It’s the 21st century, and the world is changing rapidly. Global technologies, threats to international security, fundamentalist movements, and mounting tensions between nations, regions, and factions mean that the study of international relations is more relevant than ever.

Students in the Department of International Affairs at Lewis & Clark examine the political, military, economic, legal, and cultural relations involving states, nations, international organizations, and NGOs, and seek to understand how they affect the prospects for conflict and cooperation.

Unlike many other International Relations programs that are contained within Political Science, our Department is free-standing, allowing students to study the multifaceted dimensions of international relations in the depth they deserve and demand. Though the scope of the coursework is broad, emphasis is placed on foreign policy, national security, international law, international economic relations, and national political and economic development.

Our students have internships with government entities, firms, and non-profits, and they participate in events such as the International Affairs Symposium, the Model United Nations and Model Security Council. And they write astute, critical papers and contribute original work to The Meridian, a student-run journal related to international affairs.

They’re keenly aware of the world around them, and whether they go on to work in public service, journalism, education, business, or government, our students bring with them a deep knowledge of the dynamics of this new century.