"Could National Guard members deployed to DC be sued?"
Scripps News interviewed Laura Dickinson on how police and National Guard training differs, especially in protecting constitutional rights.
National Security, Cybersecurity, & Foreign Relations Law
The George Washington University Law School’s National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law program stands at the forefront of legal education in one of the most dynamic and high-stakes fields of law. With unparalleled breadth and depth, the program offers rigorous training on both foundational and emerging issues—from the laws of armed conflict and intelligence oversight to cutting-edge challenges in cybersecurity, surveillance, and technology policy.
Taught by a distinguished faculty of nationally recognized experts and practitioners, students benefit from deep academic insight and real-world experience. The program also boasts a strong track record of alumni success in securing positions across the national security community, including government agencies and private sector roles. Notably, GW Law’s National Security & Cybersecurity LLM program was recently ranked number one in the nation by Cybersecurity Guide, reflecting its leadership and excellence in preparing the next generation of legal professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of national security and technology.
Areas of Study
National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations
This practice area explores the nature and origins of the federal government's foreign relations powers, and U.S. law implementing international law, and the U.S. law of national security and counterterrorism.
National Security & Cybersecurity
This practice area has evolved with the world's increased connectivity through the use of modern technology and cyberspace and the accompanying growing vulnerabilities from physical and cyber threats.
About Us
Learn more about our diverse and experienced National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law faculty.
Program News
GW Law Associate Dean Lisa Schenck Receives Judge Advocates Association Life Service Award
May 11, 2026
GW Law Associate Dean Lisa Schenck received the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Life Service Award from the Judge Advocates Association on May 7.
GW Law’s National Security Law Program Hosts Panel on Honors Attorney Careers in the Intelligence Community
May 4, 2026
The National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law Program and the Military Law Society co-hosted the panel.
National Security Law Program Hosts Fireside Chat in Celebration of Women’s History Month
April 7, 2026
GW Law’s National Security, Cybersecurity, & Foreign Relations Law Program and the NSLA hosted a fireside chat with cybersecurity trailblazers.
National Security, Foreign Relations, & Cybersecurity News
Upcoming Events
The National Security Law Program holds several events throughout the semester. Please check back for new events.
Faculty in the News
"Trump's DC intervention may be less likely in other cities"
DW quoted Laura Dickinson that deploying the national guard in DC is problematic and untraditional in the US.
"'This will go further': Can Trump federalize local police in other U.S. cities?"
Hearst TV interviewed Laura Dickinson on the framework and legality of requesting the presence of the National Guard on a state-by-state basis.
Reason Magazine quoted Laura Dickinson on the "strong legal argument that they couldn't in this status be sent to a state without the consent of that state's governor.”