“Diplomacy in the digital age is a battlefield of narratives—intelligence lights the way”
Dr. Amber Brittain-Hale
PhD, Pepperdine University, 2023
Mastering the Global Stage: International Relations and Security Studies, Applied History, Global Leadership, and Diplomacy: Public and Digital Diplomacy
Advancing Research in Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Strategic Leadership
Welcome to my academic and applied research platform, where I explore the intersections of foreign policy, diplomatic strategy, intelligence studies, and executive leadership. As Director of Research at BrainStates Inc., I lead interdisciplinary projects that integrate geopolitical intelligence, psychobiographical analysis, and strategic communication to inform decision-making in high-stakes global contexts.
My research centers on the leadership dynamics that shape international outcomes—particularly during crisis diplomacy. I focus on the Euro-Atlantic region and the Russia-Ukraine War, where my work has examined how individual leaders—especially women in executive roles—shape the tone and trajectory of foreign policy. Through methods such as leadership trait analysis and narrative modeling, I assess how language, behavior, and historical memory influence strategic choices and geopolitical signaling.
Psychobiography and discourse analysis serve as foundational tools in my analysis of executive communication and statecraft. My current work applies these methods to assess leadership traits, decision-making behavior, and crisis response strategies across the Euro-Atlantic sphere. These studies highlight the often-overlooked impact of female-led diplomacy, the rhetorical construction of legitimacy, and the challenges non-hegemonic states face in shaping and asserting security narratives within the international system.
Echoing George Kennan’s view that “those who have a broad understanding of history are best equipped to find their way… through the moving maze of international affairs,” I combine historical insight with digital and policy analysis to anticipate global shifts.
This site is a resource for scholars, policymakers, and institutional partners interested in applied research and strategic education at the intersection of diplomacy, intelligence, and leadership. My work offers a forward-facing, interdisciplinary approach to understanding and navigating today’s complex international landscape.
With over a decade of expertise in Digital Humanities, Public Diplomacy, Geopolitical Risk, Leadership Psychology, and Cyber Diplomacy, I explore the forces that shape global security and politics. "In the shadow of conflict, intelligence is not just gathered—it is crafted, contested, and wielded as a weapon of truth." My research blends qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover the digital underpinnings of diplomacy, assess geopolitical risks in conflict zones, and analyze how leadership psychology drives strategic decisions in an interconnected world.
Beyond academia, I consult for government agencies and international organizations, leveraging cutting-edge insights from Digital Humanities and Cyber Diplomacy to tackle pressing security challenges. My expertise in geopolitical risk analysis, strategic communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration empowers stakeholders to navigate complex global crises and strengthen their decision-making.
My work sparks critical dialogue in Public Diplomacy and Cyber Diplomacy, pioneering innovative approaches to understanding modern conflicts. Dedicated to pushing the frontiers of knowledge, I aim to foster a more secure and informed world through rigorous inquiry and actionable strategies.
