Transforming the World 2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents Dean’s Message
1
Fletcher at a Glance
2
Academic Innovations
3
Learning by Doing
6
Outstanding Career Outcomes
10
Student Experience
12
Thought Leadership
16
Faculty and Research
21
In the Media
24
Strategic Partnerships
26
Philanthropic Giving and Alumni
30
Dean’s Message Our new 2025-2033 strategic plan is in motion. With our 100th anniversary seven short years away, The Fletcher School at Tufts University is poised for future growth. Our new vision is to educate leaders and advance solutions to complex global challenges through government, business, and civil society. Our new mission is to transform the world through people and ideas. Being innovative and nimble has been core to Fletcher’s longstanding history. This year we finalized and began implementing our strategic plan, including our top three priorities of expanding strategic partnerships, experiential learning, and thought leadership. Our new initiatives and revenue diversification efforts are helping us prevail in a hypercompetitive landscape with unprecedented global headwinds. Fletcher raised more than $15 million in generous donations and was awarded 37 research grants and gifts totaling $8.7 million. Our portfolio of executive education programs increased and we launched a graduate certificate in business for Tufts University undergraduates. We also renamed several of our degrees and consolidated to 10 fields of study without curricula changes to benefit our students and enhance our competitiveness in the age of AI. Complementing this effort was the launch of our completely redesigned school website. The following pages provide a glimpse of Fletcher’s accomplishments and what’s on the horizon. Our community—faculty, staff, students, partners, alumni and friends—are integral to our legacy and future success. I thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we move Fletcher forward together.
Kelly Sims Gallagher Dean of The Fletcher School Tufts University FletcherDean@tufts.edu
2025-2026 Annual Report
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Fletcher at a Glance As a reputed and steadfast leader, Fletcher offers a uniquely interdisciplinary, multisectoral, and experiential graduate and executive education in international affairs, business, and law to prepare future leaders—at all stages of their career—for the complex challenges of the world.
Ranked
4
th
globally for international relations graduate schools Foreign Policy, 2024
Global Student Body
Powerful Global Network
Students from 82 countries, 43% international (AY2026)
12,300+ alumni in 149 countries
$8.7 MILLION Awarded research grants and gifts (current, active) 4% Federal, 96% Private FY2026
Revenue by Source Received in FY2026
Ranked 12th globally for international trade, Master of International Business QS Top Universities and the Hinrich Foundation, Master’s and MBA, 2026
97%
of students employed within six months of graduation Includes graduates (Sept. 2024 – May 2025) of the MALD, MIB, MA, MGA, LLM, MATA, and PhD programs who were seeking full-time employment and whose status was reported as employed, inclusive of jobs, fellowships, and internships versus alums who reported that they were still seeking full-time employment.
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Award-Winning Faculty Lead 9 research centers and 5 research programs 3,964 unique media mentions (faculty and Fletcher)
Top Location Boston ranked 18th as a top destination globally for students QS Top Universities, 2027
● Net Tuition & Fees 41% ● Endowment Return Utilized 24% ● Sponsored Research 16% ● Gifts 9% ● Executive Education 8% ● Housing and Mugar Café 2%
EXCELLENCE IN
Graduate Education Founding member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Academic Innovations
The world doesn’t stay constant and neither does Fletcher. AY2026 brought several new academic developments.
Seven Renamed Degrees, Same Curriculum ■ Better reflects the programs’
courses of study
■ Ensures that degrees are easily
understood by employers (and not filtered out by AI screening tools)
Consolidated Fields of Study ■ From 12 to 10 ■ Same curriculum ■ Succinct names for enhanced
internet discovery and understanding
■ Showcases Fletcher’s family of
New Graduate Certificate in Business 100-plus enrolled for fall 2026 ■ Program for Tufts University
undergraduates
■ Take coursework at Fletcher
at no additional cost
■ Graduate simultaneously
degrees for international affairs, international business, and specialized international affairs degrees for all career stages
with Tufts bachelor’s degree and graduate certificate from Fletcher
■ To be expanded to other
graduate schools at Tufts by fall 2027
Fletcher’s Degrees International Affairs Suite
Business Suite
Specialty Degrees
Master of Arts in International Affairs
Master of International Business
Master of Science in International Economics
Specialized Master of Arts in International Affairs
Master of International Business: Quantitative Methods
Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs
Mid-Career Master of Arts in International Affairs
Executive Master of International Business
Master of Laws in International Law
Executive Master of Arts in International Affairs
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Public Policy
PhD in International Affairs
Neubauer Family PhD in Economics and Public Policy
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Tsinghua University Collaboration A Memorandum of Understanding between Fletcher and Tsinghua University in Beijing, was signed in June 2026, marking a significant step forward in bilateral academic cooperation.
▲ Trevor Hillier, A26, (center) is the first graduate of Fletcher’s Graduate Certificate in Business. He is shown with Fletcher’s Dean of Global Business Bhaskar Chakravorti (L) and Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher (R). Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
▲ Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean of The Fletcher School, and Xufeng Zhu, dean
of Tsinghua University’s School of Public Policy and Management. Photo by Tsinghua University
New Fletcher Website Fletcher’s website, fletcher.tufts.edu, is completely redesigned and refreshed. Traffic increased by 53% in active users since its launch as compared to the previous year, including more visitors from around the world.
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Low-Interest Student Loan Program With the support of Tufts University and alumni donors, Fletcher established a university-administered low-interest rate loan program for high-merit international students. Fletcher will make this program available to all students given new U.S. federal loan caps and elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program.
▲ Fletcher incorporated experiential learning into many courses. Shown are students participating in an AI simulation in collaboration with The Hitachi Center for Technology and International Affairs. L to R standing: Military Fellows Stewart Sibert and Alexander Hampton. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
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Learning by Doing Career readiness goes beyond the classroom. As a 2026 strategic priority, Fletcher expanded upon its strong experiential learning foundation. Students excelled at several national competitions, were selected for fellowships, attended conferences, and interned around the world. They also participated in a wide range of simulations, from cybersecurity, AI, and climate negotiation to red-teaming an international security scenario. Here are some highlights. At the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge, students were named one of 12 finalists out of 168 teams from 107 schools.
⊳ L to R: students Shaurya Kumar, Lara-Luisa Buntz, Mannat Dutt, and Agasthya Thalakala. Photo courtesy of Fletcher students
Students advanced to the semifinals of the Cyber 9/12 Security Challenge, hosted by the Atlantic Council and the Strauss Center at the University of Texas, Austin.
⊲ L to R: students Michael
Kleinlercher, Shreyanshi Sikaria, Jacob Hollander, Dennis Liu, Emilia von Albertini, Madison Cleavinger, Siddhartha Warwade, and Betsi Dejene. Photo courtesy of Fletcher students
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Students participated in internships around the world. Shown are several as executive interns with the European Public Law Organization in Athens, Greece, where they increased their understanding of governance, public policy, and international cooperation.
▲ Isabella Long, F27. Photo courtesy of Isabella Long Isabella Long, F27, was selected as one of only 30 American students for the Lafayette Fellowship, sponsored by the French government. She will pursue one-year of fully funded master’s study in France and participate in an immersive leadership and cultural program.
▲ L to R: student friend Kyle Morgan and students Olivia Wittenberg, Pablo
Zaburlin, Madison Pedurand, and Hanna Paris. Photo courtesy of Pablo Zaburlin
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Fletcher’s student team was the only quarterfinalist among civilian institutions at the U.S. Army War College counterterrorism strategy
▲ L to R: Colonel Andrew Prewitt, U.S. Army War College Fellow; Hamed Al Ghaithi; Siddhartha Warwade; Sophia Wittemyer; Talia Wilcox; Deborah Jeong; Naoya Itatsu; and Colonel Jason McCune, U.S. Army War College Fellow. Photo courtesy of Fletcher students
competition. They were coached by two of Fletcher’s Military Fellows: Colonel Andrew Prewitt, U.S. Army War College Fellow who is a joint operations planner at U.S. Africa Command, and Colonel Jason McCune, U.S. Army War College Fellow who is now the principal space advisor to the Headquarters for the U.S. Army.
Fletcher’s International Security Studies Program offered two Red Team simulations on a crisis in the Korean peninsula. Students employed Red Team tools to decide how to respond to the crisis, focusing specifically on nuclear threats and domestic political issues.
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▲ International Security Studies
Program Red Team simulation. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Students attended the COP30 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Belém, Brazil, where they participated in climate negotiations, networked with climate experts, and witnessed civil society’s role at the conference.
