Elliott School of International Affairs – Page 2

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023

Elliott Faculty and Students Attend 28th Annual Climate Change Conference

Light green (left) and dark green (right) hand holding a globe. The water on the globe is light green and the continents are dark green.

Robert Orttung, research professor of international affairs and the director of research at Sustainability GW was there as some of the world’s biggest oil companies announced an unexpected pledge over the weekend that they would slash methane emissions from their wells and drilling by more than 80 percent by 2030 in an effort to curb methane gas emissions. The announcement came during the UN’s annual climate conference, COP28, happening in Dubai.

Orttung leads two National Science Foundation grants focused on promoting urban sustainability in the Arctic and is the editor of the forthcoming publication, Sustaining Russia’s Arctic Cities.

Orttung is attending COP28 this week as part of a GW delegation along with GW students, where they will present their research findings around climate change.

Orttung says there’s great opportunity to work with oil and gas companies in finding productive ways to combat the climate crisis.

“Obviously, it’s a little ironic to have a climate change conference in a Petro state, which depends heavily on selling oil and gas, but that might be the actual solution is trying to find a way to work with these companies that make their money now from selling fossil fuels. They might be the main people blocking progress, but it might also be a useful way to think about how they can use the enormous leverage and resources that they have, incredible financial gain from fossil fuels, and put that into renewable energy. That’s something we’re seeing in the Middle East starting to happen.

One strategy could be to constantly attack [these companies]. The other strategy would be to figure out ways to work together, and I’m hoping we can do something like that.”

WATCH: Hear more from Prof. Orttung about GW’s role at COP28 and the key themes he’ll be paying attention to at this year’s UN climate conference in this video here.

October 31, 2023October 31, 2023

Connecting cultures: A workshop on building cultural diplomacy programs

By Yvonne Oh and Alexis Posel

IPDGC kicked off its workshop on cultural diplomacy programming “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”, collaborating with the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. The workshop was conceived with the two-pronged purpose of broadening awareness about cultural diplomacy, and encouraging GW students to consider how their fields of study can be part of U.S. global engagement.

Highly experienced trainers with nonprofit, American Voices, John Ferguson and Amr Selim – both acclaimed musicians – will be conducting this free, hybrid workshop. American Voices is the implementing partner for the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program and the Arts Envoy Program.

On Friday, September 29, the in-person session was held at a beautiful at the Flagg Building, home to the Corcoran School (originally the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1869). John and Amr led discussions with GW student participants about navigating foreign environments, the importance of sustainable programming, and exploring different avenues for funding.

In different sessions of the workshop, participants met with cultural specialists who Zoomed in to share their expertise in cultural programming – dancers, singers, filmmakers, and other creative talents from all over the globe. They also met with former U.S. diplomats who encouraged their efforts as part of U.S. engagement and shared tips on funding and building networks.

At the end of the workshop. participants will present their proposals for a cultural program using the ideas and guidance from the sessions.

Dean Alyssa Ayres, dean of the Elliott School, dropped in for a quick visit and expressed her enthusiasm for the workshop; sharing how cultural diplomacy programs dovetail well with international development work.

The Walter Roberts Endowment has provided support to the “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”.

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For more about cultural programming and American Voices, listen to John Ferguson on Public Diplomacy Examined (PDx). IPDGC summer intern Adeniyi Funsho interviewed John in 2021 – PDX podcast: Connecting Cultures through Performance

October 31, 2023November 1, 2023

Elliott Student Amplifies Community Voices in Local Government

When senior Dasia Bandy first moved to Washington, D.C. to start her college career at GW, she knew she wanted to get involved in the local community. Having grown up watching her parents dedicate themselves to civic engagement, Dasia felt a calling to public service from a young age.

Eager to get involved in her new community, Dasia became an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the Foggy Bottom area. In this role, Dasia acts as a critical liaison between residents and local government, advising on issues from public safety to transportation.

“I was inspired by the opportunity to serve my entire community and to leave a sustainable and long-lasting impact,” Dasia said. “I have a passion for policy issues related to safety, homelessness, community engagement, and our military community within Foggy Bottom.”

In her role, Dasia advises local government agencies on issues like zoning, transportation, and public safety that impact her constituents. She provides recommendations to influence policy based on the interests and concerns of community members.

Dasia also holds public meetings where residents can voice their opinions and learn about new proposals that could affect their neighborhood. By engaging constituents and amplifying their voices, she hopes to foster a spirit of participation in local government.

