Introduction
The Institute of World Politics (IWP) is a graduate school of national security, international affairs, and intelligence located in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1990 by John Lenczowski, a former national security advisor to President Reagan, with a mission to provide a practical education in the arts of statecraft to students who aspire to careers in diplomacy, intelligence, or national security. The Institute is known for its unique curriculum, expert faculty, and exceptional student body. In this blog post, we will delve into some fun and interesting facts about The Institute of World Politics.
Fun facts about The Institute of World Politics
Unique Curriculum
The Institute of World Politics has a unique curriculum that sets it apart from other graduate schools of international affairs. It is one of the few institutions in the United States that offers a Master’s degree in Statecraft and International Affairs. The curriculum is designed to provide students with practical skills in diplomacy, intelligence, and national security, rather than theoretical knowledge alone.
One of the most unique aspects of the curriculum is the emphasis on case studies. Students are required to analyze historical and contemporary case studies in diplomacy, intelligence, and national security, which helps them develop critical thinking skills and practical expertise. The Institute also offers specialized courses such as “Intelligence and Counterintelligence,” “Strategic Intelligence,” and “Propaganda and Political Warfare,” which are not commonly found in other graduate schools.
Another interesting fact about the curriculum is that it includes a mandatory course in “Statecraft and Applied Intelligence,” which requires students to write a policy memo for a hypothetical national security crisis. The course is taught by former intelligence officers and policy makers, who provide valuable insights and feedback to students.
Expert Faculty
The faculty at The Institute of World Politics is made up of experts in their respective fields. Many of the faculty members have worked in the intelligence community, diplomatic corps, or other government agencies. This provides students with a unique opportunity to learn from practitioners who have real-world experience in their areas of expertise.
One of the most notable faculty members at The Institute is John Lenczowski, the founder and president of the school. Lenczowski is a renowned scholar and practitioner of international affairs, who has served in numerous government positions, including as a national security advisor to President Reagan. He has written several books on international affairs, including “Full Spectrum Diplomacy and Grand Strategy.”
Another interesting fact about the faculty is that many of them have international experience. For example, Dr. Marek Jan Chodakiewicz, the holder of the Kościuszko Chair in Polish Studies, has extensive knowledge of Eastern Europe, having grown up in Poland and worked as a journalist and analyst for Radio Free Europe during the Cold War. His expertise in Eastern Europe is highly valued by students who are interested in the region.
Exceptional Student Body
The Institute of World Politics has an exceptional student body, made up of individuals who are passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, and national security. The student body is diverse, with students from various backgrounds and countries.
One interesting fact about the student body is that many of the students have prior military or government experience. This provides a unique perspective in the classroom, as they are able to share their experiences and insights with their classmates. Many of the students also have language skills, which is highly valued in the field of international affairs.
Another interesting fact about the student body is that many of them go on to have successful careers in government or related fields. For example, some graduates of The Institute have gone on to work in the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, or other government agencies. Others have worked for non-governmental organizations or think tanks.
Unique Location
The Institute of World Politics is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., which provides students with a unique advantage. The location of the school allows students to take advantage of the many resources and opportunities available in the nation’s capital. For example, students have access to internships, networking events, and guest lectures by high-level government officials and experts in the field.
One interesting fact about the location of The Institute is that it is situated in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, which is known for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The neighborhood is home to numerous embassies, think tanks, and cultural institutions, which provides students with a unique cultural experience.
Another interesting fact about the location of The Institute is that it is just a few blocks away from the White House and other government agencies. This proximity allows students to witness first-hand the workings of the government and to network with government officials.
Community Involvement
The Institute of World Politics is committed to being an active member of the community. The school participates in various community service projects and hosts events that are open to the public.
One interesting fact about the school’s community involvement is that it hosts an annual lecture series on the Constitution and the American founding. The series features prominent scholars and government officials who speak on topics related to the Constitution and the principles of the American founding.
Another interesting fact about the school’s community involvement is that it hosts an annual intelligence conference, which brings together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss current issues in intelligence and national security. The conference is open to the public and provides a unique opportunity for students to network with experts in the field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Institute of World Politics is a unique institution that provides a practical education in the arts of statecraft to students who aspire to careers in diplomacy, intelligence, or national security. The school’s unique curriculum, expert faculty, exceptional student body, unique location, and community involvement all contribute to its reputation as a top graduate school in international affairs.
