Elements of Statecraft: Defense, Diplomacy, and Intelligence (LPPS 7050)

Course Overview

Elements of Statecraft provides students with a foundational understanding of the organizations and processes involved in contemporary U.S. statecraft, offering them opportunities to learn directly from current practitioners across the government. After discussing the United States’ interests and strategy, students explore how elements of national power are brought to bear to further U.S. policies. Participants become familiar with the Department of Defense, Department of State, the Intelligence Community, as well as the National Security Council and policymaking processes. A combination of lectures, guest-speakers, and research projects help develop an understanding of the organizational structures, cultures, and practices within the wider national security community. Guest lecturers share their experiences and provide professional guidance in class and during optional lunches at the National Security Policy Center.  

Limited to 24 students

For more information, please contact John Robinson at djr6nf@virginia.edu 

Student Opportunities

Elements of Statecraft is part of a wider initiative at the National Security Policy Center (NSPC) to connect students with the policy and defense communities. NSPC courses and practitioner engagement prepare our students for follow-on internships and employment in national security organizations. 

Guest Lecturers

Adm. Charles “Chas” Richard

Admiral Charles A. Richard (Retired) lectured on the evolving relationship between emerging technology and strategic deterrence. In addition, he shared his experiences as Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) from November 2019 to December 2022. At STRATCOM, Admiral Richard oversaw the global command and control of all the nation’s nuclear forces to achieve the national security objective of strategic deterrence.  

Dr. Bart Gorman

Dr. Bart Gorman led a class on U.S. diplomacy based on his 25-year career at the Department of State, including his time as the Charge d’affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.  Prior to that posting, he worked as Diplomatic Security’s Deputy Assistant Secretary overseeing intelligence and threat assessments in support of the Secretary of State and the Department’s 200+ embassies and consulates abroad.   

Ms. Joan Mower

Ms. Joan Mower lectured on U.S. strategic communications and public diplomacy. She is the Director of Business Development Office at the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the U.S. Government agency which oversees the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, Radio/TV Marti and the Middle East Broadcasting Corp. Her office handles partnerships with more than 4,000 broadcast and digital stations around the world, with offices in Cape Town, Accra, Bangkok and Prague. 

Ms. Rachel Alpert

Ms. Rachel Alpert lectured on U.S. tools of economic statecraft based on her extensive sanctions experience. She is currently Chief Counsel to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In this capacity, she leads the team of attorneys who provide legal advice and guidance to OFAC in the administration and enforcement of U.S. economic and trade sanctions. Rachel previously worked as a partner at Jenner & Block LLP, where she co-chaired the National Security, Sanctions, & Export Control and the Human Rights & Global Strategy practice groups.  

Ms. Kristen Hajduk

Ms. Kristen Hajduk lectured on the evolving relationship between U.S. national security organizations and the commercial technology industry. She is currently Vice President of Business Development and Capture for Seerist, the only augmented analytics solution for threat and risk intelligence professionals in the U.S. Government. Kristen’s career includes over 15 years as a policy analyst and advisor in the Department of Defense. She spent the majority of her experience in the Department focusing on Special Operations and Irregular Warfare policy and strategy development.