International Relations
Our courses engage the central topics of the field. We have particular strengths in the politics of international law, state formation and change, religion and politics, critical theory, and the role of international institutions in the global economy, violent conflict and conflict resolution.
Training in International Relations
Students pursuing international relations as a first or second field are expected to take International Relations Theory (PS 440) and at least three of the following courses in partial preparation for the comprehensive exam:
- International Political Economy
- International Security
- International Organization
- International Law and International Politics
- Critical Studies in World Politics
Students pursuing international relations as their primary field are expected to take at least three additional courses from international relations faculty. Students pursuing international relations as a secondary field are expected to take at least one additional course from international relations faculty.
Comprehensive Exams in International Relations
Students should meet with the Field Chair at the beginning of their exam preparations. Exam takers are required to submit one exam question, which may or may not appear on the exam in some form.
International relations faculty and students are active in
- Comparative Historical Social Science
- Equality Development and Globalization Studies
- Program in Middle East and North African Studies
- Security Studies Working Group
- Legal Studies
- Religion and Global Politics Certificate
- Program of African Studies
- Critical Theory Cluster and Certificate Program
Faculty and Graduate Students
International Relations Speaker Series
Northwestern is pleased to welcome the following speakers for the 2022-2023 academic term:
Michael Desch
Professor of Political Science
University of Notre Dame
Oct. 7th 2022 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple »
Joshua Busby
Associate Professor of Public Affairs
University of Texas at Austin, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
Nov. 11th 2022 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple »
Sarah Bauerle-Danzman
Director of the Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development
Associate Professor of International Studies
Indiana University, Bloomington
Jan. 27th 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple »
Rachel Myrick
Douglas and Ellen Lowey Assistant Professor of Political Science
Duke University
March 21st, 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple »
Danielle Gilbert
Assistant Professor of Military & Strategic Studies
United States Air Force Academy
Apr. 28th, 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple »