The study of global affairs involves the political and economic interactions that take place among countries. This can include the role of governments, international organizations and private entities. It also includes examining the various cultures that make up our diverse planet and the complex challenges they face. In addition, studying global affairs can teach you how to work with a variety of different groups and individuals.
International affairs is a broad field that covers topics such as foreign policy, security, trade, diplomacy and human rights. Some examples of specific issues are terrorism, drug trafficking, pandemics and environmental disasters. At the master’s degree level, a focus on international and global affairs prepares graduates to pursue a number of careers. Some students choose to focus on a particular area of the field such as international law or security, which can help them specialize in their career path.
A study of global affairs will also teach you about the interconnections that exist between states and regions around the world. This can be seen in the rise of multilateralism, which is an attempt to reduce the power of a single country over regional politics and create a system of shared rules for countries to follow. It is also seen in the proliferation of transnational crime, such as money laundering and smuggling of people and goods across borders.
The Global Affairs concentration at the graduate level offers a comprehensive education that trains the next generation of global leaders and policymakers. It can lead to a career in government, international public policy, non-governmental organizations or multinational corporations. The program brings together the expertise of faculty from 13 departments to offer a premier graduate degree in international and global affairs.