The DSF Programs
DSF programs advance innovation in diplomacy, strengthen training across the foreign policy community, and foster collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
Current Program: Embassy Operations and Diplomacy Courses
DSF is building a robust educational program for students. In partnership with the Institute for World Politics (IWP) in Washington D.C., DSF has launched a seminar series to educate students about U.S. embassies. In the fall semester, DSF held seminars for IWP’s students and interns on topics ranging from hostage rescue to commercial diplomacy.
DSF is also developing a week-long course on embassy operations in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame as well as a half-semester course on the same subject in cooperation with IWP.
DSF aims to provide high quality educational opportunities for students interested in foreign affairs. While many programs teach grand strategy or international relations theory, only DSF is educating students about foreign policy at its most granular level.
Past Programs
Peace Games
The Peace Game is a two-day crisis simulation that brings together U.S. government officials to collaboratively respond to complex international challenges in a realistic, high-pressure environment. It strengthens interagency coordination, decision-making, and crisis preparedness by allowing participants to practice resolving conflicts and stabilizing situations before facing them in real-world settings.
A.I. Policy & Diplomacy Seminar Series
The A.I. Policy & Diplomacy Seminar Series brings together government, congressional, and private sector experts to explore how artificial intelligence shapes foreign policy. It features expert-led discussions on AI fundamentals, its geopolitical impact, and governance while fostering cross-sector collaboration.
Congressional Engagement
DSF engages with Congress to advance improved State Department training and education, helping shape legislation and increase awareness of these needs. This includes contributions to bills such as H.R. 8012 and S. 3492, a provision in the FY2023 NDAA, and Senate testimony by DSF leadership.
Political-Military Capstone Exercise
DSF partnered with the Foreign Service Institute to adapt the Peace Game into a half-day exercise for the Political-Military Capstone course. The scenario was tailored to help officers apply the “Pol-Mil toolkit” in a focused crisis simulation, demonstrating the model’s flexibility for different training audiences.
Commercial Diplomacy Initiative
DSF partnered with SMU Cox School of Business to launch a Commercial Diplomacy Initiative, bringing together business leaders and U.S. government officials in a series of roundtables and programs in Dallas. These sessions and the “Five Days in Dallas” program focused on strengthening collaboration between the private sector and government by improving understanding of commercial diplomacy and U.S. business engagement abroad.
Senior Training Needs Assessment
DSF supported the Foreign Service Institute by funding a Visiting Fellow to assess senior training needs across the Foreign Service. The assessment, led by former Ambassador Nancy Powell, identified key gaps in professional development and helped guide the development of more advanced training programs.
State-Congressional Seminars
DSF partnered with the Council on Foreign Relations to run a seminar series bringing together State Department and congressional staff to improve understanding and relationships. The program covered key foreign policy processes and is now being redeveloped with a focus on A.I. in partnership with Meridian International Center.
Area Studies Fellowships
DSF partnered with FSI to bring retired ambassadors into Area Studies courses to strengthen training and update curriculum. The program boosted enrollment significantly and was later considered for permanent funding.