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Chloe Dizon

MA International Affairs, Security and Defense Policy

Chloe Dizon’s journey into the world of international affairs has been both driven and unconventional. Drawn to the intricate relationships between geopolitics, security, and law, Chloe’s early interest in these fields was only deepened by the intense, real-world events that unfolded during her undergraduate years. “The Trucker’s Convoy and January 6th Capitol riots really influenced my research interests,” she reflects. “They brought into focus the intersections between national security and social movements, areas that have become central to my academic path.”

Chloe’s decision to attend NPSIA wasn’t straightforward. With an eye on law school, she was initially uncertain about her direction, but a friend’s recommendation led her to apply to NPSIA—and she was accepted. “It genuinely was a surprise,” she admits. “I knew how competitive the program was, and getting in felt like a sign to dive into this field before taking on law school.”

At NPSIA, Chloe thrived in an interdisciplinary environment that emphasized flexibility and depth. While she had avoided economics in her earlier studies, NPSIA’s requirement to tackle an advanced economics course was transformative. “That course probably became one of the most useful,” she says, noting how she now applies economic principles in her current role. The freedom to explore diverse fields also enabled Chloe to take on a major research project examining sexual misconduct in military colleges in Canada and Australia. Her project incorporated sociological perspectives on gender stereotypes and institutional culture, providing a nuanced view she feels would have been difficult in a traditional political science program.

Yet, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Like many students entering a rigorous graduate program, Chloe grappled with imposter syndrome. “Everyone is at a different stage in their career,” she says, “and I felt like I was playing catch-up.” However, she found confidence in the belief that everyone in the program brought something original to the table. “Reminding myself of that allowed me to bring my own unique perspectives to class discussions.”

Her hard work did not go unnoticed. Among her proudest achievements is receiving the Industry Award from the Canadian Insider Risk Management Centre of Excellence for a research paper written under Professor Munro. The recognition earned her invitations to present her work at high-profile conferences in Ottawa and Toronto, bolstering her network within Canada’s national security community. Additionally, an internship with the Conference of Defence Associations Institute provided valuable insights and connections, affirming her passion for security and defense policy.

As she takes a gap year to recharge before possibly heading to law school, Chloe is grateful for the foundation NPSIA has given her. “International affairs isn’t just about politics. It’s about culture, economic forces, and so much more,” she emphasizes. To future students, her advice is simple but powerful: “Take advantage of every opportunity. Your insights matter.”