Ocean Diplomacy Lab

Quick Hits

• The Thunderbird Ocean Diplomacy Lab works at the intersection of oceans, climate change, global governance, economics, and geopolitics.
• It conducts interdisciplinary research on emerging ocean risks and governance challenges.
• The Lab develops business- and policy-relevant insights for decision-makers and public debate.
• Students can participate through experiential learning, collaborative research, and engagement with real-world policy problems.
• The Lab works with practitioners, community partners, and external stakeholders to build dialogue and translate research into action.

Why Ocean Diplomacy Matters

• Oceans are affected by climate change, shifting fisheries, changing shipping routes, economic activity, environmental pressures, and geopolitical competition.
• Many of these issues cross national boundaries and cannot be managed by a single country.
• Diplomacy and governance are therefore central to how governments, communities, businesses, and institutions respond to ocean change.

What the Lab Does

• Conducts interdisciplinary research on ocean governance and emerging risks.
• Develops insights relevant to policy and business.
• Contributes to public conversations about ocean futures.
• Builds connections among scholars, students, practitioners, and external partners.
• Explores areas where cooperation and competition overlap in ocean politics.

Student Engagement

• The Lab is committed to educating and mentoring students.
• Student opportunities can include experiential learning, collaborative research, and engagement with real-world policy questions.
• The Lab connects Thunderbird’s global leadership mission with a major area of environmental, economic, and diplomatic importance.

Partnerships and Public Engagement

• Ocean diplomacy requires collaboration across sectors and borders.
• The Lab works with practitioners, community partners, and stakeholders to foster dialogue, build networks, and translate research into usable ideas.