Global affairs are the interactions among countries, organizations, and individuals at a worldwide scale. The field is broad, and it encompasses diplomacy, trade policy, war and peace, development and aid, human rights and conflict resolution, and more. It became important after World War II as newly independent nations sought to assert their roles on the international stage and established a number of intergovernmental bodies.
Our world faces complex challenges — from the threat of terrorism to climate change, global poverty, and refugee crises. These issues require multidisciplinary training that bridges the gaps between scholarship and practice, and the ability to work across disciplines. That’s why our interdisciplinary major in global affairs prepares you to be a leader of the next generation of problem solvers, ready to use your skills in government, diplomacy and business to tackle them head-on.
Each year CFR organizes more than 100 on-the-record events, conferences, and podcasts featuring senior government officials, global leaders, and prominent thinkers to discuss pressing international policy concerns. We believe it’s critical to bring the perspectives of those who actually work on these policy problems to the public conversation and provide a platform for constructive dialogue.
The Center for Global Affairs provides students with access to NYU SPS’ renowned faculty, short-term study abroad through Global Field Intensives, and opportunities to apply their academic training through Consulting Practicum projects with government, nonprofit, and private-sector partners in the United States and abroad. The Center also provides an outlet for student research and publications on global issues through the Journal of Global Affairs.