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PhD in International Relations

Engage in problem-driven research with a truly global focus

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in International Relations trains scholars to conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research across key areas of international affairs and political science. A combination of in-depth hands-on fieldwork and comprehensive theoretical study enables Fletcher's PhD students to uncover the meaningful questions that ultimately shape both their future research and their careers.

Developing tomorrow's thought leaders

With approximately 50 students engaged in coursework or research, the PhD program is an integral and vibrant component of the Fletcher community. Working alongside our world-renowned faculty, Fletcher doctoral candidates acquire the theoretical and practical skills needed to produce research that will help shape future discourse on international relations. After completing their degrees, graduates go on to successful high-level careers in academia and research, and in the non-profit, government, and private sectors.

Fletcher’s PhD candidates come from around the world, bringing perspectives and experiences that inform their research and goals.  Get to know their stories and learn how they plan to shape the future of international affairs.

After completing their degrees, doctoral graduates go on to successful high-level careers in academia and research, and in the non-profit, government, and private sectors.  They make their impact on an array of fields, often maintaining a presence in both academia and practice.

Fletcher PhD students move through three program phases on their way from admission to graduation. They start with classes, arranged within a structured curriculum that still allows significant flexibility in course selection. When their class requirements are complete, students take comprehensive exams, and then move on as PhD candidates to research and write a dissertation.

Shaping Your PhD Through Coursework

In shaping their curriculum, students start with a primary field of study, through which they develop a depth of expertise unique to their interests. The primary fields of study that support PhD studies are:

• Comparative and Regional Studies
• Gender and Intersectional Analysis
• Human Security and Humanitarian Affairs
• International Business
• International Development and Environmental Policy
• International Security

Students build on their primary field of expertise by developing a breadth of foundational knowledge in a second field of study, which can be any of the  fields offered at Fletcher  or might be a self-designed field. Regardless of their choice of field, all students also pursue foundational courses in international relations theory and in research methodology. The two fields of study later become the basis for comprehensive exams.

Students seeking additional opportunities to individualize their studies may cross-register for up to a quarter of their classes at another graduate school at Tufts University or at Harvard University.

Students who have received their master's degree at another institution generally pursue twelve courses at Fletcher, with limited opportunities to have prior coursework applied to their degree. Those who possess a MALD generally pursue an additional four courses, for a total of twenty courses for the two degrees.

Demonstrating Knowledge Through Comprehensive Examinations

Students demonstrate mastery of their subjects through comprehensive examinations, composed of a written exam in each of the two fields of study and an oral exam that integrates the material from the two areas. Students generally sit for their comprehensive examinations within a year of completing their coursework.

Developing and Writing a Dissertation

Once they have passed their comprehensive exams and achieved PhD candidacy, students move on to propose, research, and write a dissertation. The completed dissertation should bear evidence of independent research and constitute a substantial contribution on the subject. When the dissertation is complete, the PhD candidate participates in a public oral defense of the dissertation.

Additional Graduation Requirements

In addition to the steps detailed above, students in the PhD program:

• Demonstrate proficiency in a second language.
• Submit a master's thesis for evaluation by a Fletcher faculty member. This could be a master's thesis written prior to enrollment at Fletcher, or a thesis written during the first year at Fletcher.

Length of Time Required to Receive the PhD

Once they have completed their coursework, PhD students generally take about five years to complete the degree, but the exact time varies according to the scope of each candidate's research, the amount of time devoted to PhD studies, and the time needed to research and write the dissertation.

Professional Development Opportunities

Fletcher's Office of Career Services  works with PhD students interested in a career in international relations practice. Our graduates have pursued careers at a wide range of institutions and organizations. For those focused on the academic job market, Fletcher offers support at a variety of levels. Fletcher faculty and the Office of Career Services support job candidates with career advice, professional development, and general assistance.

To develop teaching skills, students can participate in Tufts University’s three-week summer intensive  Graduate Institute for Teaching  and then to co-teach a class with a faculty mentor. Many students have also developed and taught classes in the University’s  Osher Institute  or  Experimental College .

Offered by the School of International Service   , the International Relations (PhD) program enables students to produce knowledge for careers in university teaching and research, government, and non-governmental organizations both in the United States and internationally. The curriculum provides training in international relations that is both multi-disciplinary and policy-relevant. The core courses in international relations, comparative social theory, comparative and regional studies, and methodology provide a foundation that allows students considerable flexibility to pursue additional coursework, research, and writing in international affairs. Major emphasis is placed on research and all students are required to successfully defend an original dissertation of their own design that makes a contribution to knowledge in their chosen area. In addition to completing the dissertation, students are encouraged to present conference papers, engage in collaborative work with faculty members, and submit articles to refereed journals.

Admission to the Program

Applicants for the PhD degree program must hold an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree, or its equivalent, in a field related to international relations. Applicants must have a prior cumulative grade point average that is substantially above B (3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale) for coursework relevant to international relations.

The program is designed for study on a full-time basis. Applicants for the PhD degree are considered and admitted only for the fall semester each year. The school does not permit students to begin their doctoral work in the spring. Deferral of matriculation in the PhD program is not permitted. In order to be considered for fall admission, applications and all supporting materials must reach the SIS Graduate Admissions Office no later than December 15.

All applicants are required to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Non-native English speakers are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a US-accredited institution before enrollment at SIS. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. Applicants should plan to take the appropriate test well in advance of the December 15 deadline.

