The Institute of World Politics

IWP Alumni Spotlight: James Di Pane (’17), Consultant for the U.S. Navy

During the War on Terror, James became fascinated by an unexpected topic: China's ambitions to become a global power. That interest eventually led him to IWP, where he focused his studies on China and great power competition.

During his time in D.C., James began his career in the think tank world, helping assess U.S. military readiness and evaluating whether the United States could fight a major conflict while maintaining the reserve strength needed to deter other adversaries.

Today, James contributes directly to the strength of our military by supporting a major shipbuilding program for the U.S. Navy. Recently, James’ cost estimates played an essential role in supporting contract negotiations, earning him multiple corporate awards.

Read how IWP helped prepare James for a career supporting U.S. national security: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/08/05/james-di-pane-17-consultant-for-the-u-s-navy/

This fall, Prof. Paul Kepp, former Assistant Director at the CIA and a 34-year veteran of the U.S. intelligence and foreign affairs communities, will teach his course on Comparative Intelligence Systems: Foreign Intelligence and Security Cultures (IWP 622).

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the intelligence and counterintelligence systems of selected foreign states, as contrasted with the intelligence and counterintelligence traditions of the U.S.

📅 Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 PM

Learn more about his course: https://www.iwp.edu/courses/comparative-intelligence-systems-foreign-intelligence-and-security-cultures/

This fall, Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, former economic analyst in the CIA’s Office of Terrorism Analysis, will teach Economics for Foreign Policy Makers at The Institute of World Politics.

The course introduces students to the economic way of thinking, exploring concepts such as scarcity, incentives, trade-offs, and the unintended consequences that can arise from even the best-intentioned policies. These principles provide an essential foundation for understanding national security, international affairs, and strategic decision-making.

📅 Tuesdays, 2:00–5:00 PM

Learn more about the course: https://www.iwp.edu/courses/economics-for-foreign-policy-makers/

This fall, IWP is launching a new Master of Arts in Cyber Statecraft.

As cyberspace becomes an increasingly important arena of strategic competition, this new program will prepare students to understand, navigate, and respond to the growing importance of the cyber domain in national security and international affairs.

“This M.A. approaches the cyber domain not primarily as a technical discipline, but through the broader lens of integrated strategy and strategic competition,” said Dr. Tim McCranor, IWP Dean of Academics.

Learn how IWP's newest degree equips future leaders to think strategically about the cyber domain: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/07/30/iwp-launches-m-a-in-cyber-statecraft/

We are pleased to announce that Marc Thiessen will be the keynote speaker for The Institute of World Politics 2026 Gala.

Join us for an inspiring evening with one of America's leading voices on national security, foreign policy, and public affairs as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
📍 Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

🎟️ Tickets and sponsorships are now available at: https://www.iwp.edu/events/2026-gala/

IWP Alumni Spotlight: Cédric Shutts (’25)

While at IWP, Cédric applied his intelligence education in the field of business risk intelligence. More recently, he decided to pursue a longtime passion for law enforcement by joining the Fairfax County Police Department, drawn by the department's wide-ranging capabilities and the opportunity to serve one of the nation's most strategically important and dynamic regions.

Reflecting on his time at IWP, Cédric shared:

“I am grateful for my time at IWP – from my internship to my studies, for the people I met and learned with, and for the skills and knowledge I gained from studying there. I can see how it has helped my career on a daily basis.”

Read more about Cédric's journey from national security studies to local law enforcement: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/07/28/cedric-shutts-25-local-law-enforcement/

IWP Alumni Spotlight: Allie Shea (’21), FBI Intelligence Analyst

Since beginning her M.A. in Strategic Intelligence Studies at IWP, Allie has served in the Executive Office of the President and built a career as an Intelligence Analyst with the FBI.

“I enjoy being able to work in the Intelligence Community and apply my degree in my day-to-day work,” she said. “I’m passionate about national security and working to keep our country secure.”

Read Allie’s story: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/07/20/allie-shea-21-fbi-intelligence-analyst/

🎉Happy 36th Birthday, IWP! 🎉

IWP was incorporated in Washington, D.C. on July 26, 1990.

📸: Some memories from our last 36 years, from our earliest days to our most recent graduates.

Celebrate IWP's 36th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. Get your tickets at www.iwp.edu/gala

This fall, IWP is launching a new course, Applied Intelligence Analysis, taught by Dr. Christopher Lew, former Senior Intelligence Analyst with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Through the Analyst War Game, a realistic digital simulation, students will apply intelligence tradecraft in an environment that mirrors the information flow, collaboration pressures, and decision-making challenges faced by intelligence professionals.

This hands-on course provides practical experience that prepares students for careers in intelligence and national security.

Learn more: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/07/21/applied-intelligence-analysis-course-to-be-offered-this-fall/

We are deeply saddened by the passing of the Hon. R. James Woolsey, former Chancellor of The Institute of World Politics and former Director of Central Intelligence.

A distinguished public servant, Mr. Woolsey devoted his career to strengthening America's national security.

May he rest in peace.