The world’s economies, societies and cultures are becoming increasingly interdependent. This reality reveals the need for citizens, governments and businesses alike to understand the complex issues that influence global affairs. As a global affairs major, you will gain the multidisciplinary training to analyze the diverse influences that shape these challenges and develop the skills to confront them in practice.
Students who choose to complete a capstone project will do so in the fall of their senior year either in a seminar of their choice or in GLBL 4500, the global affairs senior essay course. Capstones are intended to give students a hands-on experience of applying their academic training to a practical problem facing an external partner, such as a government agency, nongovernmental organization or nonprofit group, or a private-sector company, in the United States or abroad.
During the Cold War, global affairs were influenced by decolonization, as newly independent nations sought to gain recognition and legitimacy within international politics. In addition, the establishment of international organizations such as the United Nations enhanced global governance and fostered cooperation among nations that were often competing for economic resources.
Today, the UN faces a number of serious challenges that are impacting its ability to fulfill its core mission of peace and human development. These include a financial crisis that has resulted in a hiring freeze and reduced services, as well as an ongoing battle over how to prioritize its work given limited funding. The debate on tomorrow’s general debate will be held against this backdrop and explore how the organization can better meet its mandate in a challenging environment.