All applicants must submit at least three letters of reference which evaluate their suitability for undertaking doctoral study in international relations. At least one of those letters must assess their academic performance. Cultural factors are considered in making admissions decisions and in evaluating transcripts and examination results.

Doctoral students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of previous graduate coursework earned at accredited institutions with a minimum grade of B in each course. Such credits must have been earned within five years of admission and must be relevant to a student’s program of study. Requests for transfer of graduate credit are considered during the student’s first term.

Degree Requirements

• 39 credit hours of approved graduate work
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in all graduate work is required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another modern foreign language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified
• The first or qualifying examination is normally taken at the end of the first year. The qualifying exam requires the demonstration of competency in theoretical, epistemological, and methodological literature and issues in international relations, comparative social theory, and comparative and regional studies. These areas are addressed in the core seminars that students normally complete during their first year of residence, although the scope of the examination is not limited to topics covered in the seminars
• A second examination, the Field Comprehensive Examination, is in a student’s chosen field of specialization. This Comprehensive Field Examination is a scholarly paper in which students must demonstrate knowledge of the scholarly literature related to a research question approved by their Field Concentration Chair. With the permission of the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the advice of at least three qualified scholars, the student may also construct a special field
• The SIS Director of Doctoral Studies chairs the prospectus defense. The examiners also include the student’s dissertation committee, which is comprised of a minimum of three members, one of whom serves as chair and as the primary supervisor of the dissertation research. It is the responsibility of the student to secure the agreement of a full-time tenured member of the School of International Service faculty to serve as the chair of his or her dissertation committee. At least two members of the dissertation committee must be full-time, tenure-line members of the American University faculty. The members of the committee must be approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the American University Doctoral Council
• Students are normally expected to complete their prospectus defense no later than the end of the sixth semester after entering the program. For details on scheduling comprehensive examinations and examination procedures, consult the director of the PhD program or the SIS Graduate Office
• Advancement to candidacy: To be advanced to candidacy, students must remedy any deficiencies specified at the time of admission, complete all graduate work, be certified as proficient in a modern foreign language in addition to English, have passed their written and oral examinations, have submitted certification of completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training, and have successfully defended their dissertation prospectus
• Students must present a completed draft of their dissertation for defense. They are responsible for ensuring that the final draft of their dissertation meet university style requirements. Dissertations must be approved by the dean of the School of International Service
• Statute of limitations: American University’s academic regulations provide that all graduate work for the doctorate must be completed in no more than nine years after the date of first enrollment as doctoral student. Prior to the expiration of that time limit, a student may petition for an extension of candidacy. Under compelling circumstances, students may apply for one-year extensions beyond the expected time to degree, with a maximum of three extensions. Students must petition the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies for each one-year extension; each extension must also be approved by the SIS Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education and the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research

Course Requirements

Core theory (12 credit hours).

• SIS-801 Schools of Thought in International Relations (3)
• SIS-802 Comparative and Regional Studies (3)
• SIS-803 Advanced Seminar in International Relations (3)
• SIS-804 Social Theory in Comparative and International Perspective (3)

Social Science Research Methodology (15 credit hours)

• SIS-806 Quantitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-807 Qualitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-808 Politics and Policy Making in International Relations (3)
• SIS-810 Research Design (3)
• SIS-811 Dissertation Development Workshop (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Note: Specific course requirements as well as additional preparation for the field examinations are determined by each field.

• Development Studies
• Global Environment
• Global Governance and International Organizations
• Peace and Conflict Resolution
• Security and Political Violence
• Technology, Security, and Social Change
• United States Foreign Policy

Electives (3 credit hours)

• 3 credit hours from coursework relevant to a student’s program of study and approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies

Research and Writing Requirement

• A student is required to maintain full-time status until they successfully defend a dissertation. Upon advance to candidacy, a student maintains enrollment status by registering for SIS-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)   . For each semester, up to 9 credit hours of SIS-899    is priced at the equivalent of one graduate credit hour

University of South Florida

School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

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Doctoral degree in politics and international affairs, overview and admissions.

The doctoral degree in politics and international affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to teach at the university and college levels and to conduct high-level research in the academic and nonacademic sectors. It combines a broad focus on international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory with a critical understanding of institutions, rights, citizenship/identity, governance, global policy, and justice. Students work closely with faculty to frame their dissertation research and to advance their knowledge of their chosen fields of specialization. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to a variety of global issues provides a rich and open-ended opportunity to research current and past problems, movements, and transformations in politics.

Admission Requirements

We welcome your interest in our doctoral program. The department's deadline for fall admission is January 5 . The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies only admits for the fall semester. Students must apply online through the Office of Graduate Admissions . For a listing of the admission requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog . 

*Effective starting with the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, GRE test scores are no longer required for applications to our doctoral program in Politics and International Affairs*

*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.

*International students are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Services for information on visas, international travel, etc. 

PLEASE NOTE: International students whose native language is not English and who want to be considered for a teaching assistantship must show proficiency in spoken English even if their TOEFL has been waived for admission to a graduate program. More information on the TOEFL requirement can be found under Admission Requirements in the graduate catalog.

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Developing an Expertise in International Trade

Rochelle Osei-Tutu, SIS/MA '16

Senior Policy Advisor, International Trade Administration

IER equipped me with knowledge of international trade theory and history.

I think the unique experience that's offered through the IER program is that you can focus on the niche that you want to develop. I realized that I was interested in international trade, so I was able to take courses on the political economy as well as digital trade and trade theory. That helped me form the foundation that I needed for my job at the International Trade Administration.

