Case Studies

Since the mid-1980s, the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) has pioneered the use of the case study method in international affairs education. Today, ISD’s library includes over 250 cases spanning U.S. diplomatic history — written by senior practitioners who lived the events they describe, as well as academics deeply versed in them. Suitable for students from high school through graduate school, these case studies bring the dynamics, nuance and stakes of real-world diplomacy into the classroom.

Adapted from the business school model, ISD case studies are designed to meet the unique demands of teaching diplomacy. Each case goes beyond narrative: in addition to background on the specific issue or event, cases offer a detailed examination of the key players and the options available to policymakers, covering both the successes and failures of diplomacy in action.

Cases can be used as standalones or to supplement existing course material and can be organized thematically, geographically, or by era. Many include teaching notes and instructor guides.

Interested in contributing? Review our case study submission guidelines.

Professors and instructors can access our faculty lounge, which includes free instructor copies, class outlines and discussion questions!