Young Diplomats Camo - thanks efamily member Sam Denard for sharing!

 

Director’s Note    5-09-2025   As we near the end of another successful semester at UST as director of the Center for International Studies I would like to thank all of you, students, faculty, staff, and supporters for your commitment and support for the Center and its programs. Your efforts and the supportive environment you engender ensures that we continue to attract world class contributors to our program to engage in an ongoing dialog about the critical issues of the day. Many of you will embark on the next great adventure in your life. It will mark the end of something profound that will become more so as the years pass. You have met people that will become lifelong friends. You have gained experiences that will inform how you look at the world. Many of you will use your time at UST as the first step toward an academic career and others will seek opportunities in business, government, or civil society. In everything you do you will carry the spirit of this institution with you and become our ambassadors to the world. We hope and pray for your success and always remember that we remain here for you so don’t become strangers. With the summer holiday season quickly approaching, we would like to remind all of you to take time and reflect on the goodness and fellowship we all share in this wonderful community. Finally, we would like to wish all students the best of luck going forward and heartfelt congratulations to our students who are graduating.  Prof. Eric

Parent Registration

The Center for International Studies and Political Science departments received a letter from Congresswoman Ann Johnson regarding a recent visit to the Texas State Capitol. The letter is featured above.

Program Recaps

Last Thursday and Friday, May the 2nd and 3rd, Center for International Studies Latin American Studies hosted a discussion with visiting scholars from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, the event was very successful. Thanks to all those who attended!  On Friday, May 2nd, the Center for International Studies Global Cybersecurity Program hosted its A.I. Masterminds 3.0 workshop with students and attendees. The event was well attended and received. Thanks to all those who participated!

Professors in the news

Richard Sindelar Below is the recent article from Professor Sindelar  KRIV 5/6/2025 10:13:58 PM: …territory in at least three locations today. A child was killed and two other people were injured. Pakistani officials say India claims that the attacks were targeting infrastructure used by militants. Anchor Rashi Vats, speaking with Richard Sindelar from Rice University's Baker Institute on Houston live and local. Click Here.

Internships

Looking for real-world summer opportunities for your students? We can help! Our D.C.-based academic internship program offers: Course credit from George Mason University A guaranteed internship  Furnished housing Professional development and networking The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) awards more than $1 million in program scholarships annually. 85% of students receive aid, and more than 70 receive full scholarships. Help Us Find Top International Affairs Students Nominate students for priority scholarship consideration or share our resources via newsletter, or social media, or forward this email. For questions, call us at 202.986.0384 or email admissions@TFAS.org.  Thank you!

Cybersecurity Policy Management Graduate Certificate The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy Management builds on the foundational technical principles of cybersecurity in areas such as, enterprise cyber risks analysis, operational security best practices, artificial intelligence development and deployment, digital forensics, incident response and recovery, and regulatory compliance with primary emphasis on governance and ethics. Further, the policy management dimension encapsulates the entire program to align with business processed and organizational objectives. The design of the certificate is structured for those who have a purely technical, or business management background but need to hone their skills as a senior policy-maker for an organization that has developed, or is developing, a cybersecurity program needing skills that bridge the gap between the two cultures. More Information

Support Global Cybersecurity Program Fund Our Global Cybersecurity Program has a new fund established for donations and financial contributions. These donations will go a long way in contributing toward the overall program for mentorship exercises, internships and the purchasing of equipment to construct our cyber lab. Any contribution would be most appreciated and will go a long way in ensuring the growth and development of our Global Cybersecurity Program. To donate, please either click the link or scan the QR code below. Thanks!

Donate

Support Distinguished Diplomat Program (DDP) Fund Similar to our Global Cybersecurity Fund, the Center for International Studies also has a Distinguished Diplomat Program Fund in which we will attempt to raise funds in order to facilitate and coordinate different events and programs such as our biennial Distinguished Diplomat Endowed Lecture Series, DDP Luncheons, Foreign Service Officer Meetings, among many others. The funds generated will go a considerable way in bringing greater visibility to the Center for International Studies Distinguished Diplomat Program and everything that it entails Please kindly consider donating. Every cent is deeply appreciated. To donate please click the Donate button below or scan the QR code. Thanks! Donate

U.S. Department of State Diplomat in Residence for Texas

Students, faculty, and individuals interested in speaking directly with the Diplomat in Residence for Texas can visit my DIR Virtual Appointment Schedule or reach out directly to DIRTexas@state.gov.   Visit our "Recruitment Events" page for additional information on upcoming virtual and in-person events and to see where Department of State recruiters and DIRs will be traveling in the coming months.   More highlights below: FOR EVERYONE  CURRENT DEPARTMENT VACANCIES   We continue to accept applications on a rolling basis for Diplomatic Security Special Agents, Office Management Specialists, and the Consular Fellows Program (for speakers of Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, or Arabic). You can review all current vacancies by clicking the “Apply Now” on our careers.state.gov website.