Learn more about Osei-Tutu’s time in the IER program.

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Discover your future with AU

The SIS PhD program prepares you for a career as a teacher and scholar at universities and research institutes in both the private and public sectors. The core curriculum covers the foundational fields of international studies: international relations, comparative and regional studies, and social theory. Our PhD graduates have received appointments at prestigious universities such as Virginia Tech and the University of Reading in Great Britain.

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Ph.D. in International Affairs, Science, and Technology

The Nunn School International Affair's Ph.D. program provides an unparalleled opportunity for students with backgrounds in either politics or science and technology to deepen their understanding of international affairs through the advanced study of sub-fields such as international relations theory, international security, international political economy, comparative politics, and methods for social scientific research.

The Ph.D. program is a four to six-year program designed to adapt to the interests and needs of students who intend to enter professional careers requiring or who plan to work in academia. The program emphasizes both traditional theoretical knowledge of international relations and strategic planning and analysis. The program includes 21 semester hours of required core seminars in:

• Empirical research methods
• International Relations theory
• International Security policy
• Comparative Politics
• International Political Economy
• Ph.D. Proseminar
• Science, Technology, and International Affairs I and II

Students are also required to complete the Institute-mandated 9-credit hour minor concentration outside of the field.

As part of the coursework, students are required to demonstrate foreign language familiarity through two years of coursework during undergraduate or graduate studies and passing a translation exercise. Students can either opt to have a third year of language or take a year of advanced methods. Students are required to pass two qualification exams and successfully defend a paper related to a science and technology topic before they can advance to candidacy.

Ph.D. students may also complete elective coursework through cross-registration at any of the nineteen public and private colleges, universities, and other higher learning institutions that comprise the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE). This opportunity provides considerable flexibility in tailoring individual studies to achieve specific career objectives.

Program Benefits

Flexibility

The doctoral program prepares students not only for academia but also in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. Our alums now work at the National Nuclear Security Administration, Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy, and as professors.

Interdisciplinary

The program's interdisciplinary nature allows students to take courses in science, technology, engineering, business, and design to meet post-graduation plans. Related courses taken in these disciplines can be counted towards the required 9-credit hour minor.

Admissions Questions?

Please visit our frequently asked questions page or contact us below.

Email:  [email protected] | Phone: 404-894-8352

Habersham Building 781 Marietta St. NW Atlanta, GA 30332-0610

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Meet Our Alumni

The Jackson School Ph.D. program advances problem-focused graduate education that combines a new cross-disciplinary approach with intensive area studies in the face of contemporary global and local challenges.

Regions & Themes

The Jackson School of International Studies (JSIS) Ph.D. in International Studies provides a unique opportunity for candidates who seek a highly individualized graduate program grounded in applied area and global studies. The program reflects the Jackson’s School’s scholarly commitment to the centrality of history, culture, and politics in advancing the understanding of and engagement in world issues.

The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to apply, and build on, their existing field connections, area knowledge, research questions, and language skills. Working with faculty with expertise in international and area studies, students design their studies in ways that will best support their career plans. Toward this end, students will have the opportunity to select a broad set of possible final products, from dissertation to policy papers, that best allows them to engage and share their research questions and conclusions.

Is the JSIS Ph.D. Program right for you?

Ph.d. program news.

Sharing our grief on the death of Hayim Katsman (Ph.D. ’21) in Israel

Doctoral candidate Yasir Zaiden pens article on recent US sanctions in Sudan // Foreign Policy

Saadia pekkanen co-edits special issue on space diplomacy in the hague journal of diplomacy.

Sarah Lohmann quoted in article on President of Finland’s trip to Washington // Seattle Times

Doctoral alum pens article analyzing turkey’s military response after the earthquake // foreign policy, saadia pekkanen on vigilance for military activities in space // newsweek, jsis ph.d. program, jesús hidalgo.

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Ph.D. in Public Affairs

Feature: The Top 10 International Relations Ph.D. Rankings

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The Top 10 International Relations Ph.D. Rankings

Schools for the next generation of global intellectual heavyweights..

These rankings are part of the Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) survey , conducted by Paul C. Avey, Michael C. Desch, James D. Long, Daniel Maliniak, Susan Peterson, and Michael J. Tierney. All additional information provided was added by Foreign Policy and is not part of the survey results.

1. Harvard University Admitted class size: 14-26 Average time to graduate: 5-6 years Funding: All admitted students considered for fellowships, amounting to full/partial tuition and stipends Star professors: Robert Bates, Jeffry Frieden, Stephen M. Walt Website : http://www.gov.harvard.edu/graduate-program

2. Princeton University

Admitted class size: 40 Average time to graduate: 5 years, minimum Funding: Full tuition funding for four years, including living stipends Star professors: Robert Keohane, Uwe Reindhart, Anne-Marie Slaughter, Website: http://wws.princeton.edu/

3. Stanford University

Admitted class size: 12 Average time to graduate: N/A Funding: Full tuition and living stipend provided Star professors: Francis Fukuyama, Stephen Krasner, Condoleezza Rice Website : http://politicalscience.stanford.edu/

4. Columbia University

Admitted class size: 20 Average time to graduate: 5-7 years Funding: Guaranteed five-year fellowship , including living stipends Star professors: Jagdish Bhagwati, Robert Jervis, Jeffrey Sachs

Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/polisci/index.html

5. Yale University

Admitted class size: 23 Average time to graduate : 6.7 Funding: Guaranteed funding for five years . The first four years of tuition are guaranteed, followed by a university dissertation fellowship Star professors: Bruce Ackerman, David Cameron, Bruce Russett Website: http://www.yale.edu/polisci/index.html

5. University of Chicago

Admitted class size: 15-20 Average time to graduate: N/A Funding: Full tuition, plus $21,000 for five years, including $3,000 summer funding Star professors: John Mearsheimer, Robert Pape

7. University of California/San Diego

Admitted class size: 15-20 Average time to graduate: 5-6 years Funding: Guaranteed for four years, followed by teaching assistantships Star professors: Peter Gourevitch, Larry Krause, Susan Shirk Website: http://irps.ucsd.edu/programs/phd-in-political-science-and-international-affairs-phd/

8. University of California/Berkeley

Admitted class size: 18-26 Average time to graduate: 5-6 years, including 1 year of field research Funding: Five years of funding via fellowships, research, and teaching assistantships, (contingent on California residency) Star professors: Barry Eichengreen Website : http://polisci.berkeley.edu/

9. University of Michigan/Ann Arbor

Admitted class size: 12-17 Average time to graduate: 4-6 years Funding : Five years of funding , including a fellowship for the first year Star professors: Paul Courant, Kenneth Lieberthal Website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/polisci/

9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Admitted Class Size: 7-11 Average Time to Graduate: 5-6 years Funding: Five years of funding, including nine-month stipends Star professors: Daron Acemoglu, Barry R. Posen, Daniel Posner

Website: http://web.mit.edu/polisci/academic-programs/graduate/phd.shtml

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Pursuing a PhD iN International Relations in the USA

Updated on: July 21, 2023

Are you considering pursuing a PhD in International Relations? Do you want to know why the USA is a great destination for your doctoral studies? Look no further, as we explore the top universities in the USA for International Relations doctoral programs, the application process, funding options, the curriculum and coursework, research opportunities, career paths, and challenges of studying in the USA.

Why Choose the USA for a PhD in International Relations?

Top universities in the usa for international relations doctoral programs, application process for a phd in international relations in the usa, funding options for doctoral programs in international relations, curriculum and coursework for a phd in international relations, research opportunities available to phd students in international relations, career paths after earning a phd in international relations from the usa, challenges and opportunities of studying international relations in the usa, benefits of pursuing a phd in international relations abroad.

The USA is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for international students pursuing graduate courses in the field of international relations. The academic excellence, cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, and multicultural environment make it a top choice for students from all over the world. Moreover, the USA has a diverse range of universities offering international relations doctoral programs that cater to different research interests and career goals.

Another advantage of pursuing a PhD in international relations in the USA is the opportunity to work with renowned scholars and experts in the field. Many universities in the USA have faculty members who are leading researchers and practitioners in international relations, providing students with access to valuable insights and networks. Additionally, the USA is home to numerous international organizations and think tanks, which offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build professional connections.

The USA boasts some of the best universities in the world for International Relations doctoral programs. Ivy League universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are highly ranked in the field, as are other renowned institutions such as Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. These universities offer exceptional academic programs, distinguished faculty, and state-of-the-art research opportunities.

In addition to these top-ranked universities, there are also many other excellent institutions in the USA that offer International Relations doctoral programs. Some of these include Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, and the University of California, San Diego. These universities have strong programs in areas such as international security, global governance, and conflict resolution, and provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and gain practical experience through internships and fieldwork.

Also read: Things to know about Pursuing a PhD in Design in USA

The application process for a PhD in International Relations in the USA can be rigorous and competitive. It involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and other materials. Prospective students are also required to take standardized tests such as the GRE or the TOEFL. It is essential to research and adhere to each university’s specific application requirements and deadlines intensely.

Additionally, some universities may require applicants to have relevant work experience or a master’s degree in a related field. It is also common for universities to conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates before making a final decision. As the application process can be lengthy and time-consuming, it is advisable to start preparing well in advance and seek guidance from professors or academic advisors.

Funding is a critical consideration for most prospective PhD students. Many universities in the USA offer various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Students are encouraged to research the funding options available to them at each institution and determine the best fit for their academic and financial needs.

Know more: 10 Best courses to study in USA

The curriculum and coursework for a PhD in International Relations in the USA typically consists of core classes in international relations theory, research methods, and comparative politics, among others. Additionally, students may be required to take elective courses in their area of research interest, which may range from global conflict resolution and human rights to international economics and diplomacy.

Furthermore, PhD students in International Relations are often required to complete a language requirement, which involves demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language relevant to their research. This language requirement is intended to equip students with the necessary skills to conduct research and analyze sources in their chosen region of study. In addition to coursework and language requirements, PhD students are also expected to conduct original research and produce a dissertation that contributes to the field of International Relations.

PhD students in International Relations in the USA have access to world-class research opportunities. These may include research assistantships, collaboration with international institutions and organizations, and opportunities to participate in research projects with faculty. The USA also has renowned think-tanks and policy centers that offer research opportunities to doctoral students, allowing them to gain real-world experience and practice.

Furthermore, PhD students in International Relations can also take advantage of various funding opportunities to support their research. Many universities offer grants and fellowships to support doctoral research, and there are also external funding sources such as foundations and government agencies that provide funding for research in this field.

Another benefit of pursuing a PhD in International Relations in the USA is the opportunity to attend conferences and present research papers. These conferences provide a platform for students to network with other scholars and professionals in the field, and to receive feedback on their research. Attending conferences also allows students to stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in International Relations.

