The Opportunities Ahead
Graduate programs at the Diplomatische Akademie Wien – Vienna School of International Studies (DA) prepare students to excel in international careers. Located in the heart of Vienna, the DA is near international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions, and cultural institutions. With alumni from over 120 countries, the DA has a vast network around the world.
As the new U.S. administration refocuses on international diplomacy and cooperation, how do your programs prepare students for a more open dialogue on the global stage?
Thomas: While the Biden administration is a breath of fresh air a er the presidency of Donald Trump, the skills needed to succeed in this environment are not new. It takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach with a broad knowledge of history, politics, and economics as well as transcultural sensibility to find meaningful compromises and advance not only the interests of a specific nation but of humankind. The pandemic and the global climate crisis have shown us that we need to find new answers and intensify the dialogue between decision-makers and experts of various fields. The graduate programs o ered by the DA combine the best of two worlds: diplomatic skills and interdisciplinary knowledge necessary on the international stage as well as expertise on topics that will shape our future. In addition, the DA’s challenging curriculum leaves room for pursuing individual academic interests.
How are policymaking mechanisms changing to adapt to a post-pandemic world?
Daniel: Policymaking bodies have had to act more e iciently in implementing restrictions and authorizing expenditure at short notice, leaving no room for filibustering and forcing cross-aisle cooperation. In the post-pandemic world, policymakers must maintain the same standards of collaboration to guarantee swi reaction in the next emergency.
Democracies without strong institutions ex ante have su ered as leaders consolidate power without regard for democratic norms. It will be a challenge for people in these countries to reinstall democratic norms; it is vital that international policymakers aid their e orts.
What innovations has your program implemented in the last 15 months?
Daniel: One of our programs’ selling points is networking opportunities, which were negatively a ected by movement restrictions. In response, the DA hosted online events that allowed students to meet people across industries, and they led to internships, employment, or contacts to further students’ careers a er graduation. The DA o ered a course on COVID-19 and its impact on the international state system, which analyzed international public health history and the di erent societal and state responses. Comparing the current pandemic with past crises enables us to recognize the mistakes that we made over the past 15 months and provide insight to exit the pandemic with as little loss as possible.
How does your school promote new voices and new perspectives in its diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) initiatives?
Daniel: Despite being a small school, the DA has a variety of student-led groups, which promote di erent identities, such as the Hispanic, queer, and sustainability societies. Students can pursue their interests and advocate for issues that they find most important. For instance, at the Hispanic society, people can practice their Spanish, meet ambassadors and ministers from Spanish-speaking missions in Vienna, and learn about Latin American and Spanish cultures.