes environments. These distinguished leaders have served at the highest levels of government, at home and abroad, addressing national security challenges, responding to crises, and leading complex organizations. They bring deep expertise in strategy, operations, and leadership development to help prepare the next generation of leaders.8
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
ASU Hosts Regional Military Leaders for Day of Collaboration and Innovation
The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab hosted Arizona and California military Installation Commanders and Senior Enlisted Advisors in Tempe on April 10 for a day focused on partnership, innovation, and leadership. The visit brought together senior leaders from installations across the region to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
Participants exchanged perspectives on regional priorities and explored approaches to strengthening critical infrastructure resilience and engaged with ASU leaders on programs supporting service members, veterans, and military families reinforcing the university’s commitment to those who serve. The discussions highlighted ASU’s role as a convener— bridging academic expertise with operational experience to address complex challenges
Military leaders engaged ROTC cadets and midshipmen on leadership development and met with Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC) students to explore character-driven leadership across sectors, sharing operational experience and insights on decision-making under pressure with both groups.
By bringing military leaders, students, and university experts together through engagements like this, the LDNS Lab supports the ASU Charter by advancing collaboration that strengthens the economic, social, and community well-being of the populations it serves.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Bridging Innovation and Education: Latvian Delegation Visits ASU
The LDNS Lab, in partnership with the University Design Institute, was honored to host a distinguished Latvian delegation led by Dace Melbārde, Minister for Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, beginning with their participation in the Artemis Accords signing at NASA Headquarters, followed by a visit to the ASU Washington Center, and culminating with a full-day program at the ASU Tempe campus. The campus visit featured a tour and a series of discussions highlighting ASU’s mission and leadership in artificial intelligence, space research, and quantum innovation. Throughout the engagements, Minister Melbārde and her colleagues connected with university leaders and experts, fostering meaningful dialogue on higher education, emerging technologies, and opportunities for international collaboration. The visit reflected a shared commitment to advancing innovation, education, and global partnership.
The LDNS Lab, in partnership with the University Design Institute, was h onored to host a distinguished Latvian de legation led by Dace Mel bārde, Min iste r for Educati and Scien ce ofthe Republc of Lavia, beginning with their p ari cipation in the Artemis Accords signing at NAS A Headquart er s, follow ed by a visit to the ASUWashington C enter, and cu lmi nating wit h a full-day pro gram at the ASU Tempe campus. The campus visit featured a tour and a series of discussions highlighting ASU’s miss ion and leadership i n artificial intelligence, spac e research, a nd qu antum innovati on. Throughout the engagem ents, Minister M elbārde an d her colleagues con ncted wth u niversity lead ers and expert foster ing meaningful dia logu e on higher educatio n, eme ging techn ol ogies, and opportunities f or i nternatioal collaboration. The vis it reflected a shared commitment to advancing innovation, education, and global partnership.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Students and Experts from Across the Nation Join NSPC Military Crisis Simulation
On April 17, Arizona State University Policy Design Studio students joined the University of Virginia’s National Security Policy Center, along with students from UVA and Texas A&M, for a dynamic simulation of a U.S.–China gray zone conflict. The exercise mirrored the national security simulation featured in The Soldier, The Citizen & the State a Batten course to be led by Hon. Melissa Dalton, the 28th Under Secretary of the Air Force, in fall 2026. Developed in collaboration with UVA ROTC and the Judge Advocate General School, the simulation brought this model to life as students represented key civilian and military stakeholders and worked through a complex conflict guided by experienced national security practitioners. Lt Gen (R) Jenn Short and LTG (R) Ben Freakley from the ASU Flag Officers Advisory Council served an advisors for the simulation. Our four ASU students Alexia Jones, Daniel Marre-Surges, Michael Kline, and Nikola Ilovski participated at a very high level and demonstrated their expertise, confidence and passion for National Security. The University of Virginia leaders are seeking follow on programs with Arizona State University. Learn more here.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
NSPC Military Crisis Simulation Student Reflections
“The UVA military simulation experience was a great experience to be a part of! It felt like being dropped into the actual situation as people raced around the room trying to get more information and plan across teams to create a united front amongst groups with different goals and ideas of what they wanted to do. In the end I gained a greater understanding of how the various pieces of government interact with each other and the difficulties that come from managing all of it. It also made me realize that a lot of decisions made at higher levels may have a variety of considerations and reasoning that you wouldn’t know about without being a part of it. Finally, I learned that the best strategy is usually moderation because harsh stances in either direction may have a number of consequences that are harder to resolve. Overall, the experience was insightful, engaging, and I think a learning experience for everyone involved.”— Michael Kline
“Our group was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the grey zone conflict simulation hosted by the University of Virginia National Security Policy Center. Alongside students from University of Virginia and Texas A&M University, we were assigned national security leadership roles including Secretary of State, Secretary of War, Congress, and the President/National Security Advisor and tasked with responding to a fast-moving Indo-Pacific crisis
The simulation challenged participants to balance tactical military decisions, diplomatic signaling, alliance commitments, public messaging, and civil-military relations under significant time pressure. One of the clearest lessons was the importance of trust, commitment, and consistent communication across teams. We saw firsthand how information asymmetry and competing priorities can complicate decision-making during an international crisis, particularly when civilian leadership and tactical teams struggle to maintain alignment.
