Statecraft in Action
Statecraft in Action
Statecraft in Action
Diplomatic theory meets practice.
Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD), housed within the School of Foreign Service, brings together academics, experienced practitioners and the next generation of foreign policy professionals. We advance the study and practice of diplomacy.
Through certificate programs, diplomatic case studies, executive education, scholar-practitioner working groups and public events, ISD offers rigorous, practice-grounded resources for students, researchers and practitioners who care about the future of global affairs.
Academics
ISD offers academic programs for students and professionals at every stage of their careers — from undergraduates to mid-career diplomats.
Undergraduate
Earn a Certificate in Diplomatic Studies and build specialized expertise in negotiation, conflict resolution and the history and practice of diplomacy.
Graduate
Our Graduate Certificates in Diplomatic Studies and Global Health Diplomacy combine rigorous academic analysis with practical frameworks drawn from diplomatic experience.
Executive Education
At Georgetown’s campuses in Washington DC and Doha, ISD hosts a range of programs for mid-career professionals to hone their knowledge, leadership and skills.
Our People
From former ambassadors to emerging researchers, our people bring unique experience to the study and practice of diplomacy.
Diplomatic Research
From a library of over 200 diplomatic case studies to policy working groups and the Diplomatic Immunity podcast, ISD’s research and analysis resources offer practitioner-driven perspectives on how diplomacy works — and what it takes to succeed in it.
Case Studies
Our library of over 250 case studies spans U.S. diplomatic history, written by the practitioners and academics who know it best. Suitable for high school through graduate level, they bring real-world diplomacy into the classroom.
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Case 348. Simulation: Curbing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
This negotiation simulation is designed to help students understand the dynamics of international nuclear negotiations. Student copies provide background details on Iran’s nuclear program and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of…
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Case 365. Scotland and the United Kingdom: “Breaking up is Hard to Do”
This case examines the historical and present-day political debate around Scottish independence. Against the backdrop of Brexit, a volatile global economic and security climate, and 300 years of intimately shared…
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Case 366. The 1938 Munich Conference: Hitler, Chamberlain, and Appeasement
This case explores contentious debates surrounding the years preceding the outbreak of World War II in Europe. It closely tracks diplomatic machinations between allied powers and Hitler’s Germany as well…
Diplomatic Immunity Podcast
Listen to frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision makers around the world. Diplomatic Immunity features current and former officials, scholars and analysts for conversations on the most pressing international issues.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming lectures, conversations, and events from ISD — open to students, practitioners and the broader foreign policy community.
Featured News
Stay up to date with ISD’s latest analysis and events.
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April 23rd Event | America’s Diplomats: A Conversation with Ambassador (ret.) Kamala S. Lakhdhir
A Conversation with Ambassador (ret.) Kamala S. Lakhdhir United States Ambassador to Indonesia (2024-2025)Executive Secretary, U.S. State Department (2021-2023)United States Ambassador to Malaysia (2017-2021) Ambassador (ret.) Barbara BodineDirector, Institute for…
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April 16th Event | ISD Graduate and Undergraduate Fellows in Diplomacy Colloquium
Please join us as the 2025-26 ISD Graduate and Undergraduate Fellows present their research on cutting-edge issues in diplomacy. Thursday, April 16, 202612:00-4:00 pmMcGhee Library Register Here A light lunch and refreshments will be served…
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ISD’s New Fall 2026 Course Offerings
ISD is pleased to announce three new courses – graduate and undergraduate – for Fall 2026. Each will be taught by incoming Diplomatic Fellows who bring decades of senior career…
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April 15th Event | Who Are China’s Diplomats? A Discussion with Professor Andrew Scobell and Dr. Yi Li
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | McGhee Library, ICC | Register Join Professor Andrew Scobell and Dr. Yi Li for a discussion of their recent report, Who Are China’s Diplomats? Beyond…
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America’s Diplomats: A Conversation with Maria A. Longi
America’s Diplomats: A Conversation with Maria A. Longi Former Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia, U.S. Department of State Ambassador (ret.) Barbara BodineDirector, Institute for the Study…
In the Media
See the latest impact from our faculty, board members, former students and fellows.
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Richard Verma Gives CFR Keynote Address
ISD Board Chair Richard Verma speaks to CFR’s International Affairs Fellowship Program on today’s geopolitical challenges and the path forward.
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Tom Pickering: The Price of Peace with Iran
ISD Board Member Tom Pickering co-authors a piece in Foreign Affairs on the uncomfortable decisions facing Washington as it seeks to end the war with Iran.
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Kelly McFarland on NPR: Trump’s State Department
ISD Director of Programs and Research, Professor Kelly McFarland, speaks to NPR’s Weekend Edition about the drastic changes at the U.S. State Department