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.
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 Kassym-Jomart 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
Ambassador Edward O’Donnell
Professor of Practice
The LDNS Lab Masterclass Series is bringing big conversations to campus and beyond. Offered through the Lab’s Ambassador-inResidence, Ambassador Michael Polt, and Professor of Practice, Ambassador Edward O’Donnell, the series invites the ASU community and the public to engage in dynamic discussions on U.S. foreign policy and America’s evolving role in global affairs.
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 members alike.
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.
WWII Studies Join LDNS Lab for Washington Week Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Stud Lab in M ence that
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
Leadership Quarterly
MA IAL Students Go Global Over Spring Break Spring 2026 Semester in Review
This past March, two of the LDNS Lab’s MA IAL 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
Bridging Experience and Education: FOAC Engages ASU’s Next Generation Spring 2026 Semester in Review
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 ntral focus of the visit was leadership velopment, with council members entoring ROTC cadets, midshipmen, and udents from the Next Generation rvice Corps (NGSC), offering candid, al-world insights on ethics, decisionmaking, 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.
Leadership Quarterly
ASU Hosts Regional Military Leaders for Day of Collaboration and Innovation Spring 2026 Semester in Review
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.
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 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.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Students and Experts from Across the Nation Join NSPC Military Crisis Simulation
On April 17, PDS 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 (LPPP 3559), 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. Read more here.
Leadership Quarterly
Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Character-Driven Leadership in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Expanding Leadership Development to Refugee Communities in Malaysia
Zaw Tu Hkawng recenty onnected 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
Ryan Sheldon, Spring 2026 LDNS Lab Felllow
Any opinions, findings, or conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Arizona State University.
Leadership Quarterly Spring 2026 Semester in Review
Upcoming Events
Fall 2026 & Spring 2027
Masterclasses
We’re excited to share our upcoming lineup of sessions focused on global leadership, diplomacy, and international engagement:
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.
ASU World Innovators Study Abroad
ASU’s Character-Driven Leadership and Global Literacy Development Program
Students will explore the Character-Driven Leadership concepts and apply them in their assigned country
Summer 2026 Cohort AWI Hosts
Andrew Ritter
Iulia Musat
Elias Estes
Oğuz Zafer Atlı Abigail Conner
Adam Throne Sophia Agelastos
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
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
Adam Throne
Oğuz Zafer Atlı
Kyrgyzstan
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 indistrict 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.
Carmen Cruz
Michelle Young
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.
Iulia is a Flinn Scholar majoring in Chemical Engineering at ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Research interests include chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology, with secondary interests in public health and global science policy. Experienced in molecular biology techniques through previous research at ASU’s Biodesign Institute She is also participating in ASU's Chinese Flagship Program. While I’m still finalizing my career goals, some of my interests include consulting, chemical design in agriculture or pharmaceuticals, or work in government sectors, focusing on chemical supply chains and international scientific collaboration.
Iulia Musat
Andrew Ritter
Albania
Sophia Agelastos
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.
Elias Damien Williams Estes is a Political Science student at Arizona State University whose work focuses on governance, public policy, and international affairs. He previously served in the United States Army as a communications specialist and was stationed in Veneto, Italy, completing multiple rotations across Europe and the Balkans in support of NATO operations. His academic interests center on democratic institutions, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration in complex political environments. Through the ASU World Innovators program in Albania, he seeks to deepen his understanding of applied policy work while engaging directly with global and local perspectives.
Elias Estes
Abigail Conner
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.
Leadership Quarterly
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