The Language of Intelligence and the Diplomacy of Strategy

Interns began their morning with team briefings, preparing for their first calls with international security partners. With guidance from program staff, they explored the principles of SWOT analysis and outlined their upcoming deliverables, practicing the structured communication, critical thinking, and evaluation techniques relied upon by national security professionals.

In the afternoon, interns reconvened with Gina Bennett for an in-depth lecture series on the foundations of intelligence and counterintelligence. Gina introduced the core disciplines of intelligence work, including signal intelligence, human intelligence, and counterespionage. Her sessions illuminated the complexity of global threats and the collaborative strategies used by nations to prevent and respond to conflict.

Later, interns attended a session with Professor Robert Sutter, an expert in U.S.-Asia relations, who led an engaging lecture on Taiwan and ASEAN. Through this discussion, interns examined how strategic alliances, competing national interests, and regional dynamics influence diplomacy and global stability. Professor Sutter’s insights deepened their understanding of how foreign policy is shaped in response to evolving international challenges.

In the evening, interns met with their national security mentors to discuss their final projects, which involve creating tailored security protocol recommendations. Mentors offered insights on what questions to ask their university partners and shared guidance drawn from real-world experience. These mentorship sessions gave interns an opportunity to reflect on their progress, refine their approach, and prepare for the next phase of their work.

Monday demonstrated how intelligence and diplomacy are not opposing forces, but rather interconnected pillars of a unified national security strategy.