Earning a PhD in International Relations in the USA opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, among other areas. PhD holders can be employed in various roles, ranging from research analysts, policy experts, diplomats, and professors.

One of the most popular career paths for PhD holders in International Relations is academia. Graduates can become professors and researchers in universities and colleges, teaching and conducting research on various topics related to international relations. They can also publish their research in academic journals and present their findings at conferences.

Another career path for PhD holders in International Relations is working for government agencies. Graduates can work for the Department of State, the Department of Defense, or other government agencies, providing expertise on foreign policy, national security, and international relations. They can also work for intelligence agencies, analyzing and interpreting information related to international affairs.

One of the main challenges of studying International Relations in the USA is the cost of education. However, there are a variety of funding options available that can help mitigate this. Another challenge is the competitiveness of the application process, which requires students to adhere to strict requirements and deadlines. On the other hand, the opportunities for interdisciplinary research, networking, and practical experience offer immense opportunities for students.

Furthermore, studying International Relations in the USA provides students with exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and ideas. The country is home to a large number of international organizations, think tanks, and research centers, which offer students the chance to engage with experts in the field and gain a deeper understanding of global issues. Additionally, the USA is a hub for political and economic activity, providing students with opportunities to witness firsthand the workings of international relations in action.

Studying a PhD in International Relations in the USA offers numerous benefits, such as exposure to diverse perspectives, immersion in a multicultural environment, and the opportunity to work with renowned scholars and institutions. Moreover, earning a PhD in the USA is recognized worldwide and can significantly enhance one’s career prospects and offer a deeper understanding of global issues facing modern society.

In conclusion, If you seek to pursue a career in International Relations, pursuing a PhD in the USA may be a viable option. By exploring the top universities, the application process, funding options, the curriculum and coursework, research opportunities, career paths, and the challenges and opportunities of studying International Relations in the USA, this article provides a comprehensive guide to help you make a well-informed decision.

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, pursuing a PhD in International Relations abroad can also provide unique opportunities for language immersion and cultural exchange. For instance, studying in a country where the language of instruction is not your native language can help you develop language skills and cultural competencies that are highly valued in the field of International Relations.

Furthermore, studying abroad can also expose you to different research methodologies and approaches that may not be as prevalent in the USA. This can broaden your research skills and perspectives, and enable you to contribute to the field of International Relations in new and innovative ways.

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U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Best Public Affairs Programs show Pitt on the move

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh has moved up in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Public Affairs Graduate Schools rankings. GSPIA has consistently ranked in the top 15% of programs nationwide, and this year moved up five places to #34, sharing the spot with University of Virgina’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Illinois—Chicago’s Public Affairs School and Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy.

GSPIA also achieved rankings in three specialized fields, advancing in various specialties, demonstrating the expanding range and depth of the school's expertise across numerous disciplines within public affairs.

Specialty areas include:

• #6 in International Policy & Global Administration, up three places from last year, and remaining the #1 Public University in the specialization
• #16 in Urban Policy, up six places from last year
• #31 in Public Policy Analysis, a new recognition this year for the school

"We're grateful to be recognized by U.S. News and our peers across the country," shared Dean Carissa Slotterback.  "The upward momentum of the school reflects the collective efforts of our graduates, faculty, staff, and students, and recognizes the efforts that we are making to engage and collaborate with peers in our fields of public and international affairs. Our progress underscores the relevance and impact of our work in addressing the most pressing challenges facing communities locally, nationally and globally.”

The rankings by U.S. News & World Report are generated through assessment surveys. In early 2024, surveys were conducted among deans, directors, and department chairs representing 270 master's programs in public affairs and administration. They were tasked with rating the academic caliber of each program on a scale ranging from marginal to outstanding. The rankings for specialty areas are also determined by assessments provided by educators at peer institutions.

“In an era that requires leaders to be ready to tackle society’s greatest challenges, our graduates are at the forefront of positive change in diverse fields and sectors,” shared Dean Slotterback. “We’re what comes next for students who share our vision for driving meaningful change and we invite them to join us at the University of Pittsburgh.”

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U.S. News & World Report Ranks Baruch College Graduate Programs Among the Best for 2024-25

April 9, 2024

Baruch College continues to build upon its national reputation for academic excellence with another round of top rankings from U.S. News & World Report .

Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business and Marxe School of Public and International Affairs have once again secured top spots in U.S. News’s coveted “ Best Graduate Schools ” list for 2024, underscoring the exceptional quality of graduate education provided at both schools.

Zicklin School of Business: MBA Programs Top the Rankings Again

For the sixth year in a row, both the Evening MBA and Full-Time MBA programs were rated #1 among public institutions in New York City and New York State.

On the U.S. News list, the Zicklin School’s Part-Time (Evening) MBA program placed #40 nationwide, advancing three positions from last year. The Full-Time MBA, meanwhile, ranked #53 among 124 public and private institutions throughout the country.

“Maintaining and lifting rankings reflects the Zicklin School’s commitment to excellence in our programs and our dedication to the success of our graduates,” said Bruce W. Weber, PhD, the Willem Kooyker Dean of the Zicklin School. “Our impressive faculty, supportive staff, and fiercely loyal alumni help our talented, ambitious MBA students unlock their potential and prepare for the business challenges of tomorrow.”

Marxe School of Public and International Affairs: All Programs Rise in National Rankings

All graduate degree programs for the Marxe School saw its rankings jump year-over-year, with the MPA up one spot among all public and private institutions. The non-profit management and urban policy programs ranking also rose nationwide, up nine and one position, respectively.

