Global Governance and International Organizations

The theory and practice of global governance is a dynamic, complex and increasingly important dimension of world affairs. While there is no universally-accepted definition of global governance, for our purposes it describes institutionalized collective action among governments and other actors to manage their affairs beyond the level of the nation state. International organizations–broadly defined to encompass inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multi-stakeholder arrangements that may include corporations and sub-state actors–are central to the field. Employing a multi-disciplinary lens, we look at the norms (both legal and non-legal), policies, procedures and standard practices of these institutions. In addition to courses on the organizations themselves, course offerings cover substantive areas in which international institutions play a significant role, such as conflict management, human rights, the environment, development, migration, and international trade. Students who specialize in the field acquire a) basic knowledge of the nature, functions and forms of global governance; b) an understanding of the role institutions play in the development and implementation of international law and policies; c) an understanding of the practices of international institutions, including how law and politics interact in them; and d) an ability to think critically about the significance of global governance arrangements to contemporary world affairs. Career opportunities include inter-governmental organizations, the diplomatic corps and other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and positions in private sector firms that engage with international organizations and related government offices.

Field Advisor

Research Centers

Center for International Law and Governance 

Field Requirements

In addition to the required course, MALD and MIB students must take two courses from the list below. 

In addition to the required course, MGA students must take five courses from the list below, at least one of which must address multi-stakeholder/transnational governance. 

MALD and MIB: 3 courses in field of study 

MGA: 6 courses in field of study 

Total Credits Required

MALD and MIB: 9.0 credits 

MGA: 18.0 credits plus Practicum

  • ILO L220 International Organizations

  • DHP D216M Networks, Analytics, and Organizations I 

    DHP D220 Processes of International Negotiations  

    DHP D225 Conflict Resolution Practice 

    DHP D227M Small States: Asymmetry and Influence

    DHP D230 Humanitarian Action in Complex Emergencies 

    DHP D232 Gender, Conflict and Culture in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies 

    DHP D234 Humanitarian Leadership: The Political and Policy Challenges of Being in Charge 

    DHP D238 Current Issues in Global Immigration Policy  

    DHP D239 Forced Migration 

    DHP D241 Climate and Migration  

    DHP D280 U.S.-EU Relations in the 21st Century: A multidisciplinary Analysis of Transatlantic Affairs  

    DHP D284 Europe in the Changing World Order 

    DHP H250 Global Decolonization

    DHP H275 South Asia and the World

    DHP P202M Security Sector Reform: Conceptual and Contextual Issues in Peacebuilding 

    DHP P203 Analytic Frameworks for International Public Policy Decisions 

    DHP P222 Development Aid in Policy and Practice 

    DHP P225 Design, Monitoring and Evaluation of Peacebuilding and Development Programming 

    DHP P228M Advanced Evaluation and Learning in International Organizations 

    DHP P253 Sustainable Development Diplomacy 

    DHP P257 Corporate Management of Environmental Issues 

    DHP P292 The End of the World and What Comes Next 

    EIB B223 Informal and Underground Finance  

    EIB B230 Managing NGOs and Social Enterprises 

    EIB B242 Innovation Models for Building Inclusive Businesses 

    EIB B252 Corporate Social Responsibility in an Age of Globalization 

    EIB B254M Cross-Sector Partnerships 

    EIB B264 Strategic Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations 

    EIB B291 Leadership: Building Teams, Organizations, and Shaping Your Path 

    ILO L200 International Legal Order 

    ILO L201 Public International Law  

    ILO L209M International Treaty Behavior 

    ILO L210 International Human Rights Law 

    ILO L213 International Criminal Justice 

    ILO L214M Transitional Justice 

    ILO L215 Ethics in the Practice of Foreign Affairs 

    ILO L221 Actors in Global Governance 

    ILO L222 Selected Issues in Law of the Sea 

    ILO L223 International Environmental Law 

    ILO L224 Peace Operations 

    ILO L240 Legal and Institutional Aspects of International Trade 

    ILO L250 Law and Development 

    ILO L264 Non-Proliferation Law and Institutions 

    ILO L270 International Law Practicum

  • DHP D216M Networks, Analytics, and Organizations I 

    DHP P228M Advanced Evaluation and Learning in International Organizations 

    DHP P253 Sustainable Development Diplomacy 

    DHP P257 Corporate Management of Environmental Issues 

    EIB B223 Informal and Underground Finance  

    EIB B230 Managing NGOs and Social Enterprises 

    EIB B242 Innovation Models for Building Inclusive Businesses 

    EIB B252 Corporate Social Responsibility in an Age of Globalization 

    EIB B254 Cross-Sector Partnerships 

    EIB B264 Strategic Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations 

    EIB B291 Leadership: Building Teams, Organizations, and Shaping Your Path 

    ILO L221 Actors in Global Governance

  • One skills course is required for the MGA. MALD and MIB students may not use these courses as a field elective unless otherwise indicated above. The following courses that teach skills that are valuable for careers in this field.

    DHP D216M Networks, Analytics and Organizations I 

    DHP D220 Processes of International Negotiations 

    DHP D225 Conflict Resolution Practice 

    DHP D234 Humanitarian Leadership: The Political and Policy Challenges of Being in Charge 

    DHP P203 Analytic Frameworks for International Public Policy Decisions 

    DHP P225 Design, Monitoring and Evaluation

    DHP P228M Advanced Evaluation and Learning in International Organizations 

    EIB B291 Leadership: Building Teams, Organizations, & Shaping Your Path 

    ILO L270 International Law Practicum

  • In addition to the six-course requirement, MGA students must take either the International Law Practicum or an ad hoc practicum, which will vary from year to year.

Faculty with expertise in the field: