The University of Cincinnati College of Law is taking a proactive stance against global conflict with its International Peace and Security Initiative (IPSI), aiming to empower up-and-coming leaders with the necessary expertise to navigate and resolve conflicts worldwide. In a recent conversation with Updates, IPSI director Julie Leftwich detailed ambitious strategies the program plans to implement in the coming year, highlighting the creation of an advisory board and multidisciplinary academic offerings, according to excerpts from the discussion.
"We’ve been laying the groundwork this year, and next year is about building the structure—especially our advisory board and the core academic and experiential components– and solidifying partnerships," Leftwich said in the UC News interview. With a goal to enable students to acquire practical skills for conflict-related careers, IPSI is reaching across different colleges at the University to bolster its program. The initiative isn't only academia-focused; it also seeks global partnerships and regional expansion, concentrating on where it can capitalize on established momentum and relationships.
Alumni play a key role in this mission, not just as potential mentors and employers but also as invaluable sources of regional expertise and connections to organizations making strides in peacebuilding. In terms of experiential learning, IPSI plans to roll out a new seminar in Spring 2026 that brings students face-to-face with diplomats and negotiators to tackle real-world scenarios. "The Initiative is developing a multi-year academic and experiential pathway that pairs coursework with mentorship, professional development, and applied projects. And alumni involvement will be central," according to UC News, Leftwich emphasized in her discussion with Updates.
IPSI's agenda for establishing itself as a thought leader in peace and security includes the newly launched "Reflections on Peace" newsletter and a proposed podcast, aimed at bringing lesser-known conflicts into the light and proposing effective solutions, Leftwich told Updates, according to UC News. This educational content is not only a platform for sharing analyses and policy papers, but it's also an invitation for alumni to share their knowledge and experiences. Moreover, the principles of justice, the rule of law, and human rights inform every IPSI project, and alumni with expertise in these areas are regarded as critical partners in their future projects.
Financial sustainability is another major goal for IPSI in 2026, which will rely on a mix of support from the Law School, external investors, and innovative programs like corporate trainings that could provide additional revenue. The Initiative seeks to raise a substantial sum ranging from immediate needs of $100,000 to secure ongoing operations, to a long-term vision of a fully endowed center with a $3-5 million endowment. "Our goal is to translate the excitement and interest we’ve generated into sustainable funding that will allow IPSI to thrive for years to come," concluded Leftwich, beckoning the alumni and private sector to get involved, according to UC News. Their participation through networks, fundraisers, and connections to potential supporters is crucial for sustaining the momentum already built.
