Bridging Maritime Trade and Diplomacy: MARDIPLO at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce - University of Kentucky

On January 16, MARDIPLO had the honour of engaging with the Patterson School of Diplomacy, University of Kentucky, in an online session on Corporate Diplomacy for the Maritime Industry, led by Dr. Mary Papaschoinopoulou, Founder & Owner of MARDIPLO.

The session highlighted the maritime sector as the backbone of global trade—carrying over 80% of world commerce—and a space where economic, security, and geopolitical issues intersect. Dr. Papaschoinopoulou shared how MARDIPLO’s services in dispute resolution, claims handling, and negotiations support maritime sector, aligning with the Patterson School’s four pillars: Diplomacy, Commerce, Security & Intelligence, and Development.

A key highlight was the Baltic Sea case study, developed with VANGUARD Tech, demonstrating challenges such as electronic warfare, submarine cable risks, hybrid operations, and the “dark fleet,” emphasizing the need for integrated operational, technological, and diplomatic responses.

The discussion reinforced a central message: maritime disruptions are never purely operational—they rapidly become diplomatic, economic, and security crises, making corporate diplomacy an essential capability for today’s maritime stakeholders.

We thank Dr. Joe Young, Dr. Kathleen Montgomery, and the Patterson School community for a dynamic exchange. MARDIPLO remains committed to bridging diplomacy, commerce, security, and development where the maritime world meets global affairs.