⊲ L to R: students Daniel Alegre, Maya Spalding-Fecher, Alison Wetzelaer, and Kate Chi. Photo courtesy of Fletcher students
The immersion for the Executive Master of International Business and Executive Master of Arts in International Affairs programs was held in June 2026 in Paris, France. As part of learning about Paris’s entrepreneurial and geopolitical environment, students visited the International Energy Agency, OECD, Rothschild & Co, and Station F,
▲ June 2026 student
immersion in Paris. Photo by Guillaume Mirand for The Fletcher School
reputedly the world’s largest start up campus. 2025-2026 Annual Report
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Outstanding Career Outcomes With our interdisciplinary and multisectoral curriculum, Fletcher students are prepared for careers across sectors, giving them more opportunities as market dynamics change. For the Class of 2025, 97% of students were employed within six months of graduation.* This year saw an increase of students in private sector positions. Our Office of Professional Development (OPD) supports students during their student journey and as alumni—for life. New Graduate Outcomes by Sector
24% Public Sector 35% Civil Society Sector
Professional Support and Resources
3,774 listings from OPD
internship, job, and fellowship
41% Private Sector
273 development events
employer and professional
997 sessions
one-on-one career coaching
⊳ L to R: students at the New
York City career trip Tashi Dorji, Kenji Kashiwazaki, Sienna Todd, Jack Sullivan, Pablo Zaburlin, and Emma Caillet. Photo by The Fletcher School
*Includes graduates (Sept. 2024 – May 2025) of the MALD, MIB, MA, MGA, LLM, MATA, and PhD programs who were seeking full-time employment and whose status was reported as employed, inclusive of jobs, fellowships, and internships versus alums who reported that they were still seeking full-time employment.
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Alumni Success
Anita Orbán, F01, FG07, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary*
C. David Welch, F77, F77, Chair of the Middle East Institute Board of Governors
Hind Kabawat, F03, Minister of Social and Labour Affairs, Syrian Transitional Government
Rishad Sadikot, F12, Chief Investment Officer, Tufts University
Takeo Akiba, F85, Japan’s Special Advisor to the Cabinet
Benedetta Berti, F07, FG11, Secretary General of the NATO Assembly
*©European Union, 2026. Photo by Péter Kohalmi.
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Student Experience Fletcher creates a welcoming and engaged community that fosters global understanding and builds lifelong relationships around the world. Students not only learn in the classroom and by doing, they also learn from each other and a powerful influential network of alumni and partners.
30
student clubs
450+
events (AY2026)
▲ Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher awards convocation speaker Takeo Akiba, F85, Japan’s special advisor to the cabinet, the Class of 1947 Memorial Award for his career that has advanced, in notable ways, The Fletcher School’s founding ideals and purposes. Photo by Jared Charney for The Fletcher School ⊳ Daniel Drezner,
academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics, hosts a fireside chat with Ambassador Nicholas Burns on campus during Fletcher’s Global Diplomacy Institute. Photo by Russell Campbell for The Fletcher School
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
▲ Students celebrate the end of the academic year at the Diplomats’
Ball at Liberty Hotel Boston. L to R: Lauren Davis, Felix Battacharya, Daniella Ramirez, and Aiganym Nurakhanova. Photo by Jake Belcher for The Fletcher School
▲ Students secured high-profile speakers at the student-run Africana Conference. L to R: Majid Michel, actor; Daniel Drezner, academic dean of The Fletcher School; Meaza Ashenafi, chief justice of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia; Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean of The Fletcher School; Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, special envoy of the president of Ghana to the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES); Chidi Odinkalu, professor of the practice of international human rights law at The Fletcher School; Robert Kayinamura, deputy permanent representative of Rwanda to the UN; Muhammad Ejibunu, F26, diplomat at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
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⊳ Students attended the 10th Arctic
Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland, and had the unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. L to R: Sarah Wallstrom, Manashi Pandit, MarMar Luo, Yerin Yoon, Poom Siripakorn, and Mack Zeng. Photo courtesy of Fletcher students
▲ Hind Kabawat, F03, minister of social and labour affairs, Syrian Transitional Government, visits campus. L to R: student Mercedes Wiegel; Kimberly Theidon, Henry J. Leir professor in international humanitarian studies; Hind Kabawat; and Nadim Rouhana, professor of international affairs and conflict studies. Photo by Tufts University
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
▲ Students celebrated a range of cultures throughout the year. Shown is the South Asian culture night. L to R: Govind Harish and Armaan Mathur. Photo by Santiago Tijerina for The Fletcher School ⊲ During Spring Break, students
participated in a Tunisia Trek. Photo courtesy of Fletcher students
50th Anniversary of the Fletcher Forum of World Affairs The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs student-managed foreign policy journal celebrated its 50th anniversary, including a panel discussion with the publication’s founders. L to R: current editor Armaan Mathur, F26, The Honorable Shashi Tharoor, F76, F77, FG79, who is the forum’s co-founder, Professor Emeritus Alan Henrikson, the forum’s founding advisor, and Lee E. Dirks Associate Professor of Diplomatic History Elisabeth Leake. Photo by Russell Campbell for The Fletcher School
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Thought Leadership From speaking at the world’s most influential convenings of global experts and leaders to hosting our own and testifying on pressing world issues for transformative change, Fletcher faculty are sought after for their expertise and making an impact across a myriad of global challenges.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher spoke on six panels. The two she moderated were among the top 10% viewed overall, and among the top 2% for climate/nature topics.