“My primary responsibility and most crucial role is to represent the interests and concerns of my constituents,” Dasia said. “At its core, I am a liaison for community members and government agencies and oversee the delivery of community needs.”

For Dasia, the most valuable part of this experience has been witnessing firsthand the intricacies of D.C. governance and seeing how interconnected agency operations can be. She says it has given her a greater appreciation for the impact individuals can have on policy outcomes.

Beyond her role as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, Dasia has seized other opportunities for leadership and growth during her time at GW. As the student speaker at President Ellen Granberg’s first convocation, Dasia had the opportunity to practice public speaking before a large audience.

“Serving as the student speaker has significantly impacted my personal and professional development by requiring me to overcome self-doubt and develop self-confidence that has spilled into various aspects of my life,” she said.

From networking events to academic challenges, Dasia’s passion for service continues to grow stronger.

“While being away at college is often students’ first time away from family for an extended period of time, it can be very easy to forget who you are and to lose your passions that lead you to a very different path,” says Dasia. “However, with all the classmates, professors, mentors, and faculty members at GW, I have been continuously reminded of my passion for public service.”

September 29, 2023October 4, 2023

New Program Helps Elliott School Alumni Navigate the Job Market

Amidst the ever-changing landscape of today’s job market, the transition from student life to a professional career frequently proves to be a nerve-wracking journey.

Recognizing and supporting the unique needs of alumni and recent graduates in this journey, the Elliott School’s Graduate Student Services (GSS) has introduced Job Stormers, a resilient support network meticulously designed to address the demands of the present job climate and the complexities brought about by the pandemic.

Led by Joshua Lissauer, a Senior Career Coach at GSS, Job Stormers serves as both a career support program and offers a community for alumni facing a range of challenges. It specializes in supporting alumni seeking an opportunity to reinvent their professional lives or change career directions.

Job Stormer alumni have gone on to work at the Federal Reserve, the Department of Defense and other employers. Elliott alum Nicole Wright Patrick shared, “I felt as though I had reached a dead end in my job search when I found Job Stormers. After years of sporadic job searching, I lacked momentum and became discouraged. I joined Job Stormers hoping to connect with others in a similar situation and to find an added layer of accountability. I found all of that and more through this team of supportive individuals. I am now two days into what I can only describe as my dream job, having gone through the application and interview process feeling fully supported and prepared to put my best self forward. I can’t say enough about the experience of being in a cohort and the coaching I received throughout this entire process.”

“I think Josh’s design and delivery had just the right balance of job search and career content, peer support, and motivation,” James Wylde, Former Director of Graduate Student Services, said. “The first year of Job Stormers was a success; we look forward to fine-tuning the program for next year.”

One striking aspect of the Job Stormers program is its focus on recent alumni. Many new graduates often find themselves at a crossroads, and this program has become a valuable resource for them.

Associate Director of GSS, Meg Wurm, added, “Job Stormers serves as a great opportunity for alumni who are interested in more than just the one-on-one support we offer to alumni. Josh has worked hard to build a program that creates a collaborative support system for those individuals.”

Beyond just job hunting, Job Stormers provides a safe space for participants to reflect on the stressors and anxieties surrounding their job searches. “It’s a support group for individuals who are lost, stuck, or stressed out about their job search, and we serve the unemployed, those that are laid off, and those that are trying to get everything back on track—supporting alumni is the cornerstone of what we do,” Lissauer said.

This support group meets biweekly for six weeks during each semester, allowing participants to voice their frustrations, share experiences, and work on individual action goals. For information on how to apply, please email esiagss@gwu.edu.

September 29, 2023October 4, 2023

New Middle East Study Abroad Program Partners with Howard University

In a new partnership, the Elliott School’s Institute for Middle East Studies (IMES) is collaborating with Howard University to offer a Middle East Studies Abroad Program in Oman, offering GW students an immersive experience in the heart of the Middle East’s rich culture and history.

IMES’s latest project is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This partnership between the Elliott School and Howard University underscores IMES’s commitment to expanding access to Middle East-focused resources within ESIA, enriching the experiences of students and faculty alike.

The Elliott School is known for its standalone degree program in Middle East Studies.

Leading the program is Dr. Attiya Ahmed, the Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies. Collaborating on this effort is Dr. Shana Marshall, the Associate Director of IMES.

Dr. Ahmed’s leadership has been instrumental in crafting an immersive educational experience for students, set to take place in Oman during the upcoming Spring semester.

At the heart of this project is Professor Mohssen Esseesy from GW, an authority in Middle East Studies. His expertise promises an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience for all participants. Collaborating closely with him is Raslan Moutraji, an Arabic instructor at Howard University, who has played a pivotal role in identifying advanced Arabic students from Howard, ensuring a diverse and enriching learning environment.

