Barbara Bodine

Ambassador Barbara K. Bodine is a Distinguished Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and Director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. She previously served at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School and held multiple senior roles in the U.S. Foreign Service for over 30 years, including Ambassador to Yemen (1997–2001), Deputy Principal Officer in Baghdad, and senior reconstruction coordinator in post-invasion Iraq. Her expertise spans U.S. diplomacy in the Persian Gulf, counterterrorism, and governance reform.

Education:

• B.A., Political Science and East Asian Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara (Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude)
• M.A., The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

Research & Expertise: Bodine’s work focuses on diplomatic strategy, regional security in the Middle East, and post-conflict governance. She has led initiatives on democratization in Yemen, reconstruction in Iraq, and counterterrorism cooperation with Gulf states.

Notable Roles & Affiliations:

• Former Director, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD)
• Senior Advisor for International Security Negotiations, U.S. Department of State
• Member, Board of Directors of the Academy of American Diplomacy and The Council on Foreign Relations

Awards & Recognition:

• Secretary’s Award for Valor (U.S. Department of State)
• Regent Emerita, University of California System

Grants & Initiatives: Focused on diplomatic training, conflict resolution, and governance reforms in the Middle East via ISD and the Governance Initiative. Formerly led the Mine Awareness Group, a global NGO addressing landmine removal.

Labs & Teams: Directs the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, fostering diplomatic education and research partnerships.