The Institute of World Politics

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, IWP faculty members have assembled a summer reading (and viewing) list that explores America’s founding principles, intelligence and statecraft, military leadership, cybersecurity, foreign policy, and the enduring challenges facing free societies.

View the full list here: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/06/17/summer-reading-from-iwp-faculty-america-250-edition/

Summer Reading from IWP Faculty: America 250 Edition - The Institute of World Politics As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, IWP faculty members have assembled a summer reading (and viewing) list that explores America’s founding

Dr. James Robbins, who has been serving as Dean of Academics, will take on a new leadership role as Senior Vice President of Research and Business Development.

In this role, he will lead initiatives to expand the Institute’s research, grants, and business contracting activities, in order to strengthen strategic partnerships and support institutional growth.

“Jim’s work on our academic and business partnerships has been invaluable, and IWP will benefit from his increased ability to focus on this area,” said President Chris Glass. “His combined experiences and understanding of the Academy, Government, and Industry sectors as a subject matter expert bring to the table the talent needed to succeed in this new venture arena for IWP.”

Read more here: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/06/17/dr-james-robbins-appointed-senior-vice-president-for-research-and-business-development/

IWP is pleased to announce that Dr. Timothy McCranor has been promoted to Dean of Academics at IWP.

“Dr. McCranor is a natural fit to be our new Dean of Academics,” said IWP President Chris Glass. “For several years, he has been doing much of the administrative work for IWP academics, including being instrumental in organizing several new master’s degree programs at IWP. We are delighted that he has accepted the role of Dean, and we look forward to his continued work to advance the IWP mission.”

In his capacity as the Dean of Academics, Dr. McCranor will help to maintain the Institute’s academic and curriculum integrity; develop and expand academic programs and faculty; support enrollment efforts and student success and satisfaction; and deepen IWP’s relationship with the growing revival in civic education throughout the country.

Read more: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/06/17/dr-timothy-mccranor-promoted-to-dean-of-academics-at-iwp/

IWP Alumnus Spotlight: Michael Baker (’19) came to IWP to further his career in military intelligence.

What he found was a deep historical perspective and a grasp of natural law that would guide his decisions throughout his career. He completed his degree over six years amid four deployments.

Frustrated by technology designed with little understanding of the Intelligence Community’s needs, Michael decided to engineer his own solutions. Today, he is CEO of a company that provides AI solutions for United States Special Operations units and is working on breakthrough technology that will allow paralyzed veterans to use their brainwaves to move a wheelchair.

🔗Read his story here: https://www.iwp.edu/students-alumni/alumni/2026/06/15/michael-baker-19-from-military-intelligence-to-ai/

Michael Baker (’19): From Military Intelligence to AI - The Institute of World Politics Michael Baker (’19) came to IWP to further his career in military intelligence. What he found was a deep historical perspective and a grasp of natural law

This fall, IWP will welcome a 12-person cohort from the Department of War Strategic Thinkers Program (STP), thanks to a new partnership between IWP and Arizona State University (ASU).

Through the Strategic Thinkers Program, active duty, mid-career military officers or government civilians pursue a 12-month master’s degree in war and strategy to enhance their ability to contribute to America’s defense strategy.

ASU, partnered with IWP, will offer this program for up to 24 students annually, and IWP will offer the electives. IWP will also collaborate with ASU to offer wargames to students in the STP.

Read more here: https://www.iwp.edu/press-releases/2026/06/15/iwp-to-host-cohort-from-department-of-war-strategic-thinkers-program/

IWP to host cohort from Department of War Strategic Thinkers Program - The Institute of World Politics This fall, IWP will welcome a 12-person cohort from the Department of War Strategic Thinkers Program (STP), thanks to a new partnership between IWP and

Two U.S. Air Force Foreign Affairs Specialists Complete M.A.s at IWP

Ms. Caitlin Cox and Mr. Corey Shiver recently graduated from The Institute of World Politics (IWP) with master’s degrees in Strategy and Statecraft in May 2026. What makes their academic journey unique is that they are not just classmates but are also coworkers serving in the same office at the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC) at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.

As Foreign Affairs Specialists, Caitlin and Corey manage critical security cooperation relationships between the United States Air Force and partner forces. Caitlin oversees a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolio within the European region, while Corey manages a similar portfolio within the AFRICOM AOR.

As active practitioners within the U.S. Government, they decided to attend IWP virtually for their graduate studies due to the Institute’s unique focus on realism and the practical application of statecraft.

Moving forward, Caitlin and Corey plan to directly apply this education to their respective careers within the security cooperation workforce and the national security enterprise. By combining their tactical experience in FMS with a deeper understanding of geopolitical realities, they are better positioned to align daily security cooperation efforts with broader U.S. national security objectives, ultimately strengthening vital international defense partnerships.

Happy Flag Day from IWP! 🇺🇸

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.