Shaping Strategic Judgment in Global Affairs
The Strategic Diplomacy and Risk Institute advances applied strategic diplomacy and risk analysis to support responsible decision-making and prepare future leaders for complex global environments.
About the Strategic Diplomacy & Risk Institute
The Strategic Diplomacy and Risk Institute was established to strengthen the practice of diplomacy and strategic decision-making in an era of heightened geopolitical risk. SDRI bridges analysis and practice by supporting those currently responsible for consequential decisions while deliberately cultivating the next generation of foreign affairs leaders. The institute operates as an independent, nonpartisan platform focused on judgment, context, and long-term responsibility rather than advocacy or commentary.
Where Experience Meets Strategy
SDRI connects experienced practitioners with emerging professionals to reinforce continuity in strategic thinking across generations. Through applied analysis, advisory engagement, and selective leadership development, the institute ensures that strategic judgment is informed by both experience and preparation for responsibility.
Adeyemi Onitiri
Adeyemi Onitiri is an international affairs practitioner and policy strategist with more than two decades of experience across military service, U.S. government roles, and higher education. His work has focused on the intersection of diplomacy, national security, governance, and geopolitical risk, with an emphasis on advising decision-makers and operating in complex, politically sensitive environments.
Dr. Onitiri has served within the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense, supporting policy development and implementation related to security cooperation, defense partnerships, and foreign assistance. His work has involved close coordination with U.S. embassies, interagency partners, combatant commands, and foreign government counterparts.
He began his career as a U.S. Army Special Operations Civil Affairs generalist, working with local leaders and civilian populations in conflict and post-conflict settings. This experience continues to inform his approach to strategic analysis and leadership, grounding it in institutional realities and human dynamics.
Dr. Onitiri holds a Ph.D. in Global Affairs and is the founder of the Strategic Diplomacy and Risk Institute.