IMES’s Middle East Studies Abroad Program in Oman offers an exceptional opportunity for GW students, alumni, and faculty to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, language, and history of the region. This partnership with Howard University underscores GW’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education and global experiences to its community members.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering global perspectives within the ESIA community and providing our students with transformative educational experiences,” noted Dr. Shana Marshall, Associate Director of IMES.

This partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration between academic institutions in enhancing the educational journey of students, alumni, and faculty members. As the Spring semester approaches, members of the GW community are preparing for an adventure that will broaden their horizons and deepen their appreciation for the cultures of the Middle East.

For more information about this collaboration and updates on the Middle East Studies Abroad Program in Oman, please reach out to Dr. Shana Marshall, Associate Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies at GW. IMES continues to serve as a valuable resource within the ESIA community, promoting academic growth and cultural understanding.

September 6, 2023December 6, 2023

Meet the GW Institute for International Economic Policy Executive Circle’s New Chairs

Lisa Schroeter, BA ’92, and Carl Richardson, MA ’99, are stepping up to co-chair the IIEP Executive Circle, which offers strategic guidance to the GW Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP), located at the Elliott School. The global group also mentors and supports students in the Elliott School’s MA program in international economic policy.

Carl A. Richardson is a partner at Richardson Capital LLP.

Based in London, Carl jointly leads the Richardson business, a multi-generational, international investment firm with a business portfolio embedded across the world.

The independent family business was founded more than 70 years ago in the West Midlands, the heart of the United Kingdom. Current growth capital investments include an award-winning Swiss technology company, a UK financial services business, a US-based medical real estate company, and the largest avocado grower in New Zealand.

Real estate holdings encompass significant office and residential holdings, distribution centers, and leisure, and infrastructure properties.

Real estate holdings are significant in scale and content, encompassing office, residential, distribution centers, leisure, and infrastructure properties.

Carl is also Trustee of the Richardson Brothers’ Foundation, and recent past posts include Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy Reserve and Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands (representing the Royal Family in the region).

Earlier in his career Carl was an International Officer at HSBC Bank, working in London, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong. Carl was educated at King’s College London, the Sorbonne, and the George Washington University.

“As a proud alumnus of the Elliott School of International Affairs, I am delighted to now serve as co-chair of the IIEP’s Executive Circle alongside Lisa Schroeter,” Carl noted.

Lisa Schroeter, who joins Carl as co-chair, is also a passionate leader in the business world.

GW has been a formative part of Lisa’s DC experience and launched her lifelong commitment to international affairs, especially when she studied abroad in Paris and Brussels during her junior year. Living on her own in the City of Light, Lisa says, led her to “a level of independence and cultural curiosity that has been an essential part of my success, personally and professionally.”

All these experiences have contributed to Lisa’s long-standing career in trade, including the current position as Global Director of Trade & Investment Policy at Dow. In that role, Lisa sees firsthand the opportunity to bring communities together, to create development opportunities through access to innovative products and technologies, and to promote circular economy approaches for a more sustainable world.

Along with her day job, Lisa chairs the Association of Women in International Trade Trust, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a senior docent at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Her colleagues know her as an outstanding thought leader with a contagious passion for trade policy, a champion for gender equality, and a generous mentor.

“I am truly honored to co-chair the IIEP Executive Circle with Carl,” noted Lisa “We welcome the opportunity to bring our private sector perspective to the executive circle, especially engaging across the GW community – in DC and around the world. This is a unique opportunity to create dialogue for action.”

Lisa and Carl step into shoes recently worn by Deborah Lehr, MA ’89, and Frank Chi-Hong Wong, BA ’79, who, as the executive circle’s first co-chairs, established a robust dynamic for the group.

Since 2021, the executive circle’s two dozen members from around the world have become trusted advisors to IIEP’s faculty director, as well as to Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres. Through its philanthropy, the IIEP Executive Circle contributes to student employment at IIEP and student research with an emphasis on geo-economic policy.

In particular, IIEP Executive Circle members have supported six fellowships for students in the Elliott School’s MA program in international economic policy and 10 doctoral-level student research assistants to faculty, as well as thought-leadership programs in business, development, climate, and trade policy.

“With Deborah and Frank as inaugural co-chairs, the IIEP Executive Circle deepened our alumni community’s connection to IIEP, strengthening the institute and providing opportunities for student engagement – a consequential accomplishment,” Dean Ayres said. “We are immensely grateful to them.