We left the experience with a stronger appreciation for the complexity of national security decisionmaking and are incredibly grateful to the NSPC organizers, adjudicators, fellow participants, and LDNS for such an immersive and insightful learning opportunity.” — Daniel Marre-Surges
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Character-Driven Leadership in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Expanding Leadership Development to Refugee Communities in Malaysia
ASU World Innovator Zaw Tu Hkawng recenty connected with the leadership team of the Kachin Refugee Committee in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, introducing them to the CDL virtual program. The team expressed strong interest, noting the training would benefit both their leadersZaw Tu Hkawng recently connected with the leadership team of the Kachin Refugee Committee in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, introducing them to the CDL virtual program.
The team expressed strong interest, noting that the training would benefit both their leadership and the broader refugee community as they navigate challenging conditions abroad.Malaysia currently serves as a temporary home for thousands of refugees from Myanmar who have fled persecution and violence under the military regime. Although not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Malaysia hosts a large refugee population registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), many of whom are later resettled in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and increasingly, South Korea and Japan.
This marks the first CDL engagement with a Myanmar refugee community in Malaysia The cohort includes students, teachers, community leaders, journalists, church youth members, and representatives of the Kachin Refugee Committee. Participant enthusiasm has been high, with members committing to weekly virtual sessions every Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 PM. The first session was successfully held on March 29.
Zaw Tu Hkawng
Leadership Quarterly
Recent Discussion Series and Virtual Events Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Alumni and students of LDNS Lab programs joined in for exciting events on career guidance, Peace Corps opportunities, and engaging discussions. In February, Danae Bell, Coordinator of National and Global Service Careers at ASU, held an information session on Crafting a Federal Resume, designed to demystify the federal hiring process and help students craft a strong, effective federal résumé. Students learned how to translate their experiences, especially service focused roles, into the format and language best suited for USAJOBS applications.
In March, the LDNS Lab was joined by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Ellie Lindman, who shared about the many ways to engage with the Peace Corps and build lasting skills through international impact.
In addition, the LDNS Lab hosted two engaging conversations as part of its monthly Discussion Series. In March, ASU World Innovator and communications professional Leon Hernandez, who is based in Venezuela, joined for an informative conversation on the current situation in the country. Leon shared about his personal experience as a journalist. You can read his articles here.
In April, Ambassador Batu Kutelia, MA IAL teaching assistant and ASU World Innovator, joined the LDNS Lab for a discussion on regional updates in Georgia and the Caucuses We look forward to more engaging discussions to come.
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Testing Iran: Pressure, Power, and the Limits of Regime Change
Ryan Sheldon, Spring 2026 ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab Fellow, recently published an article analyzing whether external pressure on Iran can destabilize the regime or merely delay its consolidation of power.
Read the article here
Any opinions, findings, or conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Arizona State University.
Ryan Sheldon, Spring 2026 LDNS Lab Felllow
ASU World Innovators
Study
Abroad
ASU’s Character-Driven Leadership and Global Literacy Development Program
Students will explore theCharacter-DrivenLeadershipconceptsandapply them in their assigned country.
AWI Hosts
Summer 2026 Cohort
Andrew Ritter
Oğuz Zafer Atlı
Abigail Conner
Adam Throne
Carmen Cruz
Dr Dael Dervishi
Michael Petric Singapore
Gantuya Sainkhuu Bayankhongor, Mongolia
Dr Erkaiym Mambetalieva Tirana, Albania Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
ASU World Innovators Study Abroad 2026
Mongolia
Adam Throne
My name is Adam Throne and I live in Boulder, Colorado. Currently, I work as a Flight Instructor while taking classes for International Relations through ASU. I have always had a passion for traveling, learning about new cultures, and geopolitics so I knew IR was the right field for me. My hobbies include many outdoor activities like climbing, snowboarding, and camping. New experiences and learning about our world are what I live for so I am looking forward to spending my summer in Mongolia!
My name is Oğuz Zafer Atlı, I am 22 years old and I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I am currently enrolled in the International Affairs and Leadership Master's program at Arizona State University. I completed my Bachelor's degree at Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey. I speak Turkish and English fluently, and am currently learning Mandarin and Arabic as well.
