Institute of World Politics: 35 Years of Shaping National Security Leaders

By Larry Provost
Friday, 31 October 2025 02:13 PM EDT

The Institute of World Politics (IWP) marks its 35th anniversary as a pioneering institution dedicated to training national security and intelligence professionals. Founded by John Lenczowski, a former Reagan National Security Council Director of Eastern European and Soviet Affairs, the school was established to address gaps in expertise among U.S. government employees involved in strategic environments. Lenczowski noted that many professionals in agencies like the State Department and intelligence sectors lacked formal training in statecraft, with only military officers typically prepared for such roles.

IWP’s mission emphasizes developing leaders through programs focused on strategic deception, ideological warfare, foreign influence operations, public diplomacy, and political warfare. It offers unique academic tracks, including the first master’s program in strategic intelligence outside government and a professional doctorate in national security. The curriculum prioritizes economics as strategy, covering trade, aid, defense infrastructure, technology security, and financial policies as tools of statecraft.

Lenczowski highlighted the importance of counterintelligence, stressing that most individuals are unfamiliar with its full scope beyond counterespionage. He criticized the lack of quality control in intelligence collection and emphasized the need for training in economic warfare, sanctions, and combating mercantilist practices. IWP also addresses public diplomacy as a critical component of long-term strategy, arguing that it is often undervalued by institutions like the State Department.

Despite challenges in its early years, IWP has produced over 2,000 graduates placed in roles within the intelligence community, military, and government agencies. The institution remains focused on its founding principles, with Lenczowski now serving as president emeritus and current leader Ambassador Aldona Wos overseeing operations.

The article reflects Lenczowski’s concerns about China’s growing influence, including its control over rare earth materials, shipbuilding capabilities, and perceived ties to American media and officials. He described the Chinese Communist Party as a “giant criminal organization” and warned of systemic threats to U.S. security.