The international system has grown in complexity since the end of the Cold War, and international issues and events impinge increasingly on our daily lives.
Modern communications bring contemporary problems instantly to our attention.
No state, and no people, particularly Americans, can be isolated from the world events or unaffected by issues involving foreign policy and war, international trade, or developments in countries far from our borders. To gain an understanding of these issues is rewarding in itself, and necessary for the informed citizen. It also opens the way to a variety of careers, in government, international organizations, law, business and non-profit institutions, and academia. Indeed the Syracuse program is more eclectic than those at many other institutions, recognizing that cultural studies such as fine arts and literature can in some instances be as important in the understanding of other societies as history or geography. This broad approach enables you to design your own program, responsive to your individual interests, as well as academic and career aspirations.