“As we move ahead, I am delighted and excited that Lisa and Carl are the new chairs. Their inspiring leadership will help us to strengthen the IIEP Executive Circle and deepen interactions across the GW and Elliott School global community – students, faculty, alumni, parents, and other school leadership groups.”

The executive circle kicked off the year with the “GW International Economic Policy Breakfast” in New York on September 26. Lisa was instrumental in developing the program, which features a high-powered panel of senior financial leaders. “Bringing people together is a catalyst for great ideas,” Lisa said.

Carl also is focused on forging new global relationships that will enhance opportunities for members of the GW and Elliott School community. “The co-chairs will build synergies and create more international networking opportunities,” he said.

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Interested in joining or supporting the GW IIEP Executive Circle? Please contact Joe Strodel, assistant vice president for development, at jstrodel@gwu.edu .

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

Exploring Extremism: Elliott School Alum’s Research Contributes to International Advocacy Efforts

Grant A. Silverman, Research Assistant at the Elliott School’s Illiberalism Studies Program

Grant A. Silverman is a Research Assistant at the Elliott School’s Illiberalism Studies Program. Studying the rise of illiberal and extremist movements in the United States and Europe, his research emphasizes the role of digital media and disinformation in the rise of political violence. He earned a master’s degree from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs where he studied conflict and conflict resolution, disinformation, and right-wing extremism.

Silverman examines how anti-democratic, far-right movements are connected globally, and he pays special attention to how a uniquely American brand of right-wing ideology is being exported through international allies. He analyzes the history of American right-wing organizing to explain how the American right has always been concerned with the international sphere.

Silverman considers Dr. Marlene Laruelle as a mentor at Elliott School, crediting her for positively influencing his academic and professional development. “Her leadership of the Illiberalism Studies Program has provided me with learning and career opportunities to pursue the work that I am currently engaged in,” says Silverman.

Dr. Laruelle is a Research Professor of International Affairs and the Director of the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES). The Institute’s mission is to “promote and support the study of Europe and Eurasia through research, courses, events, and publications,” according to their mission statement.

Dr. Laruelle’s research focuses on illiberalism, the transnational far-right, and the Russian ideological landscape. She is the author of Is Russia Fascist? Unraveling Propaganda East and West, in which she explores accusations of fascism toward Russia and expertly examines the Russian domestic scene and the Kremlin’s foreign policy rationales.

Silverman’s research underscores the importance of studying illiberal and extremist movements and their impact on international politics. The Elliott School’s programs provide students and alumni with the tools and resources to pursue careers in this critical area of study. Silverman further credits the Elliott School with providing him with time and space to conduct his research, as well as access to exhaustive library resources.

August 25, 2023September 1, 2023

GW Elliott School Celebrates 125th Anniversary

This academic year, the Elliott School of International Affairs proudly commemorates the 125th anniversary of teaching international affairs at GW. Since 1898, the George Washington University has offered an unbroken succession of international affairs programs of study, beginning with the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy.

The school’s opening ceremony was an auspicious affair with U.S. President William McKinley and his Cabinet attending. Since then, the school has gone through 10 iterations before becoming the Elliott School, named in 1988 to honor former GW President Lloyd Elliott.

Then, as now, students received instruction from both leading scholars and policy practitioners, including Supreme Court justices, U.S. and foreign ambassadors, as well as officials in government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Thanks to research conducted by Elliott alumnus Stephen Wyman, BA ’85, we know some interesting history about how the school evolved at GW. According to Wyman, “the school’s earliest graduates played a huge role in the transformation and professionalization of the U.S. State Department. It is clear that GW was the nation’s trailblazer in educating students for diplomatic and consular careers.”

The first woman to become a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), Lucile Atcherson, a Smith College graduate, prepared for the FSO exam at GW, finished third, and was appointed in December 1922. In 1937, four of the 16 ambassadors and ministers with the longest tenures in the Foreign Service were GW alumni, including U.S. Ambassador Fred Morris Dearing, who received his Master of Diplomacy degree from GW in 1904.

During its first year of existence, the school counted 90 students. Today, the Elliott School boasts more than 28,000 living alumni, representing 113 countries, with an impressive record of achievements across all career sectors. Over the past 125 years, the study of international affairs has gained stature — and the Elliott School continues to be at the forefront.

For a full history of the school, check out “Engaging the World: The Study of International Affairs at the George Washington University.” This narrative offers a comprehensive look at how the school has evolved, through its many transformative milestones.Whether you’re a student, an alum, or simply curious about the school’s journey, this reading promises a compelling glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Elliott School’s history.