▲ Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean
of The Fletcher School. Photo by the World Economic Forum
▲ Alex de Waal, research professor and executive director of the World Peace Foundation at The Fletcher School. Photo by the 2025 Qatar Mediation Forum video recording
▲ Christopher Miller, professor of international history at The Fletcher School
(second from left). Photo by US-China Economic and Security Review Commission
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Select Highlights World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, moderator or panelist for six sessions, Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean
Qatar Mediation Forum during the 2025 DOHA Forum, keynote, Alex de Waal, research professor and executive director of the World Peace Foundation
World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, event host, Christopher Miller, professor of international history, on his book Chip War
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expert witness at hearing on the AI technology competition between the U.S. and China, Christopher Miller, professor of international history
World Economic Forum, Summer Davos, China, panelist, Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean
Inter-American Court of Human Rights hearing in Guatemala City, testimony on landmark reproductive rights ruling in Peru, Kimberly Theidon, Henry J. Leir professor of international humanitarian studies
The African Court, lead counsel, ruling opens the door for Tanzanian citizens to challenge election results, Chidi Odinkalu, professor of the practice of international human rights law
US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, testimony on connected car espionage and sabotage risk, Christopher Miller, professor of international history
▲ Kimberly Theidon, Henry J. Leir professor of international humanitarian studies at The Fletcher School. Photo by José Pablo De León, courtesy of Universidad Rafael Landíva – Creative Commons 2025-2026 Annual Report
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Raisina Dialogue in India, speaker on the international order in a multipolar world, Ian Johnstone, professor of international law
World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 meetings in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, panelist, Josephine Wolff, associate dean for research and Alma G. and Merton B. Tarlow professor of technology and international affairs and professor of cybersecurity policy
▲ L to R: Ian Johnstone, professor of international law at The Fletcher School, and Arun Sukumar, FG25, assistant professor of international relations at Ashoka University during the Raisina Dialogue. Photo courtesy of Ian Johnstone
51st meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training in Peru, attended by Hilary Price, associate dean for Strategic Partnerships
2026 Munich Security Conference attendance, Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean, and Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics; Fletcher to host an event in 2027
▲ L to R: Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean of The Fletcher School; Benedetta
Berti, F07, FG11, secretary general of the NATO Assembly; Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics at The Fletcher School attend the Munich Security Conference. Photo courtesy of the Munich Security Conference
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Fletcher-Hosted Convenings Inaugural Climate Policy Symposium
Supply Chain Warfare: Lessons from the RussiaUkraine War and China-U.S. Economic Relations
▼ L to R: Rebecca Arcesati, co-lead of the Science, Technology and Innovation Program at Mercator Institute for China Studies, and Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics at The Fletcher School. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
▲ L to R: Jacob Werksman, head of delegation for the European Union to the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC, and Jifeng Li, research fellow, division director, Development Research Center of the State Council of China. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
The State of Civil-Military Relations Hosted in partnership with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C.
⊳ L to R: Kori Schake, senior fellow and director of
Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at American Enterprise Institute; Eliot Cohen, Arleigh A. Burke chair in strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; Saskia Brechenmacher, senior fellow of the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics at The Fletcher School. Photo by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
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Winston Lord’s China Odyssey Hosted in partnership with the Asia Society in New York City
⊳ L to R: Orville Schell, Arthur Ross
vice president of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at Asia Society; former Ambassador Winston Lord, F60, H87; and Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics at The Fletcher School. Photo by the Asia Society
Age of Uncertainty: Navigating the Complex Global Environment
⊲ L to R panelists: Kelly Sims
Gallagher, dean, Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor of international politics, Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business, and Josephine Wolff, associate dean for research and Alma G. and Merton B. Tarlow professor of technology and international affairs and professor of cybersecurity policy—all of The Fletcher School. Photo by Santiago Tijerina for The Fletcher School
Thought Leadership Webinar Series 10 webinars, 2,166 registrants, 48% attendance rate
⊳ Organized by the Office of Strategic Partnerships,
faculty presented a myriad of topics, from climate and energy to the technology landscape and maritime geopolitics. Shown is Patrick Schena, professor of international business.