Study Abroad for U.S. College and University Students

Are you pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree? Study abroad to enhance your education. You will gain important career skills and knowledge, and alumni of some U.S. government exchange programs even receive special hiring authorities that make it easier to pursue federal jobs. Find a program that’s right for you. Learn More

Additional Internship Opportunities

Internships Packet

FEATURED INTERNSHIPS Honors Internship Program - Our Honors Internship Program (HIP) is the perfect opportunity to set your career in motion. Ideal for undergraduate students between their junior and senior years, as well as graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, JD, or PhD, this paid internship can be a direct pipeline to full-time employment after college. This is a unique opportunity for students to learn and work alongside our professionals. Learn More Benjamin A. Gillman International Scholarship Program The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced that qualifying U.S. undergraduate students who want to pursue study or internships abroad as part of their higher education experience may now apply for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship. Learn More FAS Academic Internship Program - Learn More   Remote Volunteer / Internship Opportunities - Democracy Lab Democracy Lab has a database of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities to use technology to solve challenging social, economic, environmental, and civic problems. They connect volunteers with the social, nonprofit, and civic sectors "through the power of tech-for-good volunteerism." Learn More Joseph S. Nye, Jr. National Security Internship and Mentoring Program - The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) established its flagship internship and mentoring program in honor of Dr. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who has devoted his career to the preparation and mentoring of generations of Americans and global strategists. Learn More      Office Management Specialist Learn More  Security Technical Specialist Learn More

Job Openings

FEATURED ITEMS DOS Careers Dedicated to identifying, recruiting and hiring competitive, diverse candidates. Learn More Data Analyst / Development Assistant / Administrative Assistant. Learn More Methodist Global Health Care Services | Houston Methodist Hospital is recruiting for a number of positions. Join our team at the #1 hospital in Texas and be a part of our education mission. Learn More   Freelance Linguists Job Opportunity Do you have skills in languages other than English? Freelance contractors play a vital role in providing language interpreting and translating services to US government officials and in support of US foreign exchange and assistance programs. Learn More Remote Volunteer Opportunities with Humanitarian Street Map Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team is a global community of volunteers, community leaders, and professionals who work together to create open map data to support disaster response and sustainable development. Learn More The Center for Global Development has a candidate pool for full-time Research Assistant and Program Coordinator roles based in Washington D.C. Great fit for recent graduates looking for practical experience before pursuing graduate school, but also could lead to the prospect of promotion to Associate after two years. Learn more and apply Remote Paid Summer Internship on UN Relations and Policy Learn more and apply  Texas House of Representatives has the following positions open. Learn more and apply FBI Language Specialists positions available. Learn more and apply Hiring Soon: Civil Service STEM & Foreign Affairs Fellows To support the Secretary’s Modernization Agenda goal of acquiring more specialized talent, the Department of State will soon start hiring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Foreign Affairs Fellows in Civil Service positions across the Department on an ongoing and as needed basis. Learn more and apply Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Applications are open now for 2023. This is a public-private partnership to recruit the next generation of cyber defenders to safeguard our nation's infrastructure from global threats. Applications are due in just two weeks. Learn more and apply Election Night Support Staff (ENSS) The Election Night Support Staff plays a vital role as runners or intake clerks, responsible for receiving essential voting equipment from vote centers at the conclusion of election day. This is a temporary paid position offering a competitive rate of $17 per hour, with a paid 2-hour training session provided. Learn more and apply

