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  • <a href="/live/image/gid/74/width/650/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86402"><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/74/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/74/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/74/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/74/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 501px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 501px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg" alt="Faculty members in International Affairs--like Joseph M. Ha Associate Professor of International Affairs Elizabeth A. Bennett--love meeti..." width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/74/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86402_International_Affairs_main_image_2.rev.1607454030.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="3066" loading="lazy" data-optimized="true"/></picture></a> <div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption">Faculty members in International Affairs—like Joseph M. Ha Associate Professor of International Affairs Elizabeth A. Bennett—love meeting with students during office hours.</div>
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International Affairs

Students who major in international affairs examine the political, military, economic, legal, and cultural relations involving states, nations, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to understand how those relations affect the prospects for conflict and cooperation. Earn a bachelor’s degree while gaining a deep knowledge of the dynamics of our rapidly changing world.

Majors

Minors

Why Choose a Degree in International Affairs?

Global technologies, threats to international security, fundamentalist movements, and mounting tensions between nations, regions, and factions mean that the study of international affairs is more relevant than ever. Unlike many other international relations programs, we offer such a robust range of courses and opportunities that we warrant our own dedicated department.

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What You’ll Study

Though the scope of our coursework is broad, we emphasize foreign policy, national security, international law and organizations, international economic relations, social justice and transnational advocacy, human rights, and development in the global south. We also believe in collaborating with students on research projects—whether through classes during the academic year, a paid humanities research summer program, or both—and helping them find and secure internships in Portland and beyond. Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas program.

Outside the classroom, the annual International Affairs Symposium is organized by a committee of students with support from faculty and staff. This multiday interdisciplinary event concentrates on the most pressing themes and topics in international relations today through a series of debates.

Curriculum

Connect With Lewis & Clark!

  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>International Political Economy with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This is the most comprehensive study of the formation of contemporary global economy available at Lewis & Clark. Dr. Bennett is an expert at accessibly presenting subject material and leading class discussions. I used to dislike economics, but this has become the most valued (and enjoyed!) class I’ve taken at L&C.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17791-loren-pawelski"> <a href="/live/profiles/17791-loren-pawelski">Loren Pawelski BA ’24</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Intermediate Spanish With Instructor Megan McDonald</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Megan is AMAZING! I also took Beginning Spanish with her; her teaching style is the best. The class is fun and engaging, and we have fun activities and discussions.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/20480-jana-qasem"> <a href="/live/profiles/20480-jana-qasem">Jana Qasem BA ’26</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and World Languages (double) </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Middle East and North African Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Social Justice in the Global Economy with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> It was a visceral awakening to the institutionalization of modern international labor exploitation. Hard class. Life changing.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17417-cole-harris"> <a href="/live/profiles/17417-cole-harris">Cole Harris BA ’20</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Political Economy </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Elizabeth Bennett’s International Political Economy course and Kyle Lascurette’s Theories of International Affairs</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> They were as challenging, engaging, interesting, and eye-opening as any course I took in law school. I still can’t believe I go to take such incredible classes as an undergrad!</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/19791-nina-oishi"> <a href="/live/profiles/19791-nina-oishi">Nina Oishi BA ’18</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Chinese Studies and French Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Intro to Sociology</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> My favorite class is Intro to Sociology; Professor JaDee Carathers encourages me to think beyond the status quo and re-examine social structures and human interactions.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/21575-michee-brika"> <a href="/live/profiles/21575-michee-brika">Michèe Brika BA ’26</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Political Economics </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Transitions to Democracy by Associate Professor Leah Gilbert</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Professor Gilbert is passionate and engaging, and her class informed me a great deal about definitions of democracy, transition theories, and other important concepts in political science. It was also seminal in the inspiration for my senior international affairs thesis, where I researched democratic backsliding in Hungary.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17354-niall-gifford"> <a href="/live/profiles/17354-niall-gifford">Niall Gifford BA ’22</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: German Studies and International Affairs (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Any Class with Professor Bob Mandel</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> He is able to teach in a way that feels genuine, and as a student, you get the feeling that he cares you understand the full picture of things.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/20422-john-mbanda"> <a href="/live/profiles/20422-john-mbanda">John Mbanda BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: French Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Human Rights in international affairs with Professor Heather Smith-Cannoy</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking back, Heather’s course really set my path for future work and graduate studies in motion. She challenged us to examine complex problems surrounding the protection of individual and collective human rights, and to think through nuanced policy-oriented solutions.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14290-sema-hasan"> <a href="/live/profiles/14290-sema-hasan">Sema Hasan 2018</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and Mathematics (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Art of War With Professor Bob Mandel</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> I have always been interested in war. Tackling difficult topics in spirited discussions every week helped me learn to articulate clearly and concisely and be able to think on my feet. It has helped me approach topics differently.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14604-alie-cicero"> <a href="/live/profiles/14604-alie-cicero">Alie Cicero BA ’24</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs, German (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Immigration and Asylum Law with Dr. Elliott Young</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> As someone interested in human rights, immigration, and law, this class was my first opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a field I aspire to pursue. Working with immigration lawyers and supporting their research to better assist immigrants seeking asylum was emotionally challenging but immensely rewarding.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/22813-shelby-castro"> <a href="/live/profiles/22813-shelby-castro">Shelby Castro BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Religious Fundamentalism with Professor Paul Powers</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> It’s one of the most intriguing and eye-opening classes I’ve taken. It answers questions, but leaves you with more.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17800-jade-weihz"> <a href="/live/profiles/17800-jade-weihz">Jade Weihz BA ’23</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Middle East and North African Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Social Justice in the Global Economy with Professor Elizabeth Bennett</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Professor Bennett introduced to new concepts in social justice each week through real-world literature on various topics. Each class, we came together to talk through the challenges and more importantly, how to overcome them. This course taught me to be critical about some of the world’s most pressing issues while also being hopeful that there can be a solution.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/19759-mikah-bertelmann"> <a href="/live/profiles/19759-mikah-bertelmann">Mikah Bertelmann BA ’21</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Political Economy </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>United States Foreign Policy with Cyrus Partovi</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This class is what got me hooked on international affairs. It forced me to find the important aspects of readings and comprehend a lot of information and be able to communicate my ideas in a simple and clear way.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/19762-etta-moen"> <a href="/live/profiles/19762-etta-moen">Etta Moen BA ’21</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and Hispanic Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Economic Development</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class effectively ties my two majors and interests, economics and international affairs together and I would recommend it to others interested in either subject.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/21525-anna-ingadottir"> <a href="/live/profiles/21525-anna-ingadottir">Anna Ingadottir BA ’26</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Economics, International Affairs </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong> Islam in the Modern World with Professor Paul Powers</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class pushed me to expand and challenge my preconceived idea of what Islam is. Paul is also just a fantastic professor who is so obviously passionate about the subject.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17792-eliana-essman"> <a href="/live/profiles/17792-eliana-essman">Eliana Essman BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Religious Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>