Albania
Sophia Agelastos
Abigail Conner
Sophia Agelastos is a spring 2026 graduate at Arizona State University pursuing a degree in Psychology and Global Studies, as well as an incoming master's student for the Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership She is passionate about fostering cross-cultural connections, advancing global development, and promoting equity through international and community-based initiatives. As a student in Barrett, The Honors College, Sophia has engaged deeply with coursework in global leadership, peace and conflict negotiation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, shaping her commitment to ethical and collaborative global engagement. She has experience in the nonprofit sector, supporting Arizona’s Afghan refugee community through trauma-informed services and community integration efforts She also volunteers with the Alekain Foundation, helping expand access to online secondary education for girls in Afghanistan. In addition, Sophia works as a student intern with the ASU Foundation, contributing to initiatives that advance the university’s mission and broaden its community impact.
Abigail Conner is a Junior at Barrett, The Honors College, at Arizona State University (ASU), majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy and Global Studies Born and raised in Delaware, Abigail has a strong appreciation for the East Coast culture. At ASU, she is involved in the on-campus Christian organization, InterVarsity, as a small group leader. Over the past year, she has been involved with SPGS, participating in the Junior Fellows and Capital Scholars Program. Through the Capital Scholars program, she had the opportunity to intern in Washington D.C. for an Arizona Congress member, gaining real-world work experience in the legislative and policy-making side of government After interning on Capitol Hill, at the federal level, Abigail is excited to expand her horizon by taking her passion for international interests and creating a global impact plan in a foreign country this summer. In the future, her goal is to attend law school to make a meaningful impact in government and public service.
Kyrgyzstan
Carmen Cruz
My name is Carmen Cruz. I am originally from the island of Saipan in the Northern Marianas Islands, but I currently live in Union, Oregon. I am a master’s student in ASU's International Affairs and Leadership program I currently work in performance improvement in the healthcare industry but have previously worked for an environmental conservation nonprofit and for my current Oregon state house representative as an in-district intern. In the future, I intend to join initiatives that strengthen engagement and collaboration in the Indo- Pacific region I am sure this summer program, along with the IAL master’s program, will contribute to my success.
Michelle Young is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University double majoring in Business Law and Political Science with minors in Justice Studies and International Relations. Her academic interests focus on political polarization, democratic governance, and the ways institutional dysfunction disproportionately impacts American citizens She is deeply engaged in policy analysis and legislative research, with experience in constituent services and state-level governance, including having served as a Constituent Services Intern for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and as a Legislative Research Intern with the Arizona State Senate. She also studied abroad on a global Semester at Sea voyage, which strengthened her interest in international governance and comparative political systems In her free time, Michelle enjoys skydiving, traveling, and spending time with her two cats.
MichelleYoung
Singapore
Andrew Ritter
Andrew is a first-year student majoring in International Relations (BA) in addition to minoring in Chinese. Andrew is actively involved in Model United Nations in which he currently serves as the Director of Administration and as a USG for the DevilMUN Secretariat In addition to MUN, Andrew is a participating member of the Politics and Leadership Club, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and BLAST Leadership Team. Andrew is an incoming freshman for the Chinese Flagship Program and participates in national security studies. Outside of university life, Andrew loves the simple things in life: hanging out with friends, going to the gym, jogging, thrift shopping, reading, and playing games. In the future, Andrew plans on pursuing a career in the intelligence community.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Upcoming Events
Fall 2026 & Spring 2027
Masterclasses
We’reexcitedto share ourupcominglineupofsessionsfocusedongloballeadership, diplomacy, and internationalengagement:
August 26, 2026: Diplomatic Tools for Everyday Leadership and Conflict Resolution hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
September 15–16, 2026: Tariffs and Supply Chains (Parts One & Two) hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell & Mr. Herbert Roskind
September 23, 2026: America’s Global Role: Leadership, Democracy, and Responsibility hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
October 7, 2026: Global Trade and the American Worker hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell
October 28, 2026: Representing America: National Awareness and Global Engagement hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
November 12, 2026: Energy and Oil Trading hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell & Mr. Herbert Roskind
November 18, 2026: Borders, Migration, and National Security hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
January 27, 2027: Power, Policy, and Prosperity: Democracy, Capitalism, and Governance Today hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
February 23–24, 2027: International Negotiation Strategies (Parts One & Two) hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell & Mr. Herbert Roskind
March 24, 2027: Global Leadership and Diplomacy First hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
We look forward to your participation in these engaging and timely discussions. Please visit our website for more information and to register!
Offered through ASU’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security (LDNS) Lab, this masterclass series also counts toward the Global Literacy and Impact Certificate and/or Practical Diplomacy and International Leadership Certificate credentials you can proudly add to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Shaping the Next Generation of
Global Leaders
The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National
Security
Lab trains character-driven leaders to navigate complex global challenges with integrity and vision. Located just steps from the White House at the ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center, the Lab provides students from diverse backgrounds with unparalleled access to experts and institutions shaping U.S. and international affairs.
Focusing on leadership, diplomacy, and security, the Lab has prepared more than 500 students for impactful careers in the U.S. Foreign Service, State Department, military, NGOs, think tanks, and more.
Your support helps shape the leaders of tomorrow! Learn more and donate here