International Affairs

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 and organizations, international economic relations, social justice and transnational advocacy, human rights, and development in the global south.

Our current students are active in international affairs. On campus, they organize the International Affairs Symposium, participate in Model United Nations, conduct research with faculty, and edit our student journal, The Meridian. Off campus, they hold jobs and internships in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, both domestically and abroad. Our students win awards and alumni and alumnae pursue fascinating careers.

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.