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Faculty and Research Fletcher was awarded $8.7 million in sponsored research from 37 grants and gifts from the U.S. government, foundations, and other philanthropic partners to address pressing global challenges. Our faculty also submitted 47 proposals across philanthropic, government, and industry sponsors during the year.
Faculty Appointments $8.7 million in sponsored research (grants and gifts, FY2026)
Christopher R. Hill Former Ambassador, Joined Fall 2025: Professor of the Practice, Appointed Summer 2026: Executive Director, Edward R. Murrow Center for Global Diplomacy Easwaran Narassimhan, F15, FG21 Joined Fall 2025: Assistant Professor of Climate and Energy Policy
Dimitrios Skiadas Joined Fall 2025: The Constantine G. Karamanlis Chair of Hellenic and European Studies
Kerry Healey President Emerita of Babson College and Former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Joined Fall 2026: Professor of the Practice
▲ Student Vivienne Knobel at the research symposium in the Hall of Flags. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School
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Dee Mewbourne U.S. Navy Vice Admiral (3-Star), Retired Joined Fall 2026: Professor of the Practice
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Research Highlights American AI Jobs Risk Index
Foreign Policy Influence
By Digital Planet, an initiative of the Institute for Business in the Global Context, directed by Dean of Global Business Bhaskar Chakravorti
Assistant Professor of Security Studies David Logan co-authored an article in International Studies Quarterly ▲ Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business. examining whether Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School domestic dissatisfaction fuels aggressive foreign War Powers policy with the study, including Professor of Constitutional survey data, finding little support and International Law Michael for diversionary theory. Glennon’s research on war powers Regulating AI Safety and the U.S. constitution was Associate Dean for Research and published in the American Journal Alma G. and Merton B. Tarlow of International Law. He argues Professor of Technology and that powers to wage war have International Affairs and Professor been excessively concentrated of Cybersecurity Policy Josephine in presidential hands, violating Wolff co-authored research constitutional provisions. for Minnesota Legal Studies Volatility, Uncertainty, Research Paper examining the use Complexity, Ambiguity of civil liability to manage AI risks. It finds that insurance and liability Professor of Marketing and are unlikely to price or reduce AI International Business Bernard risks effectively and recommend Simonin was lead author and colegal frameworks to reduce author with alumnus Paul Lambert reliance on these tools. of “There is Turbulence in the VUCA
This first-of-its-kind data-driven framework, maps at a granular level the potential of AI-driven job vulnerability and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, businesses, technologists, and civil society organizations to prepare for the future of work.
Digital Evolution Index By Digital Planet, an initiative of the Institute for Business in the Global Context, directed by Dean of Global Business Bhaskar Chakravorti The 5th edition of the Digital Evolution Index was released. It is an interactive research platform of scorecards built to provide evidence-driven, actionable insights on how to enhance digital competitiveness, nurture trust in the digital economy, and foster responsible use of data, AI, and other advanced technologies.
Attitudes Toward Nuclear Weapons Assistant Professor of Security Studies David Logan authored research in International Organization, exploring gaps between elite and public support for the use of nuclear weapons.
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China’s Climate Target Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher and postdoctoral scholar Hengrui Liu authored research for Environmental Science & Technology assessing China’s readiness to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, and finding gaps in policy stringency, sector coverage, and implementation.
World: A Path to Learning from the Micro-Environments of DecisionMakers and their Leadership Acumen,” published in the Arab Economic Business Journal.
Famine Detection Research Professor and Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation Alex de Waal co-wrote a piece in The Lancet examining how famine is defined and measured
The Fletcher School at Tufts University
in light of mass starvation in Gaza, and calls for a fundamental re-examination of how famine classifications are set.
Ocean Renewable Energy Assistant Research Professor Marcia Moreno-Báez co-authored an article for Scientific Reports identifying untapped opportunities for ocean energy resources to boost economic development in underserved regions.
Democracy in Africa Professor of the Practice of International Human Rights Law Chidi Odinkalu authored a piece for the American Journal of International Law examining the role of regional institutions in developing norms of democracy on the African continent.
History and Decolonization Lee E. Dirks Associate Professor of Diplomatic History Elisabeth Leake’s paper published in Diplomatic History argues that decolonization has been a central force shaping politics since the Age of Revolutions. It examines the American Revolution as an early example of decolonization and explores how this legacy shaped U.S. policy towards later independence movements.
Mediterranean Region Challenges Associate Professor of International Politics and Conflict Resolution Tamirace Fakhory contributed to a report for the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), which explores regional dynamics and addresses challenges for the Mediterranean region following the events of October 7, 2023.
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Chinese Economic Statecraft PhD candidate Viking Bohman co-authored research on China’s economic strategy, published in the Swedish National China Centre and in The Washington Quarterly. It identified major shifts in China’s use of coercive measures.
Media Portrayals in Global South Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Business Jette Steen Knudsen authored a paper published in Asian Business & Management comparing global North and global South societal
perceptions of initiatives for worker safety in the Bangladesh apparel industry after the Rana Plaza disaster, and media coverage in the UK, US, and Bangladesh.
Power and Force Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Security Studies Monica Duffy Toft co-authored a study published in the journal International Affairs titled “Unipolarity and the Increasing Frequency of U.S. Military Intervention,” suggesting that unipolarity may drive a global hegemon to use force more often.
For Your Bookshelf Host Cities by Henry J. Leir Professor of Global Migration Karen Jacobsen on how urban areas respond to large arrivals of displaced people; Yale University Press. The Sudans by Research Professor and Executive Director of The World Peace Foundation Alex de Waal on African-led peacemaking; Cornell University Press. COVID Diagnosed the System by Associate Research Professor Bridget Conley of the World Peace Foundation on the effects of the pandemic on Massachusetts prisons; Rutgers University Press. Mexico-US, Serbia-EU Border was coedited by PhD student Marina Lažetić and offers a study of the U.S. and E.U. border regimes, with perspectives beyond the humanities and social sciences; Anthem Press. A chapter of Shared Bonds, Strategic Interests on India-Nepal relations was contributed by PhD student Riya Sinha, who focused on railway connectivity between the two countries; Simon & Schuster.
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In the Media Fletcher faculty are experts in their fields. Around the world they are sought by the media to discuss pressing topics from oil and the energy crisis to tariffs, the war in Iran, AI and the future of work, human rights in Gaza and Sudan, migration, and so much more.
Select Media Mentions
3,964
unique media mentions (faculty and Fletcher, FY2026)
Wall Street Journal Christopher Miller Professor of International History Byline on Putin’s Motivation for Ukraine War
C-SPAN Michael Glennon Professor of Constitutional and International Law Presidential War Powers on the U.S.-Israel War with Iran
209
published bylines (current faculty and students, FY2026)
▲ Rockford Weitz, professor of the practice in
maritime studies and director of the Maritime Studies Program, provided insights on the oil crisis and maritime security during the Venezuela and Iran conflicts, and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. He has been in Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, LiveNOW from Fox as a weekly contributer, EcoBusiness, WBZ/CBS Boston, ABC Australia, South Africa Broadcasting Corporation, CNA, WBZ, Offshore Energy Biz, Hellenic Shipping News, and Forbes Middle East. 24
The Fletcher School at Tufts University
San Francisco Chronicle Josephine Wolff Alma G. and Merton B. Tarlow Professor of Technology and International Affairs and Professor of Cybersecurity Policy and Associate Dean for Research Byline on Anthropic’s Mythos AI Model and Cybersecurity
Foreign Policy Bhaskar Chakravorti Dean of Global Business Byline on Policymakers’ Approach to Automation Won’t Work for AI
The Boston Globe Michael Klein William L. Clayton Professor of International Economic Affairs Impact of Tariffs on Duty-free Stores for Travelers
Deutsche Welle Daniel Drezner Academic Dean and Distinguished Professor of International Politics Donald Trump’s Presidency One Year In
The Washington Post
▲ Alex de Waal, research professor and executive
director of the World Peace Foundation, was interviewed at Fletcher by Al Jazeera on starvation in Gaza and Sudan. He also provided commentary on the topic to numerous other outlets such as ABC News, Associated Press, BBC, Financial Times, The Guardian, The New York Times, NPR, The Washington Post, and The World. Photo by John Gunnison, The Fletcher School
Aram Hur Kim Koo-Korea Foundation Professor in Korean Studies and Associate Professor of Political Science Effect of Charlie Kirk’s Death on South Korea’s ‘MAGA’ Conservatives
The New York Times Barbara Kates-Garnick Professor of the Practice, Energy Policy The Trump Administration’s Restrictions on Wind Farms and Solar
Fortune Alnoor Ebrahim Thomas Schmidheiny Professor of Management OpenAI Lawsuit: Does AI Serve Society or Shareholders
CNBC Monica Duffy Toft Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Security Studies Long-term Economic Impact of Ukraine War 2025-2026 Annual Report
▲ Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean of The Fletcher School,
is a world-renowned expert on energy policy. She was the cover story (shown) for the South Korean publication Economy Chosun on “Rapidly Reshaping the Map of Energy Hegemony.” She was featured in Japan’s SENTAKU Magazine and China’s influential digital media platform, The Paper. Among many outlets, Gallagher provided commentary in The New York Times on China’s green energy and was featured on CNN and BBC on the U.S.’s role during COP30 in Brazil. Photo by Economy Chosun 25
Strategic Partnerships To strengthen Fletcher’s engagement with external organizations, Hilary Price was named associate dean for Strategic Partnerships. The Office of Strategic Partnerships, established in AY2026, expands Fletcher’s global impact through executive education and strategic institutional partnerships that generate revenue, enhance the school’s visibility and impact, and connect its academic expertise to real-world challenges. Working with governments, corporations, and international organizations, the office develops innovative collaborations that advance Fletcher’s mission and global reach.
Executive Education
Japan National Institute for Defense Studies
program explored international
For this new partner, Fletcher
maritime security, and AI innovation,
delivered a five-day executive
Fletcher’s executive education
program for teams from Japan’s
portfolio expanded in FY2026 with
Ministry of Defense. The immersive
security, cyber risk management, laying the foundation for an expanded multi-year partnership and future training programs.
new international clients in Japan and Kuwait, the school’s first private-sector client, GE Vernova, and the launch of the Global Diplomacy Institute for midcareer and senior diplomats.
▲ Josephine Wolff, associate dean for research and Alma G. and Merton
B. Tarlow professor of technology and international affairs and professor of cybersecurity policy; Abigail Linnington, Pfaltzgraff Jr. professor of international security and director of the International Security Studies Program; and Rockford Weitz, professor of the practice in maritime studies and director of the Maritime Studies Program, present certificates of completion of the executive program for teams from Japan’s Ministry of Defense. Photo by Amy Sakai, The Fletcher School 26
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Asian Development Bank For the past three years, Fletcher has partnered with the Asian Development Bank to deliver a customized executive education program focused on the intersection of low-carbon, resilient development and leadership. The most recent cohort participated in a five-day immersive program in Singapore. Building on this strong foundation,
▲ Leaders from the Asian Development Bank share insights and policy
recommendations during the Envision Climate Leadership immersion in Singapore. Photo by Maria Ireland Creamer, The Fletcher School
Fletcher looks forward to expanding the partnership to include additional executive education, collaborative research, and strategic advisory initiatives.
GE Vernova Fletcher launched a three-phase, multi-year leadership development academy with GE Vernova for early-career talent. The first cohort brought 25 participants from seven countries to Fletcher for an immersive program focused on leadership, communication, innovation, and personal growth.
Tavitian Scholars Program Fletcher welcomed to campus the 24th cohort of Tavitian Scholars,
▲ Early-career and emerging leaders from GE Vernova assess data
projections during the NextGen Leadership Accelerator. Photo by Jared Charney for The Fletcher School
featuring 16 public servants from Armenia, for a semester-long immersion. Established in 1999 in
ESADE Law School
deepening their understanding of
partnership with the Aso O. Tavitian
A cohort of 48 students representing
armed conflict, migration, civil and
Foundation, the Tavitian Scholars
14 countries from ESADE Law
unconventional wars, and post-
Program trains mid-career,
School in Barcelona, Spain,
conflict reconstruction. Fletcher will
Armenian public servants in
participated in a two-week
welcome the next ESADE cohort in
leadership and public policy.
immersive program at Fletcher,
January 2027.
2025-2026 Annual Report
27
NACD New England
Global Diplomacy Institute
Senior leaders serving on the boards
Launched in October 2025, the
of more than 60 organizations
inaugural Global Diplomacy Institute
gathered at Fletcher for the Global
brought together 22 mid-career and
Strategy Retreat, delivered in
senior diplomats from 16 countries
partnership with the National
for a week of innovative advanced
Association of Corporate Directors
training. Designed to support the
(NACD) New England Chapter.
evolving demands of diplomats, the
The program brought together 26
program focused on entrepreneurial
participants to engage with Fletcher
diplomacy, leadership, and the
faculty and industry experts on
strategic implications of emerging
the growing impact of geopolitical,
technologies, equipping participants
geoeconomic, and geotechnological
with the knowledge and skills to
risks on board governance and
navigate an increasingly complex
strategic decision-making.
global landscape.
