Two U.S. Air Force Foreign Affairs Specialists Complete M.A.s at IWP

Ms. Caitlin Cox and Mr. Corey Shiver recently graduated from The Institute of World Politics (IWP) with master’s degrees in Strategy and Statecraft in May 2026. What makes their academic journey unique is that they are not just classmates but are also coworkers serving in the same office at the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC) at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.

As Foreign Affairs Specialists, Caitlin and Corey manage critical security cooperation relationships between the United States Air Force and partner forces. Caitlin oversees a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolio within the European region, while Corey manages a similar portfolio within the AFRICOM AOR.

As active practitioners within the U.S. Government, they decided to attend IWP virtually for their graduate studies due to the Institute’s unique focus on realism and the practical application of statecraft.

Moving forward, Caitlin and Corey plan to directly apply this education to their respective careers within the security cooperation workforce and the national security enterprise. By combining their tactical experience in FMS with a deeper understanding of geopolitical realities, they are better positioned to align daily security cooperation efforts with broader U.S. national security objectives, ultimately strengthening vital international defense partnerships.