Global affairs is the study of international relations – the interdependence of nations, economies, societies, cultures and peoples. It addresses the challenges of a world increasingly connected by globalization and seeks to understand how those connections shape politics, diplomacy, war, peace-making, aid and development.
Global Affairs majors gain a sophisticated understanding of the complex forces that shape our world. They take courses in political science, history, economics and sociology to develop the analytical skills necessary to tackle such pressing issues as terrorism, refugee crises, inequality and environmental problems. They also have the opportunity to choose a regional or thematic concentration. The program provides them with the foundation to pursue a wide range of careers in public, private and non-profit global sectors.
Students must complete a Capstone project as a part of the major in their senior year. These are designed to allow students to apply their academic training in the field of global affairs to a real-world problem in a setting such as a governmental agency, an international NGO or a corporate organization in the United States or abroad. The process culminates in the preparation of a policy report to an external partner.
The process of decolonization transformed global affairs by allowing newly independent nations to participate in the world community for the first time. Their engagement often resulted in new alliances, economic partnerships and, at times, conflicts that reshaped geopolitical landscapes. They also forged relationships with established powers while seeking recognition and legitimacy for their independence movements.
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