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Welcome to the International Relations Program at The Maxwell School.

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The International Relations Program attracts students from around the world and utilizes the resources of Maxwell’s various academic departments and multidisciplinary research programs. Core faculty are drawn from across the school and University to create a truly unique academic program ranked among the best in the country.

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News/Events

Carol Bellamy to speak on Education for All by 2015: Truth or Fiction?
Carol Bellamy, former Executive Director of UNICEF and former Director of the Peace Corps, will be discussing her current work as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Education for All Fast-Track Initiative (EFA FTI), the first ever global compact on education. She will speak about the Millennium Development Goal to provide universal primary education in developing countries by 2015. This talk is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Friday, April 1 at 3:30 p.m. in Eggers 220.
IR Alumnus Ashwin Parulkar published in World Policy Journal
International Relations Program alumnus Ashwin Parulkar examines the recent surge of large-scale farmland acquisitions in Africa by private investors, its impact and the issues it raises in his recently published article "African Land, Up for Grabs" in the spring edition of the World Policy Journal. To read the article: http://www.worldpolicy.org/journal/spring2011/african-land-up-for-grabs
Professor Catherine Bertini Named to Lead Maxwell's International Relations Program
Catherine Bertini, professor of practice in public administration, is named chair of the international relations program. In making the announcement, Maxwell's interim dean Michael Wasylenko pointed to Bertini's vast experience in the international arena and her leadership of major international organizations. Read more in the press release at the following URL:
Congratulations to Maxwell's first Robertson Fellows
The two inaugural Maxwell Robertson Fellows will be starting this year in joint degrees with International Relations, Public Administration and Economics. For more information on the Robertson Fellows Program at Maxwell, please visit the following URL:
MAIR student Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi to address WOCMES in Barcelona this summer
IR student Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi to address WOCMES in Barcelona this summer at the world's largest congress of scholars and experts in the field of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Studies. Ms. Bassiri Tabrizi will present her work as a part of a panel dedicated to exploring "Iranian Political Development - 2/2: Social and Political Change in Iran." For more information, please visit the website at:

IR in Action

“In my role as a consultant with Booz Allen I also serve as a wargame scenario designer and futures analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. I find myself challenged to identify and think through a wide variety of issues that will shape the direction, missions and structure of the U.S. military over the next 15-30 years.”
- Andrew Jesmain (MAIR 2009), Senior Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton



“An MA is basically a pre-req for management positions with international NGOs these days. Maxwell worked out very well for me because the school has so many human and technical resources to tap into, good financial aid, and a tremendous atmosphere. Working collaboratively with peers was excellent professional preparation. Plus, the professors were outstanding.”

- David Brigham (MAIR 2000), Country Director-Zimbabwe, Mercy Corps



"My two classes on conflict resolution with Louis Kriesberg, from PARC, while studying for the MA in IR. They gave me a great hindsight on the various factors that can lead to conflicts, and on the different stages that define their evolution towards confrontation, stalemate or settlement. Understanding these mechanisms was of great help when working in conflict areas with the ICRC."

-Frédéric Fournier (MAIR 1994), Head of Delegation-Algeria, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

"My background in international relations was an asset as I went on to work as a producer. Partly as a result of my education at Maxwell, my work has included various international themes, including a 2009 History Channel special we filmed in India. Maxwell also introduced me to the inner workings of not-for-profits and I’ve been able to use that knowledge to support a number of good causes from some of my work."

-Mukesh Vidyasagar (MAIR 2006), Universal Pictures Mukesh Vidyasagar (MAIR 2006), Universal Pictures

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