Global affairs refers to the interactions among countries, organizations and other entities at a worldwide scale. These interactions often involve issues of diplomacy, trade, security and human rights. The globalization of the world and the increasing interdependence of states, economies, societies and cultures have given rise to a wide variety of global issues and problems.
The global affairs field is broad and encompasses many different fields of study such as international relations, development studies, anthropology, economics, political science, geography and history. Students pursuing a degree in global affairs will gain an understanding of the interconnections between these fields as they explore broad themes such as war, genocide, terrorism, poverty and famine, world trade, nuclear proliferation and climate change.
Careers in global affairs are available at the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Jobs in the public sector often focus on diplomatic relations, peacekeeping, economic development and global aid. Nonprofit careers include positions at NGOs, foundations and trade associations. In the private sector, jobs may focus on corporate and financial services, aerospace technology, public relations, telecommunications, and international business. Students with a bachelor’s degree in global affairs can pursue career opportunities at the local, state, or federal level of government or at multilateral organizations composed of several countries (e.g., United Nations). Many graduates of a master’s program in global affairs pursue specialized areas of interest and develop deeper knowledge in the fields they choose to study. Some also work as consultants or travel extensively to engage with other cultures around the world.
About the Author
