The Institute Shaping Future Security Experts

The Institute of World Politics (IWP) has been around for 35 years. It was started by John Lenczowski, who used to work on the Reagan National Security Council. He noticed that many people working in government jobs related to strategy were not well-prepared. This was especially true for those in the State Department and intelligence agencies. IWP teaches students about statecraft. This includes things like strategic deception, ideological warfare, and foreign influence operations. The school offers unique programs, like a master's in strategic intelligence and a doctorate in national security. These are the first of their kind outside the U. S. government. The institute focuses on national security as its top priority. Lenczowski believes that without peace and security, society can't function normally. Economics is taught as a strategy, not just theory. Topics include trade, aid, and technology security. Counterintelligence is a big part of IWP's curriculum. Lenczowski points out that many people don't even know what counterintelligence is. It involves more than just counterespionage. It also includes countering foreign influence and ensuring the quality of intelligence collection. IWP has faced challenges, especially in its early days. There are many academic institutions in Washington, D. C. But IWP is unique in creating national security and intelligence professionals. Graduates often work in nations with values opposed to those of the West, like China and Russia. Lenczowski is concerned about China's growing influence. He points out that China has a monopoly on rare earth minerals and holds a large portion of U. S. debt. He argues that the U. S. needs to be better prepared for economic warfare and trade practices. Public diplomacy is another focus of IWP. Lenczowski believes it's as important as traditional diplomacy. He notes that during the Cold War, public diplomacy inspired dissent behind the Iron Curtain. IWP has a high job placement rate for its graduates. Alumni work in the intelligence community, the War Department, and other places. The institute currently enrolls close to 200 graduate students. Lenczowski claims that IWP has placed more graduates into permanent service than any other national security-minded organization in the country. The mission of IWP remains the same after 35 years. It continues to battle a trend that few institutions have been able to resist: staying true to its founding roots.