The Institute of World Politics

IWP Alumna Spotlight: Originally from Ukraine, Anna Yankova (’23) came to IWP with firsthand experience in public diplomacy and international affairs through her work with the Office of the Secretary of State of Maryland.

Today, she applies lessons learned at IWP to projects related to cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies for the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. She and her team have won five CIO 100 Awards since 2019, including the 2026 award.

Reflecting on her IWP experience, Anna said:

“IWP has had a meaningful impact on my development as a leader and IT professional, helping me think more strategically about technology, security, and emerging global challenges.”

Read her story here: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/06/09/anna-yankova-23-ai-and-emerging-tech/

IWP's interns began participating last week in their Civic Thought and Statecraft Seminar led by Professor Timothy McCranor.

Over the coming weeks, they will study the just war tradition and apply those lessons to the American Revolution in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In preparation for a classroom debate that will take place at the end of their program, the interns divided themselves into three teams: the Patriots, the Loyalists, and the British. They will debate whether the Patriots possessed a just cause for armed rebellion in accordance with the just war tradition.

The seminar is being supported by the generosity of the Jack Miller Center.

Intrigued by the world of espionage, Mike Zugsmith (’14) pursued an M.A. in Strategic Intelligence Studies at IWP and landed a job with Booz Allen Hamilton, where he supported the Navy, Air Force, and National Counterterrorism Center.

After moving back to California to be closer to family, he has used lessons learned at IWP to support the niche real estate needs of companies in the defense, aerospace, and advanced technology sectors. Thanks to his work, these companies are connected to the resources they need to contribute to missions like the Artemis II launch and supporting warfighters in Ukraine.

He commented: “I have the privilege of advising and supporting some of the most innovative and strategically vital companies in the world – organizations that are building the technologies, platforms, and infrastructure that will define America’s national security posture for generations to come.”

Read his story here: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/06/03/mike-zugsmith-14-real-estate-national-security-and-advanced-tech/

Mike Zugsmith (’14): Real Estate, National Security, and Advanced Tech - The Institute of World Politics Intrigued by the world of espionage, Mike Zugsmith pursued an M.A. in Strategic Intelligence Studies at IWP and landed a job with Booz Allen Hamilton, where

IWP Alumnus Spotlight: Rokas Bendzius (’22) has built a career serving our country through military service, project management, and federal contracting.

Originally from Lithuania, Rokas served in the U.S. Coast Guard before beginning a federal contracting career, supporting the Coast Guard, FEMA, and the Department of State.

At IWP, Rokas earned a Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Studies, deepening his understanding of intelligence, interagency cooperation, and national security strategy.

He commented: “Continuing professional education is extremely important to stay on top of your career track. IWP is an excellent place to do that if you’re in the national security space or related private companies.”

Read his story: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/05/21/rokas-bendzius-22-project-manager-and-u-s-government-contractor/

COL (R) Candice Frost discussed “Agentic AI and the Digital Battlefield” on May 20 at the Army Navy Club’s Cyber Intelligence Club, organized by IWP CIO Dean Lane.

Drawing on her experience in cyber strategy and national security, Frost discussed how advanced computational capabilities are reshaping global security dynamics.

Read a summary of her key points: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/05/28/col-r-candice-frost-briefs-senior-leaders-on-agentic-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-cyber-warfare/

IWP held its third annual Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding students, faculty, staff, interns, and alumni for their contributions to the Institute and its mission on May 15.

The ceremony honored individuals for excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, teaching, publication, and professional achievement. Among this year’s honorees were:

• Amber DeWitt: Outstanding Student Service to IWP Award
• Haroon Hakimi: Outstanding Student Publication Award
• Dr. Susan Yoshihara: Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Faculty Publication
• Dr. Christopher C. Harmon: Outstanding Service to IWP and Our Students Award
• Jennifer Alexander: Outstanding Performance Award
• Roland Lamoureux: Intern of the Year Award
• James Gavin (’21): Outstanding Alumni Service to IWP Award
• Michael Webber (’12): Outstanding Service to IWP Alumni Award
• Kelly Siwek (’19): Alumni Award of Distinction

Several faculty and staff members were also recognized for milestone years of service to IWP.

Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients and honorees and thank you for your dedication to the Institute and the study and practice of statecraft.

Read more: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/05/28/iwp-honors-outstanding-students-faculty-staff-interns-and-alumni-at-2026-awards-ceremony/

Congratulations to Cadet Nicholas A. DiNonno, recipient of the 2026 United States Military Academy Institute of World Politics Award for Excellence in Cyber Statecraft!

This award is presented annually to an outstanding West Point graduate who has demonstrated superior excellence and initiative in cyber statecraft studies.

The award was presented by IWP CIO Dean Lane during the West Point Superintendent’s Award Convocation in May.

Learn more: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/05/28/iwp-presents-award-for-excellence-in-cyber-statecraft-at-west-point-convocation/

Captain Chris Glass was formally invested as the fourth President of IWP during the Institute’s recent Commencement ceremony.

Chairman Mario Kranjac charged President Glass with upholding IWP’s mission and Charter, while Founder Dr. John Lenczowski presented him with the IWP mace, symbolizing authority over the affairs of the Institute.

Ambassador Aldona Wos, IWP’s third President and now President Emerita, presented President Glass with the chains of office and the seal of The Institute of World Politics.

Congratulations to President Glass as he begins this new chapter of leadership at IWP.

IWP Alumnus Spotlight: Grant Turner (’25) currently works at the Stimson Center, where he contributes to research and expert convenings on issues including counter-WMD technologies and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Grant says IWP’s practitioner faculty and emphasis on policy-oriented writing helped prepare him for the demands of think tank work and national security research.

“At IWP, the professors’ focus and passion are educating the students. They are there to continue their service,” Grant said.

Read his story here: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/05/22/grant-turner-25-impacting-international-affairs/

Members of the IWP Class of 2026 are already making an impact across the national security community, serving with the military, the Department of War, the Department of State, the Intelligence Community, and in government relations roles.

Their work reflects IWP’s mission of preparing principled leaders to advance American security interests at home and abroad.

Read more about IWP Commencement here: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/05/18/iwp-celebrates-class-of-2026-and-presidential-investiture-of-chris-glass/