The Marxe School also ranked in the public policy analysis category this year, coming in as the #1 program among public institutions in New York City.

“The Marxe School’s graduate education provides an invaluable educational foundation propelling our students into leadership roles in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors,” said Marxe School Dean and Professor Sherry Ryan. “The Marxe degree programs invite students to think critically about today’s most pressing societal issues and assess alternative policy solutions through an equity and justice lens.”

Ryan adds, “Our phenomenal rankings reflect the true quality and dedication of our faculty, students, and staff. The Marxe School is on the move to advance public service, equitable urban policies, and nonprofit management in New York City and beyond. And we do all of this while raising up first generation and minority students, a truly inspiring accomplishment.”

Rankings At-a-Glance

• Zicklin School of Business

Full Time MBA

Among public institutions:

• #1 in New York
• #27 nationwide (tie)

Among all institutions:

• #3 in New York City and #5 in New York State
• #53 nationwide (tie) out of 124 schools ranked

Part-time MBA (Evening)

• #27 nationwide
• #2 in New York City and #2 in New York State
• #40 nationwide (tie) out of 269 schools ranked
• #18 nationwide
• #4 in New York City and #5 in New York State
• #41 nationwide (tie)
• Marxe School of Public and International Affairs
• #2 in New York City and #3 in New York State
• #38 nationwide (tie)
• #4 in New York City and #7 in New York State
• #52 nationwide (tie) out of 271 schools ranked

Non-profit Management

• #1 in New York City and #1 in New York State
• #13 nationwide (tie)
• #18 nationwide (tie)

Public Policy Analysis

• #1 in New York City and #2 in New York State
• #21 nationwide (tie)
• #3 in New York City and #6 in New York State
• #35 nationwide (tie)

Urban Policy

• #9 nationwide (tie)
• #14 nationwide (tie)

Learn more about all of Baruch College’s Graduate Programs:

• Weissman School of Arts and Sciences

Methodology

U.S. News & World Report surveyed in fall 2023 and early 2024 all 506 institutions with master’s-level business programs in the United States accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. To calculate an overall score, the ranking indicators used the following factors:  career placement success, student excellence, and quality assessment. Learn more about the business ranking methodology.

The rankings of public affairs programs are based solely on peer assessment survey results sent in fall 2023 and early 2024 to deans, directors and department chairs representing 271 master’s programs in public affairs and administration. Read more about a full explanation of each ranking methodology.

Title: The Fallout of India’s Extrajudicial Killings

India’s undermining of democratic principles through its extrajudicial policy of targeting pro-Khalistan leaders abroad carries negative implications for India-US relations. If India persists with such a policy, maintaining a strategic defense and economic partnership with New Delhi will become challenging for the United States, as resistance from the US Congress, media, and civil society intensifies. It is in the interest of the United States to tie its defense and economic cooperation with India to the adherence of democratic norms.

Introduction

In November 2023, the United States revealed that it had successfully thwarted an alleged Indian plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York. The US Department of Justice indicted an Indian national, accusing him of operating on behalf of the Indian government to orchestrate the planned assassination of the Sikh separatist leader. This revelation substantiates Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in September 2023, wherein he disclosed “credible evidence” of an Indian link in the killing of a pro-Khalistan leader on Canadian soil.

The alleged extrajudicial killing and the thwarted plot raise questions about India’s dependability as a reliable strategic partner for the United States. The Modi government’s growing authoritarianism, along with its assertive foreign policy, prompts uncertainties about India’s democratic values. This potential trajectory of authoritarianism conflicts with the international liberal order built by the United States and its allies. Hence, it is in the interest of the United States to ensure accountability for India’s growing authoritarian tendencies by tying economic and defense cooperation to the preservation of democratic values.

Thwarted Indian Plot

The United States prosecutors officially charged an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta for planning the May assassination plot of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader, on American soil. Gupta was recruited by an Indian government official, who was identified as a “senior field officer” involved in intelligence, for the assassination plot. While the indictment does not disclose the government employee’s name, it does shed light on the plot. The accused government employee allegedly recruited Gupta to engage a hitman for the execution. Fortunately for the US authorities, the hired hitman turned out to be an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent. Shockingly, the indictment reveals that the Indian official and Gupta had devised an extensive scheme to eliminate “many targets” across Canada and the United States. Gupta added that Canadian pro-Khalistan leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was also one of the targets, implicating the Indian government in his assassination.

The alleged connection between the Indian government and the attempted assassination was a profound shock to the Biden administration. Such an unexpected revelation challenged the assumption that a friendly democratic country, with whom the United States is actively fostering a strategic partnership, could be implicated in the targeted killing of a US citizen on American soil. This act was considered an unacceptable violation of sovereignty.

CIA Director William J. Burns visited New Delhi in August, followed by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines in October and FBI Chief Christopher Wray in December. During these visits, each official pressed the Indian government for assurances on the prevention of similar acts. They also urged for a comprehensive investigation, decisive action, and accountability for the assassination attempt. Although we haven’t seen any further occurrences, the aggressive policy supporting these acts undermines the narrative of mutual democratic values between India and the United States. It further complicates the Biden administration’s attempts to forge an Indo-Pacific coalition rooted in common values, principles, and morals in the competition against China’s authoritarian model.

Mutual Strategic Importance

India’s ongoing border disputes with China and the threat to its sovereignty from Beijing’s territorial assertiveness make cooperation with the United States strategically paramount. India sees this alliance as crucial for safeguarding its interests due to its power asymmetry with China. Conversely, the United States recognizes the pivotal role that India plays in its Indo-Pacific strategy , counterbalancing China’s increasingly assertive geopolitical influence.

During Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Washington, D.C., in June 2023, the Biden administration signed an agreement for the joint production of the GE F-414 jet engines. Currently, only four countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France — possess the capability to manufacture jet engines. China has yet to acquire this advanced technology. By jointly producing the GE F-414 jet engines, India and the United States aim to strengthen their cooperation and counter Chinese advancement in the realm of defense technology.

The Modi government has seemingly operated under the assumption that, owing to India’s strategic importance, the United States and its allies will overlook New Delhi’s belligerent policies. This perception may have emboldened the Indian government to take more assertive steps, including plotting the assassinations of pro-Khalistan leaders in Canada and the United States. However, the response from the United States and its allies has been unequivocal in deeming such actions unacceptable.

Two months ago, the US Congress blocked a three-billion-dollar drone sale to India, contingent upon New Delhi conducting a “meaningful” investigation into the assassination plot. On February 3, 2024, Congress approved the deal after receiving assurances from the Biden administration regarding a thorough investigation into the incident. This illustrates that despite shared strategic interests, sustaining defense and economic cooperation with India could prove challenging for the executive power in the United States, given the pressures from Congress, civil society, and the media.

During Modi’s state visit in June last year, seventy-five Democratic senators and members of the House of Representatives signed a letter urging Biden to address human rights issues related to religious intolerance and press freedom in India. A few members also boycotted Modi’s address to Congress. If the Modi government persists on this authoritarian trajectory, it has the potential to significantly strain India-US relations. Maintaining a strategic partnership becomes challenging in the absence of shared values, and continued belligerence could jeopardize the foundation of the alliance.

US Interest in a Democratic India

Given India’s position as the world’s most populous nation, the fifth-largest economy, and the second-largest military power, any departure from democratic values has the potential to erode the global order. In a rapidly fragmenting world marked by geopolitical instability, ranging from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to President Xi’s agenda to annex Taiwan, Washington requires New Delhi firmly within its embrace to uphold the global order. India’s status as the world’s largest democracy, exemplifying principles such as secularism, diversification, multiculturalism, and individual rights, is of utmost importance to the United States. It is in the interest of the United States to ensure that a democratic India remains steadfast in upholding its liberal values.

As previously established, India stands as a cornerstone of the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy. The United States lauds the Quad group, formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, as a crucial forum for major democracies to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in response to China’s growing economic and military power. Both India and the United States, along with Japan and Australia, are a part of this group. However, India’s democratic backsliding diminishes the moral authority of the United States as it makes its case against authoritarian China.

Policy Recommendations

Washington should condition its defense and economic cooperation with India on New Delhi’s adherence to democratic principles that are prioritized over short-term strategic interests. To incentivize India’s adherence to the democratic value-based conditions, the United States can offer New Delhi a comprehensive trade policy aimed at augmenting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country. Currently, the United States ranks as the third-largest investor in India. By encouraging more directed investment initiatives, the United States can ascend to become a leading investor in India. The United States can also bolster India’s manufacturing capabilities through initiatives like the Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership to build resilience in supply chains independent of China.

In the defense sector, the United States can extend cooperation through joint military exercises, maritime collaboration, and partnerships in emerging fields like space and artificial intelligence. However, this cooperation should be contingent upon India’s commitment to democratic principles. By aligning defense and economic collaboration with liberal values in its engagement with India, the United States highlights that a robust democratic India is beneficial not only for its own prosperity but also for the United States and the world at large.

Saira Bano is an Assistant Professor of Political Studies at Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia, Canada. Her primary research interests are International Relations theories, great power politics, and security issues in South Asia.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

• Military & Defense ,
• South Asia ,
• United States

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Mexico Breaks Diplomatic Ties With Ecuador After Arrest at Embassy

Jorge Glas, a former vice president, had taken refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador’s capital. Mexico’s president called his arrest a violation of international law.

By John Yoon ,  Isabella Kwai and Julie Turkewitz

The Ecuadorean police on Friday night arrested a politician who had taken refuge in the Mexican Embassy in Quito, after what Mexico described as a forced entry that violated the country’s sovereignty.

The move was a rare instance of one government entering another’s embassy to make an arrest. The episode prompted Mexico to suspend diplomatic relations with Ecuador and inflamed tensions, which were already high between the two countries.

The politician, Jorge Glas, a former vice president of Ecuador , had been sentenced to prison for corruption, the country’s presidential office said in a statement , which added that there had been a warrant out for his arrest. Mr. Glas, who had been living at the embassy in Ecuador’s capital since December, was granted political asylum by Mexico earlier on Friday.

The office of Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, added that the arrest had gone forward because Mexico had abused the immunities and privileges granted to the diplomatic mission, and that Mr. Glas’s asylum was given “contrary to the conventional legal framework.”

Although it was difficult to immediately confirm exactly how the arrest happened, footage shared by Ecuadorean news outlets showed what appeared to be the aftermath: Police officers held back onlookers as two black cars, sirens blaring, drove out of the embassy. A man identified by local reporters as Roberto Canseco, the Mexican official in charge at the embassy, could be seen shouting, “No!” before officers pushed him to the ground.

Mr. Canseco told reporters that he was about to leave the embassy when, suddenly, he was faced with “police, thieves, who entered the embassy overnight.” He said he physically tried to stop them from entering . “They hit me, I was hit on the ground,” he said. “Like criminals, they broke into the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador.”

