Global affairs are the interactions and relationships between states, organizations and non-state actors on a worldwide scale. They encompass issues such as diplomacy, trade, security, and human rights. The field became increasingly significant after World War II as newly independent nations sought to establish their roles on the international stage. The establishment of international organizations like the United Nations helped to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among nations on a range of critical issues.
The major is broad and interdisciplinary, allowing students to focus on areas of interest and explore a variety of perspectives. Core courses provide a deep understanding of the complex interdependencies that characterize our globally connected world. Elective courses allow students to explore specific geographic regions, topics or themes in depth. The major also offers the opportunity to take a summer or term-time study abroad program and/or to complete an internship, either in the U.S or abroad.
In the fall of their sophomore year, students apply to the major in a process that is competitive and highly selective. A call for applications is posted each year on the Jackson School website, circulated through residential colleges’ deans’ offices and noted on Advising Resources. Upon acceptance into the major, students choose a thematic or regional concentration to further customize their degree. The major also includes the opportunity to participate in a capstone project in which students work on a policy task force with external partners (government agencies, nonprofit or NGO groups, private-sector companies) in the U.S or abroad.
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