Complement Your Education With One of These Minors

The most popular minors for our international affairs majors are German studies, Middle East and North African studies, and political economy.

What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark

  • Michèe Brika BA '26

    What I find most interesting in International Affairs is the recurrence of global issues, and I believe that our generation can provide answers to those conflicts.

    Michèe Brika BA ’26
    International Affairs | Political Economics |  Upper Marlboro, Maryland
    More about Michèe
  • Matt Brown BA '21

    Since coming here, I have a better understanding of what I want to do later in my life.

    Matt Brown BA ’21
    International Affairs | Rancho Cucamonga, California
    More about Matt
  • Loren Pawelski BA '24

    International Political Economy with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett has been my favorite class. It is the most comprehensive study of the formation of contemporary global economy available at Lewis & Clark, and Dr. Bennett is an expert at accessibly presenting subject material and leading class discussions.

    Loren Pawelski BA ’24
    International Affairs
    More about Loren

What Can You Do With a Degree in International Affairs?

Our alumni use their BA in international affairs to pursue a wide range of careers in academia, government, journalism, nonprofits, public service, and beyond. Some of our alumni have been awarded competitive fellowships and scholarships, like the Rangel and Rhodes, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees.

Dedicated Faculty

Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.

Meet the Professors

  • 2,194 

    As of fall 2023, there are 2,194 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.

  • Equity 

    We are the only liberal arts school in Oregon on Colleges of Distinction’s “Best Equity and Inclusion” list for 2023–24.

  • 28+34 

    Lewis & Clark offers 28 majors and 34 minors.

  • 19 

    Average class size for undergraduate students

  • 52 

    nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body

Invest in Yourself

A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.

Find Your People

The Meridian is an annual publication dedicated to providing a forum for student views on international and cross-cultural issues. Model United Nations is a student club that concentrates on the workings of the United Nations, as well as research on various countries and their foreign policies.

Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You

  • Emma Contreras BA '19

    I’ve been working as a paralegal since my last semester at Lewis & Clark. My first job was working at a small immigration law firm in downtown Portland. I’ve since shifted to civil litigation and currently work at a medical malpractice defense firm.

    Emma Contreras BA ’19
    International Affairs and Hispanic Studies
    More about Emma
  • Alaina King BA '19

    As a budding professional in the field of international education, I feel incredibly lucky that I get to work in a field where I can tap into my undergraduate studies on a daily basis.

    Alaina King BA ’19
    International Affairs and French Studies
    More about Alaina
  • Cole Harris BA '20

    L&C taught me to love the process of learning.

    Cole Harris BA ’20
    International Affairs | Political Economy
    More about Cole

More News and Events →

Bob Mandel

Professor of International Affairs, Chair of International Affairs, and Marc Messina Chair
mandel@lclark.edu
503-768-7633