The arrest occurred after months of growing tensions between the two nations, in part over Mr. Glas, whom the Ecuadorean authorities consider a fugitive. Both sides have been trading barbs, which escalated this week after the Mexican president appeared to question the legitimacy of Ecuador’s most recent presidential election. The Ecuadorean government on Thursday effectively ordered Mexico’s ambassador to leave , declaring her a “persona non grata.” Mexico condemned that declaration on Friday and also granted Mr. Glas asylum.

Attacks on embassies carry particular weight because a 1961 treaty, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, allows them to be used as sanctuary. A host country’s police force cannot normally enter an embassy without the permission of its diplomatic staff.

There have been only a few cases in which governments have entered diplomatic premises without permission, said Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, the president of the Washington Office on Latin America, a research and advocacy organization based in the United States. “They have happened mainly in the context of military or authoritarian governments,” she said.

In this case, Ms. Jiménez Sandoval added, “Ecuador has truly crossed a red line by flagrantly violating international law.”

Diplomatic strains have grown across Latin America in recent months. President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has expelled Argentine diplomats — and then reinstated them — amid insults from President Javier Milei of Argentina. Mr. Milei has sparred frequently with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico and the government of President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.

Shortly after the arrest of Mr. Glas, Mr. López Obrador issued a statement calling the episode a “flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico.” He added that the Ecuadorean police had used force to enter the embassy.

Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, said the country’s diplomatic personnel had sustained injuries in the altercation at the embassy, and that Mexico would file an appeal to the International Court of Justice.

The Ecuadorean Foreign Ministry said last month that it had requested Mexico’s permission to enter the embassy to arrest Mr. Glas.

On Saturday, the government of Nicaragua announced it was suspending its diplomatic relationship with Ecuador, characterizing the arrest as “neo-fascist political barbarity” in a statement shared by state-run media .

Mr. Glas, who served as vice president under President Rafael Correa from 2013 to 2017, had once been favored to succeed him. But in 2017, he was forced from office and found guilty of receiving bribes from Odebrecht, an international construction giant. In a far-reaching scandal that has implicated governments around Latin America with accusations of corruption, the company has admitted to paying some $800 million in bribes in more than a dozen countries. Mr. Glas was sentenced to six years in prison.

In 2020, he was embroiled in a separate high-profile bribery case , which also accused Mr. Correa of corruption. Both were convicted, and Mr. Glas was given an additional eight-year sentence. (Mr. Correa has been living in Belgium, where he said he has resisted extradition requests and been granted political asylum.)

In November 2022 , Mr. Glas was released early from prison. Faced with a third charge of embezzlement, he asked for asylum from Mexico last December. Lawyers for Mr. Glas have claimed that he is being politically persecuted.

That charge led the Ecuadorean authorities to obtain the arrest warrant that prompted the confrontation at the Mexican Embassy on Friday.

The rift between the two countries widened a few days ago, when Mr. López Obrador made public comments about the 2023 assassination of Fernando Villavicencio , an Ecuadorean presidential candidate, and criticized Ecuador’s current president, Mr. Noboa.

Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday called Mr. López Obrador’s remarks “unfortunate” and announced the measures against the Mexican ambassador, Raquel Serur Smeke.

In response, Mexico instructed its ambassador to return home and appointed Mr. Canseco, the head of the Mexican consular section in Quito, to lead the embassy.

Mr. Noboa, a center-right political outsider, took office in November after winning a high-stakes election in which corruption and drug-related violence had been foremost issues. Mr. Noboa pledged to crack down on drug-trafficking gangs and return the nation to its prosperous past.

In recent years, Ecuador has been wracked by rising violence driven by powerful drug-trafficking gangs. Reports of car bombings and police assassinations have become common, and the assassination of Mr. Villavicencio , a presidential candidate who had been vocal about corruption and organized crime, created further upheaval.

Mr. Noboa declared a state of internal conflict this year, granting him special power to take on organized crime. He has deployed troops against the gangs and drawn comparisons to President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, who has cracked down on gangs in his country. In both countries, human rights activists have raised alarms about the potential for such aggressive tactics to infringe on civil liberties or the rule of law.

Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the decision to flout norms and arrest Mr. Glas in the Mexican Embassy raised larger questions that confront Ecuadoreans and others across Latin America.

“What do they prefer, a world without due process, guarantees and laws, but with strong governments that can seek so-called justice almost at any cost?" he said. “Or do you want a world where you have strong laws and protections for the suspects and ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ but sometimes those laws’ guarantees are inevitably abused to seek impunity?”

Gonzalo Ortiz Crespo, a former Ecuadorean diplomat, said in an interview that the decision by Mr. Noboa’s government to enter the embassy set a bad precedent for international relations.

But he added that given the conflict in Ecuador over serious corruption and crime, he supported the decision to arrest Mr. Glas. “Because it’s also a bad precedent to allow asylum to serve as protection for criminals,” he said.

Several nations, including Chile , with a leftist president, and Uruguay , with a center-right leader, condemned Ecuador’s action. So did the Organization of American States, which called for dialogue between the two nations and for them to renounce “the use of force to resolve conflicts.”

Mark A. Walsh and Emiliano Rodríguez Mega contributed reporting.

John Yoon is a Times reporter based in Seoul who covers breaking and trending news. More about John Yoon

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Julie Turkewitz is the Andes Bureau Chief for The Times, based in Bogotá, Colombia, covering Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. More about Julie Turkewitz