International Security and Diplomacy
The International Security and Diplomacy (ISD) Concentration provides students with the conceptual foundations and practical policy tools to manage international conflicts, reduce the incidence of war and armed conflict, preserve important national interests and values, and promote cooperation in the international system. Students learn the theory and practice of defense policy, diplomacy, intelligence, conflict management, military strategy, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, crisis mediation, sanctions and economic statecraft, multilateral cooperation, and related issues.
Who It’s For
The ISD Concentration is suited for students of any educational background interested in war, peace, diplomacy, and statecraft. The concentration has no prerequisites.
Curriculum and Courses
With a flexible curriculum, the ISD Concentration allows students to focus on a wide variety of subjects. To graduate with a concentration in International Security and Diplomacy requires 15 points of coursework in courses approved for ISD credit. These courses must include:
- Foundations of International Security Policy (taught in the fall semester)
- Six points of coursework in one of six career-oriented focus areas (Cybersecurity; Defense policy and analysis; Diplomacy, mediation, and reconciliation; Intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, and risk assessment; Legislative affairs; and UN and international organization)
- Six points of coursework in electives, which may be drawn from any course approved for ISD credit
Optional Minors Available
– International Security and Diplomacy
– Intelligence Analysis, Counterterrorism, and Risk Assessment
– Defense Policy and Analysis
– Diplomacy, Mediation, and Reconciliation
– UN and International Organization
– Cybersecurity
– Legislative Affairs and Security
Student Career Paths
The ISD Concentration prepares students for a broad range of career paths, including employment in the US Defense Department and defense ministries abroad; the US State Department and foreign ministries abroad; intelligence agencies; legislative staffs; think tanks; cybersecurity agencies in government, finance, and other industries; international/multilateral organizations (such as the UN, NATO, ASEAN, and the EU); defense contractors; political risk consulting firms; public interest and advocacy organizations; media/journalism; and other areas.
The ISD Concentration maintains an ISD Employer Directory for ISD graduates, and an ISD Alumni Advisors Directory, with profiles of concentration alumni in the US and abroad who have agreed to share their professional experience and advice. The concentration also regularly facilitates career/networking events, both virtually and in person, which are promoted through the ISD CampusGroups listserv.
Related Degree Programs
Designed for students looking to facilitate and lead international cooperation, the MIA equips students to understand international political and legal institutions, and develop the skills of conflict resolution, diplomacy, and inter-cultural competency necessary to achieve change on the worldwide stage.
Developed for students looking to lead the policymaking process, the MPA provides a data-rich analytical education, equipping students to understand policy challenges and to develop, implement, and evaluate policy solutions. The MPA is STEM-designated so that students in all policy domains will be eligible to apply for OPT extensions where relevant.
Contact Us
Stephen Biddle
Professor of International and Public Affairs; Concentration Director
IAB Room 1332 | [email protected]
Jessica Laufer
Concentration Coordinator
[email protected]