Stephen W. Bosworth
The 21st century has presented the world with profound challenges. For example, long-prevailing rules regarding the use of force, national sovereignty and humanitarian intervention—the norms by which nations' actions have been measured for several centuries—no longer seem to hold. Also, the forces of globalization have produced many winners, but they have created losers as well. Equally pressing transnational issues—such as climate change, international terrorism and resource depletion—are beyond any one country's ability to address, yet effective multilateral responses have yet to be fully formulated, much less implemented.
Common to all of these challenges are the myriad connections of history, politics and culture that we must understand. Fortunately, the rigorous, interdisciplinary nature of Fletcher's curriculum focuses specifically on those connections. In fact, a Fletcher education itself can best be understood as a series of connections.
Fletcher's philosophy connects theory and practice. We train broadly knowledgeable and curious leaders to translate their thorough grounding in the latest political, economic, business and legal thinking into practical, successful actions that shape international issues and events.
Fletcher's curriculum connects interests and coursework. The flexibility of our curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their particular interests in the international arena and encourages them to explore those interests from new perspectives.
Fletcher's community connects students to an academic, professional and social network that lasts a lifetime. Our professors and alumni are active players on the global stage and are ready and willing to share their experience and contacts with our current students.
Fletcher makes one further connection: The rigor and flexibility of our degree programs; our presence and reputation in the public, private and nonprofit sectors; and our active network of successful alumni all help connect our students to rewarding international careers.
If you are an individual who is fascinated by the connections that drive international affairs, I invite you to explore the possibilities Fletcher has to offer.
Dean Stephen W. Bosworth