Rethinking International Affairs Education: Student Conversation

This reflection was written by Sié Fellows Ripa Ghosh (MA in International Development) and Fahad Al-Salam (MA in International Studies)

On October 15, 2026, two Korbel students and Sié Fellows, Ripa Ghosh and Fahad Al-Salam, joined graduate students from leading international affairs programs worldwide for a Carnegie-supported conversation on how international affairs education should evolve. Their takeaway: pair theory with real-world practice, and bring more interdisciplinary and global perspectives into the classroom.

Fahad

I had the opportunity to participate in ‘Rethinking International Affairs Education: Student Conversation,’ an international discussion organized through the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, as part of a broader initiative supported by the Carnegie Foundation. The session brought together graduate students from leading international affairs institutions worldwide, including Georgetown University, American University, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, the Geneva Graduate Institute, and others. The main objective was to explore how international affairs education should evolve to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Participants were divided into breakout groups to discuss different issues, including the role of the private sector, shifting geopolitical power, technological advancements and AI, civil society organizations, and ethical challenges in international affairs. I was part of the group discussing Shifting Geopolitical Balance of Power, where we exchanged our perspectives on the changing global order and what these developments mean for our future.

Our discussion focused on four key questions concerning the current world order, our hopes for the future, our career aspirations, and our expectations from international affairs education. We discussed how the existing global order is in transition, particularly with the rise of China and its growing influence in global politics and economics. We also discussed democratic backsliding and the rise of right-wing political parties in different parts of the world, reflecting on what these trends could mean for international cooperation and political stability. Another important part of our conversation was the role of international organizations. We questioned how effective these institutions are in responding to contemporary global challenges and emphasized the need for stronger, more representative, and more effective international institutions. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the changing world order, we shared our hopes for a future where countries could resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation. We also discussed our professional aspirations, which ranged from pursuing academic careers and research to working with international organizations, NGOs, diplomacy, public policy, think tanks, and international development. Although our career interests differed, we shared a common desire to help address global challenges and make a meaningful impact.

One of the most interesting parts of the discussion was reflecting on what we expect from our international affairs education. We agreed that while theoretical knowledge is essential, universities should place greater emphasis on connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges. We discussed the importance of practical experiences, including internships, policy simulations, case studies, research opportunities, and direct engagement with policymakers and professionals working in the field. We also felt that international affairs programs should encourage more interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and exposure to perspectives from different regions of the world. Beyond the academic discussions, I particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with students from different countries and academic backgrounds. Listening to their perspectives helped me understand how people around the world interpret the same international developments differently. The session was also a valuable networking opportunity, allowing us to connect with fellow students from other international affairs institutions and explore how to maintain these connections through a future student network. Overall, it was an engaging and meaningful experience that encouraged me to think more critically about the changing international system, my own professional goals, and how international affairs education can better prepare us for the challenges ahead.

Ripa

Participating in the Rethinking International Affairs Education student conversation was a meaningful experience. I had the opportunity to represent the Josef Korbel School and connect with students from around the world to discuss how international affairs education should evolve in response to today's global challenges. I was part of Group 3, where I joined two students from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco to discuss technological changes and artificial intelligence. What I found particularly interesting was how, despite coming from different countries and academic backgrounds, we shared many of the same concerns about the future of technology. Our conversation focused on two major issues: AI governance and its implications for human development. We discussed how rapidly technology is advancing compared to the policies regulating it, and how unequal access to technology, digital skills, and resources could further widen existing inequalities. Coming from Bangladesh and studying international development, I was particularly interested in discussing how these challenges affect marginalized communities and developing countries.

One of my biggest takeaways was that international affairs education needs to prepare students not only to use emerging technologies but also to critically understand their social, political, and ethical implications. We talked about the importance of AI literacy, practical learning opportunities, and bringing more Global South perspectives into conversations about technology and policymaking. I also really appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from another institution. It was interesting to see how our different experiences contributed to a shared understanding of these global challenges. For me, this conversation reinforced the importance of creating spaces where students from different countries can learn from one another, challenge their perspectives, and think collectively about solutions. I hope initiatives like this continue and create more opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration, because understanding international affairs requires engaging with perspectives beyond our own classrooms and communities.