Around The City

Upcoming Programs Lunch - Taiwan: Semiconductors & the New U.S. - China Frontline Date And Time: May 19, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM  Director Raymond Greene of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) will join the Council in conversation by exploring the critical intersection of defense, semiconductors, and U.S.-China strategic competition. With Taiwan at the center of global semiconductor manufacturing and a focal point of regional security dynamics, Director Greene will provide insights into how technological leadership, economic resilience, and defense preparedness converge in U.S. policy in the region as well as key challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor sector, its role in national security, and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. Dinner - US's Path Forward: A Conversation with CFR's James M. Lindsay Date And Time:  June 17, 2025 @ 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM Join us for an insightful discussion with James M. Lindsay, Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations, as he analyzes the early trajectory of the current U.S. administration. Drawing on decades of experience in foreign policy and international affairs, Dr. Lindsay will offer his perspectives on the administration’s domestic and global positioning during its initial months in office. Dictators, Democracies & Difficult Decisions - Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute Date And Time:  June 16 to 20, 2025 @ 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM  Location:  WACH Offices 1235 North Loop W. Suite 1025, Houston TX 77008  In an era where global power dynamics are increasingly complex and volatile, understanding the intricate relationship between autocratic regimes, democratic principles, and international diplomacy has never been more critical. Your career trajectory can be significantly influenced by your ability to understand and interpret global trends.

Upcoming Programs US and International Assistance Post-USAID: Global Impact Date And Time: James A. Baker III Hall The Trump administration’s return to office in 2025 has brought sweeping changes to U.S. foreign aid policy, notably the dismantlement of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). From sharp funding cuts to mass employee layoffs, U.S. development efforts have been dramatically scaled back. Other major international donors are also reducing their humanitarian assistance budgets. What are the implications for the future of America’s strategic national interests and leadership around the world? The US and the Middle East: What's Next? Date And Time:  Thu, May. 15, 2025 5 pm - 6:30 pm (GMT-05:00) America/Chicago Location:  James A. Baker III Hall The Trump Administration faces critical decisions in the greater Middle East, choices that carry significant strategic implications for U.S. interests, regarding the role of the United States and the direction of U.S. policy in the region. This installment of the Baker Institute’s Director’s Lecture Series brings together three of the nation’s most seasoned experts in diplomacy and Middle East policy to examine what lies ahead.  Ambassador David Satterfield will moderate a timely discussion featuring Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer and Aaron David Miller. The panel will explore the intersecting challenges of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation of a post-Assad regime in Syria, the ceasefire in Lebanon, opportunities and risks in engaging with Iran and its regional proxies, and the status of the "Saudi-U.S. deal." Drawing on decades of diplomatic service, policy analysis, and close engagement with presidents and regional leaders past and present in the region, the panel will offer a nuanced analysis of what’s next, and why, for the U.S. and the Middle East.  This event is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Programs Ambassadors' Circle with Ambassador of the republic of Korea Date And Time:  Tue 20 May 2025 8 - 9:15 a.m. Tokyo Time  Location: (In-person: Members & guests only) Register by May 16, 8:00 a.m. (JST) (Online: Open to the public)  Register by May 19, 8:00 a.m. (JST) International House of Japan B1 In 2025, the Republic of Korea and Japan will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965. Amidst changes in the strategic environment in Northeast Asia, the two countries have expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation and are committed to cooperating in solidarity for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Exchanges at the people-to-people level have expanded, and mutual perception has become positive. At the same time, domestic politics in both countries are in the midst of a significant transition. The leadership of our common ally, the United States, seems less certain. Given these challenges, how can Korea and Japan build upon the positive momentum to work together and navigate the challenging world? U.S.-Japan Relations Under the Trump Administration 2.0 Date And Time:  Tue 10 Jun 2025 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tokyo Time  Location:  (In-person: Members & guests only) International House of Japan B1 What’s next for U.S.-Japan relations under Trump 2.0? As global tensions rise, what are the stakes in the Indo-Pacific? What role will Japan play in shaping the region’s future? Asia Society Japan is thrilled to have Richard Fontaine, CEO of CNAS and co-author of Lost Decade: The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power, to guide us on a deep dive into the heart of U.S. foreign policy and national security. Fontaine will explore the United States’ historic shift to Asia-centric geopolitics and its implications for America's present and future—concluding that U.S. policymakers need a more coherent approach to the Indo-Pacific region. The United States’ relationship with its allies, including Japan, must be integral to that strategy. Richard will be joined by Dr. Ken Jimbo, President of Asia Pacific Initiative (API) at the International House of Japan and Jesper Koll, Chair of Policy Committee at Asia Society Japan for a fireside chat. Be sure to RSVP to secure your seat for this must-attend event, where you'll gain the latest insights into the future of U.S.-Japan relations.    This event is co-hosted in partnership with the International House of Japan.

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