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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>Organic Chemistry II with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Casey Jones</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Many people are afraid of organic chemistry because it is so different from what they are used to in their general chemistry classes. However, Professor Jones and the rest of the chemistry department make this knowledge very accessible and interesting to students by connecting theoretical principles to real problems in the life sciences and medicine.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/13069-luca-sax"> <a href="/live/profiles/13069-luca-sax">Luca Sax BA ’22</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 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>Introduction to International Affairs with Professor Kyle Lascurettes</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class not only introduced me to global studies, but carved out the career path I am on today. As our world becomes more interconnected, I think any student would benefit from understanding the global system and America’s role within it.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/23385-isabel-zangoglia"> <a href="/live/profiles/23385-isabel-zangoglia">Isabel Zangoglia BA ’22</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and World Languages/Japanese and Spanish (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>Ancient Cities with Assistant Professor of History Joel Sweek</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The class was demanding, but Professor Sweek is a true expert in his field. The class had the kind of academic rigor and seriousness that I’d hoped to find in college. Professor Sweek’s lectures were brilliantly engaging and pushed me to think like a historian. The class left me in awe of the ancient world and inspired me to fully commit to pursuing a history major at L&C.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14674-mateo-kaiser"> <a href="/live/profiles/14674-mateo-kaiser">Mateo Kaiser BA ’23</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: History and international affairs (double) </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>Human Rights in International Affairs with Assistant Professor Suparna Chaudhry and Asian Studies Colloquium with Professor Jennifer Hubbert</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Both of these classes combined concepts from my majors together and challenged me academically. Additionally, the professors were extremely supportive of me and my success.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17133-rocio-yao"> <a href="/live/profiles/17133-rocio-yao">Rocío Yao BA ’24</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and Sociology and Anthropology (double) </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Ethnic 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>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>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>Genders and Sexualities in a Global Perspective with Professor Kim Cameron-Domínguez and Gender and Aesthetic Expression with Professor Therese Augst</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Because of the amazingly interdisciplinary way that the gender studies program at Lewis & Clark is run, these two classes allowed me to bring my other interests of international affairs and German language and culture into conversation with the topics of gender and sexuality.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/22486-logan-drain"> <a href="/live/profiles/22486-logan-drain">Logan Drain BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Gender 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>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>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>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>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>

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
  • Luca, smiling while standing on a pathway, wearing a yellow collared shirt printed with a colorful bird pattern and holding arm braces.

    For anyone who is looking to get involved with research on campus, don’t be shy! The professors are wonderful and enjoy working with students.

    Luca Sax BA ’22
    Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and International Affairs (double) | Munich, Germany
    More about Luca
  • Jana smiling outside wearing a black turtleneck top and a necklace.

    I am interested in pursuing a career in international law, and my international affairs and world languages majors greatly complement that interest.

    Jana Qasem BA ’26
    International Affairs and World Languages (double) | Middle East and North African Studies | Tigard, Oregon
    More about Jana

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

  • Elizabeth Bennett, Joseph M. Ha Associate Professor of International Affairs and Director of Political Economy

    L&C is a place where people express care, extend support, and nurture one another. Inclusion, accommodation, diversity, and difference are valued here.

    Joseph M. Ha Associate Professor of International Affairs and Director of Political Economy
    Elizabeth Bennett More about Elizabeth
  • 4-5-6 

    Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future.

  • 2,139 

    As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.

  • 12:1 

    Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

  • 52 

    nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body

  • 96% 

    Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps.

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

  • 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
  • Asher Kalman BA '18

    I’m currently a corporate lawyer at Cravath, Swaine and Moore in New York City in the mergers and acquisitions group. I work on transactions for large companies.

    Asher Kalman BA ’18
    International Affairs
    More about Asher
  • 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 →

Kyle M. Lascurettes

Associate Professor of International Affairs and Department Chair
klascurettes@lclark.edu
503-768-7746 (though email is best way to reach me)

klascurettes@lclark.edu

503-768-7746 (though email is best)