Hands-on learning lies at the heart of the Madison Experience—and nowhere is that more visible than in JMU’s Diplomacy & Defense Lab.
This interdisciplinary research space allows students and faculty to tackle national security, defense and foreign policy challenges by partnering with the government, military and mission-driven organizations.
About the Lab:
The Diplomacy & Defense Lab gives students opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. Through strategy simulations, war games, research projects, and partnerships with government and military organizations, students gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, negotiation, strategic thinking and interagency coordination.
Madison Defense Colloquium:
Students in the Madison Defense Colloquium concluded the semester with "Baltic Line: Germany’s Test of Resolve" on November 10, an immersive simulation exploring European security, NATO decision-making and Germany’s leadership role in Baltic defense.
Hands-On Learning:
War, diplomacy and strategy simulations like this allow undergraduates to apply International Relations theory to real-world scenarios, including crisis management, deterrence and alliance operations.
Expert Guidance:
The simulation was facilitated by Bernd Velling and political science professor Bernie Kaussler and supported by the German Embassy’s Germany on Campus Initiative. Defense attachés, JMU faculty and a NATO volunteer served as advisers, giving students real-world insight into strategic and diplomatic decision-making.
Madison Diplomacy Challenge:
The lab also hosts the spring Madison Diplomacy Challenge, a day-long simulation where students step into the roles of diplomats, military strategists and national security advisors to navigate high-stakes global crises.
Recognition & Celebration:
At the conclusion of the colloquium, students were awarded "Foundations of Statecraft & Strategy" badges from Dean Traci Zimmerman. The day ended with a German dinner, celebrating students’ achievements alongside faculty and Embassy guests.
More Photos
The Madison Defense Colloquium gives JMU students the skills, confidence and hands-on experience to lead in global diplomacy and security—putting classroom theory into practice and preparing them to make a real-world impact.
Photos taken by Olive Santos.