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The Elliott School’s mission is to develop the next generation of international leaders: leaders with knowledge, character, and skills; to conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues and contributes to the public debate on issues to advance understanding; and to help foster solutions to the world’s most challenging problems.

August 8, 2023August 16, 2023

Elliott School’s New Data Literacy Initiative: Revolutionizing Policy through Evidence-Based Approaches

Professors making presentation to staff in conference room.

Professors Emmanuel Teitelbaum and Laila Sorurbakhsh discuss data visualizations with Elliott School graduate students and International Affairs practitioners: (left to right) Chris Markiewicz, Chiara Evelti, Uugangerel Bold, and Briana Doyle.

The Elliott School is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative, Data Analytics for Policy Professionals, beginning Fall 2023. Led by Dr. Laila Sorubakhsh and Dr. Emmanuel Teitelbaum, the aim of the initiative is to provide a much-needed bridge between the world of public policy, international affairs, and data analytics. While traditional policy practice may focus more on qualitative or contextual data, the use of quantitative data in reports, presentations, dashboards, and other media are becoming increasingly common in the policy space. Through Data Literacy in International Affairs, our goal is to cross-train both traditional analysts and data scientists to combine their analytic strengths to inform innovative approaches to evidence-based policy.

As part of the initiative, the Elliott School is offering a series of courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and executive level that provide an understanding of which tools are most useful for both specialized and everyday policy practice. Through partnership with organizations and agencies, we seek to better serve our student body and the greater policy community by upskilling our current and future policymakers to respond to a dynamically changing world. These courses will provide students the opportunity to become empowered with the relevant data tools to improve daily operations, better understand policy, and provide evidence-based recommendations for best policy practice.

At the executive level, students, alumni, and practitioners can sign up to take our 1.5 credit weekend workshops offered both in person and online. Credits can be transferred to an Elliott School Masters program or graduate certificate. Fall 2023 offerings include IAFF 6505 Visualizing and Modeling International Politics with Dr. Emmanuel Teitelbaum (ESIA) and IAFF 6505 Expert Policy Decision Making Using Data with Dr. Leonardo Antenangeli (ESIA) and Dan Spokojny (CEO, fp21). Our hands-on approach combines technical training with guest speakers and networking events to put new technical skill sets into practice. Classes are open to beginners with no-coding experience to seasoned analysts looking to add to their skill set or understanding of its applications to the policy world. Information about the courses can be found in more detail here.

The introductory fall 2023 class will receive a special offer for the Initiative’s launch: $1,500 per 1.5 credit workshop in lieu of the standard non-degree student rate of $2,080 per 1 credit.

To apply, please submit your application here . Applications are considered on a rolling basis depending on workshop timing.

For any questions, please reach out to sorurbakhsh@gwu.edu

For additional information on the course offerings, please visit our website at https://elliott.gwu.edu/data-analytics-policy-professionals

June 20, 2023June 21, 2023

Elliott Undergraduate Research Fellow Presents at Arctic Science Summit

Anissa Ozbek, a third-year student in the Elliott School of International Affairs and an undergraduate research fellow, traveled to Vienna, Austria, this February with the GW delegation to the 2023 Arctic Science Summit Week. There, joined by Professor Marya Rozanova-Smith she presented findings from the COVID-GEA Project, which seeks to understand the gendered impacts of COVID-19 in the Arctic.

“I have been a research assistant on the project since 2022, so I was very excited to share the COVID-GEA Project’s preliminary results alongside our Principal Investigator, Dr. Rozanova-Smith at the Arctic Science Summit Week(ASSW) before world-class scholars in the field of Arctic studies,” said Ozbek.

Ozbek’s topic, “Gender Equality for Sustainable Arctic Communities Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic,” focused specifically on the case of Alaska, examining initiatives passed in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Nome, and Juneau, as well as by the Alaska state legislature.

At the conference week, Ozbek assisted Dr. Rozanova-Smith in presenting the COVID-GEA project’s audio-visual exhibit, titled “Arctic Women’s Voices:Standing Strong in the Face of COVID-19,” which gives Arctic women a platform to discuss how the pandemic affected them.

Conference attendees at the ASSW heard from experts across the natural and social sciences on a range of topics, from the effects of light pollution on Arctic ecosystems to Indigenous stewardship practices.

As Ozbek considers a career in research, attending the ASSW provided her with the invaluable opportunity to learn about key aspects of scholarship, including presentation skills and collaboration, firsthand.