⊲ Diplomats collaborating on a teambuilding exercise during the Global Diplomacy Institute. Photo by Jared Charney for The Fletcher School
▼ Monica Duffy Toft, Shelby Cullom Davis professor of international security
studies, presents at the Global Strategy Retreat, delivered in partnership with NACD New England Chapter. Photo by Jared Charney for The Fletcher School
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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Executive Education was
8% of Fletcher’s revenue in Strategic Partnerships engaged professionals from
FY2026, up from 2% in FY2023
92
countries in two years.
2025-2026 Annual Report
29
Philanthropic Giving and Alumni Through the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations, Fletcher raised $16.6 million, including research gifts, from over 1,500 donors in FY2026. Of this total, the Fletcher Fund raised more than $1.38 million, which enables the dean to effectively allocate these funds for use in support of key school priorities, such as scholarships, faculty and research support, internships, experiential learning, and PhD students. This is the first time in nearly a decade that the school has raised this amount of philanthropy (more than $35 million) over two consecutive years.
$16.6 million raised, 1500+ donors (FY2026, including research gifts)
▲ Donald Ross Jr., F66, F68, FG76, A07P, and Sherry Mueller, F66, F67, FG77,
accept the Reunion Class Giving Award for the Class of 1966, who raised an inspiring $458,500+. Photo by Russell Campbell for The Fletcher School
30
The Fletcher School at Tufts University
⊳ Alumni Weekend
celebration on campus. Photo by Russell Campbell for The Fletcher School
New Endowed Professorships and Position Robert L. Pfaltzgraff Jr. Professor of International Security Abigail Linnington Professor of International Security Director of the International Security Studies Program Gift of alumni, faculty, and friends, with matching support from Tufts University in honor of Robert L. Pfaltzgraff Jr.
Alma G. and Merton B. Tarlow Professor of Technology and International Affairs Josephine Wolff Associate Dean for Research Professor of Cybersecurity Policy Gift of Tufts University Board of Trustee Lisbeth Tarlow and Stephen Kay
Robert I. Rotberg Family Director of the Ginn Library Ellen McDonald Director of the Ginn Library Gift of Robert I. Rotberg
Endowed Professorship Appointments Monica Duffy Toft Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Security Studies
2025-2026 Annual Report
Sebastian Mantilla Blanco Henry J. Braker Assistant Professor of Commercial Law
31
25th Anniversary of GMAP Alumni local and afar came to campus to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Global Master of Arts Program, culminating in a dinner at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. Held in May during Alumni Weekend, the programming included a panel discussion organized by the GMAP 25th Anniversary Committee featuring GMAP alumni and faculty.
⊳ GMAP 25th anniversary dinner. Photo by Russell Campbell for The Fletcher School
Talloires Symposium The Talloires Symposium took place in June 2026 in Talloires, France, at the Tufts European Center. It addressed security in Asia, policy planning, and strategy. It also included a piano recital by Pauline Yang, F15, of the U.S. Arts Envoy for the U.S. Department of State, and a memorial tribute to Talloires Symposium founder, Fletcher Dean Emeritus Stephen W. Bosworth.
▲ L to R: Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean of The Fletcher School; Pauline Yang, F15; Christine Bosworth, spouse of the late Dean Bosworth; and Sunil Kumar, president of Tufts University at the Talloires Symposium. Photo by The Fletcher School
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▲ Talloires Symposium attendees. Photo by The Fletcher School
The Fletcher School at Tufts University
The Fletcher Collaborative History Project 2026 Commencement Speaker The Honorable Shashi Tharoor, F76, F77, FG79, delivered the 2026 commencement keynote and received the Dean’s Medal in recognition of his significant achievement in global leadership.
A long-term, community-driven effort to document the school’s legacy and celebrate its rich history as it approaches its centennial in 2033, the Fletcher Collaborative History Project is collecting oral histories, archival materials, and multimedia content to tell the story of Fletcher’s evolution and global impact. Fundraising efforts for this initiative are being led by Mark Nichols, F71, F73. Contact us to get involved at fletcher.history@tufts.edu Scan the QR code to learn more.
▲ L to R: The Honorable Shashi Tharoor, F76, F77, FG79, and Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher. Photo by Jared Charney for The Fletcher School
Goddard Hall in 1955. Photo by Tufts University
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