International Crisis Management Course
In partnership with the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES), George Washington University
About the Course
We are excited to announce the upcoming International Crisis Management certificate course for international students and auditors. As before, the course will concentrate on Ukrainian university students while welcoming others worldwide.
The course is free of charge. The format will be via Zoom (synchronous) and will require a Gmail account for access to Google Classroom course materials.
Ukrainians in Ukrainian universities:
Register no later than July 15. Please state whether you plan to (1) audit or (2) complete course requirements as a candidate for a certificate of completion. [Option: you may submit a WhatsApp telephone number/code for increased communication and alumni group information.]
Results will be announced on August 15. The course will run from September 10 to December 14 (thirteen weeks).
Auditors and certificate candidates in other countries:
Students outside of Ukraine are most welcome! For those seeking evaluation and certificate candidacy, you should arrange this through your local academic institution. If you are not affiliated with a university, you are still welcome to audit. To do so, send a brief email to Dan Whitman at dwhitman89@gmail.com stating the reason you wish to be included.
You will need a Gmail address to access Google Classroom content.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Not all human and natural disasters yield “resolution.” Effective planning requires a clear description of the challenge, and a stated vision of the desired outcome, sometimes called the “End State.” In cases of conflict, planners must understand the motives of the opposing force, even when the latter is committing criminal acts.
The course engages students in simulated task force operations, drawing on real-life situations adapted for the classroom. Scenarios will put the student in a position to analyze and address crisis situations within working groups. Active class participation is essential.
Students who wish to receive a certificate of participation will attend sessions, take notes, maintain weekly readings, and submit 5-6 short reflection papers, an After-Action Report, and a short final project. Estimated preparation time of 4-6 hours per week outside of class. The course calls for 8 hours of work per week, for 12 weeks. B1/B2-level English comprehension and writing skills required.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
• Understand the nature and recent history of international politics and conflict.
• Gain an overview of the theory and practice of foreign policy formulation and implementation.
• Develop analytical skills needed to assess major global and regional foreign policy challenges.
• Practice international legal advocacy in the peaceful settlement of disputes.
• Conduct simulations drawn from recent crisis management approaches by the US, UN, and other policymakers.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the nature and recent history of international politics and conflict.
- Gain an overview of theory and practice of foreign policy formulation and implementation.
- Develop analytical skills needed to assess major global and regional foreign policy challenges.
- Practice international legal advocacy in peaceful settlement of disputes.
- Conduct simulations drawn from recent crisis management approaches by the US, UN, and other policy makers.
Partners
Dan Whitman, PhD, Foreign Service Officer (ret.) In collaboration with Delphi Global Research Center and the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES), George Washington University.
Senior diplomat Jack Zetkulic will provide sessions, and student mentors will assist.
Certificates
The course supervisors can monitor and evaluate Ukrainian students who seek certificates. Others should make local arrangements with accredited institutions. Anyone, anywhere, is welcome to audit. Candidates should have a B1/B2 Level of English or higher.
Schedule
Sessions will take place on Mondays and Thursdays at 1000 Washington time, for 75 minutes. Note that the time changes in the United States on November 1. Alternating sessions will include lecture/discussion sessions, usually on Mondays, and selected speakers, usually on Thursdays.
COURSE PHASES
• Conflict/strategy – Definition and examination of each. From the origins - Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Tolstoy - to the Grand Strategies of the Cold War (George F. Kennan and “The Long Telegram”) - to the present.
• Simulation – A real-time role play requiring quick research in a simulated crisis. Courtesy the U.S. Department of State’s National Museum of American Diplomacy.
• Public Diplomacy – A discussion of the history and objectives of “PD,” and demonstrate a public information strategy. “Hard, soft, smart power” (Joseph Nye).
• Disinformation – Tracking the history and technique of disinformation, with available technologies for countering it.
• Managing an Embassy - A brief history of diplomacy, protocol, intra-organizational communication, and management. ICS process (State Department Integrated Country Strategies for U.S. embassies abroad).
Application Status
To be considered for the International Crisis Management Course, applicants must complete the official application form before the stated deadline. The form collects essential information regarding your academic and professional background, English proficiency, and participation track (certificate candidate or auditor).
Apply here: Application Form
Application Deadline: 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on July 15, 2026.
Late applications will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified via email following the review of submitted materials.
Course Materials
The complete course archive is available on our YouTube channel.