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International Relations


 

Madison’s major in International Relations (IR) trains students to think imaginatively, and in depth, about the problems of world society and about the opportunities for solving them.  

The International Relations (IR) curriculum is organized around the following themes:

  • international security and conflict resolution;
  • international political economy;
  • global governance;
  • foreign policy of the United States and other countries;
  • and comparative, regional and cultural studies.

View Courses & Degree Requirements 

The curriculum encourages students to think creatively about a variety of issues:

  • What constitutes "national security"? What are the social consequences of modernization?
  • What are the causes and likely consequences of ethno-nationalism?
  • How does the U.S. arrive at foreign policy decisions? How is that different from how foreign policies are made in other countries and which is better?
  • What is the impact of protectionist foreign trade policies?
  • How do national, regional and international political, social, and economic actors interact in the transition to a post-cold war global order?
  • What is the impact of the U.N. and other international organizations? What effects do weapons and communications technologies have on world politics?
  • By what means have national defense policies been implemented since the end of World War II?

Some classes will use case studies in which students will be examining real or hypothetical foreign policy dilemmas and developing solutions to them. Others will evidence the importance of theories and models for comprehending and influencing world events. 

IR graduates have gone on to careers in the foreign service, politics, international organizations, academics, law (including international law), public relations, lobbying, economic development work, intelligence gathering and analysis, the news media, and international business. It is also, of course, an excellent preparation for law school and for graduate study in international affairs or international business.

Sample Courses

MC322   International Security
MC326   U.S. Foreign Policy
MC324   Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict in the Middle East
MC327   Comparative Analysis of Foreign Policy