International Relations

  • Provides Historical and Geopolitical Contexts
  • Focuses on Today&rsquos Power Dynamics
  • Explores Framework and Goals of Diplomacy 

The world order that emerged following World War II continues to influence today’s geopolitical and economic landscape, reflecting the shift into post-colonial and post-Cold War political alignments. These courses analyze foreign policy strategies by exploring the historical and geopolitical contexts that inform them, as well as the potential impacts of these policies as they are enacted globally. They are taught by faculty members from private sector, government, and multilateral organizations. 

This semester, study from anywhere in the world in the safety and comfort of your home through online or remote instruction.

America in the World: Is the US Constitution in Crisis?

Explore how studying other democracies can shed light on the troubled present—and possible future—of American politics and government.

2023 Spring
+ 1 more semester
2 sections

Disaster Preparedness and Humanitarian Assistance

In order to achieve the key UN Sustainable Development goals of "No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Clean...

2023 Spring
1 section

Espionage: Fact vs. Fiction

Taught by a veteran intelligence professional, this course separates myth from reality in the field of espionage.

2023 Spring
+ 1 more semester
2 sections

Human Rights and Development

A rights-based approach to development has become increasingly central in explaining and addressing the underlying issues related to economic,...

2023 Spring
+ 1 more semester
2 sections

Critical Issues and Careers in Global Affairs

Apply for this Summer 2023 course here. Thinking about grad school? Considering an impactful career in the global arena? Spend two...

2023 Summer
1 section

From Frontline to Headline: The 'War About the War' in Afghanistan

Register for this Spring 2023 course on the NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. Multiple frontlines beset contemporary...

2023 Spring
1 section

Managing Risk and Uncertainty: Assessment, Frameworks, and Strategies

Operating in conditions of uncertainty can be disorienting and bewildering. A risk-informed approach can allow global leaders to make informed...

2023 Spring
1 section

Peacemaking and Peacebuilding

Explore contemporary methods for peacemaking and peacebuilding as responses to real and potential deadly international conflicts.

International Development

Explore the main elements of country development—from economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental perspectives.

International Relations

Gain an in-depth understanding of the post-Cold War world order and the Cold War’s impact on current geopolitical and economic landscapes.

Education and International Development

According to the World Bank, education is a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and...

Quantitative Boot Camp: Foundational Statistics for Global Affairs and Beyond

Gain a practical, hands-on foundation in basic statistics by leveraging open data sources and free, open-source data analysis tools.

Spies at War: Fact vs. Fiction

Register for this Fall 2022 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. World War II was a critical challenge...

The US-Latin America Relationship: Past, Present, and Future

The United States’ relationship with Latin America has been and continues to be one of the most important and controversial relationships...

Health in Developing Countries

The world has made immense strides in improving health outcomes and increasing life-expectancy over the past century in large part due to...

Politics and Development

"Good governance" is an essential condition for growth in low-income countries, and for human development as well. A number of the...

Politics and Leadership in a Changing Middle East

Register for this Fall 2022 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. This course will look at the historical and...

Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction

This course will examine the economic challenges poor countries face and the strategies proposed to deal with them, beginning with an analysis...