International Affairs Major International Affairs Major Students majoring in international affairs study issues of conflict and cooperation in the international system by examining domestic influences on state behavior, the foreign relations of states, and characteristics of the international system. Majors can choose from one of two tracks. 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This involves examination of domestic influences on state behavior, the foreign relations of states, characteristics of the international system, characteristics of states, and the role of non-state actors. Central concerns in International Affairs include power, strategy, war, international cooperation, governance, political institutions and structure, human security, civil society, trade, economic development, ideology, and culture. International Affairs majors think critically about complex political issues, they will learn how to test hypotheses using reliable methods and evidence, evaluate the moral dimension of issues in international relations and comparative politics, appreciate the problem of uncertainty and its significance, and see important events and issues from multiple perspectives. As a social science, International Affairs is organized around alternative theoretical schools of thought that seek to explain international phenomena. The ability to understand, anticipate and shape the complex dynamics of the international environment (between and within states) is of direct relevance to U.S. Army officers, whose careers will be defined by the problems and opportunities that merge within the international system. Majors can choose from one of two tracks and have the opportunity to pursue academic minors in Grand Strategy or Counterterrorism. This major offers an honors track. This major offers an honors track. Cadets in this track must take SS395 - International Security and SS483 – the National Security Seminar Institutions, Governance, and Development TrackCadets in this track must take SS475 Comparative International Institutions and SS487 International Political Economy. To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Humanities and Social Science.Podcast: West Point cadets on why they chose to major in Social Sciences International Affairs Major (All Tracks)Required CoursesSS360POL SCI RESEARCH METHODS SS366COMPARATIVE POLITICSSS386POLITICAL THOUGHT Foreign Policy and Security Studies TrackRequired Courses SS395 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY 3.0 SS483 NATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR Sample ElectivesCY460 CYBER POLICY, STRATEGY, & OPNSSS372 POLITICS OF CHINASS374 POLITICS OF NORTHEAST ASIASS375 POL OF THE POST-SOVIET STATESSS377 POLITICS OF EUROPE SS383 POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST SS384 POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA SS385 HISTORY OF ECONOMICS SS399 SOCSCI INTERNSHIP/PRACTCAL EXP SS457 INTRODUCTION TO GRAND STRATEGYSS458 TOPICS IN GRAND STRATEGY SS464 HOMELAND SECURITY SS465 TERRORISM: NEW CHALLENGESSS472 THE AM STATE & THE SOLDIERSS473 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY SS476 CONFLICT AND NEGOTIATION SS478 DIST PROF OF SECURITY STUD SEM SS479 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION SS485 GOV & POLITICS SUB-SAHARAN AFRSS486 STATE BUILDING SS487 INT'L POLITICAL ECONOMYSS490B COLLOQUIUM (COMP POLITICS) SS490C COLLOQUIUM (INTER RELATIONS) This major offers an honors track. To learn more, view the full International Affairs: Foreign Policy and Security Studies Major Curriculum. Institutions, Governance, and Development TrackRequired CoursesSS475 COMP POLITICAL INSTITUTIONSSS487 INT'L POLITICAL ECONOMY Sample ElectivesSS372 POLITICS OF CHINASS374 POLITICS OF NORTHEAST ASIASS375 POL OF THE POST-SOVIET STATESSS377 POLITICS OF EUROPE SS381 CULTURAL/POLIT ANTHROPOLOGY SS383 POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST SS384 POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA SS385 HISTORY OF ECONOMICS SS399 SOCSCI INTERNSHIP/PRACTCAL EXP SS458 TOPICS IN GRAND STRATEGY SS462 ECON OF STABILIZATION & GROWTH SS473 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY SS476 CONFLICT AND NEGOTIATION SS477 ECONOMICS OF NATIONAL SECURITY SS478 DIST PROF OF SECURITY STUD SEM SS479 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION SS483 NATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR SS486 STATE BUILDING SS490B COLLOQUIUM (COMP POLITICS) SS490C COLLOQUIUM (INTER RELATIONS) This major offers an honors track. To learn more, view the full International Affairs: Institutions, Governance, and Development Major Curriculum. Majors can apply to participate in a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience, in places focused on providing cross-cultural experiences and human security issues. Past internship locations include: Vietnam, Mongolia, Morocco, Israel, Madagascar, Greece, and Nepal. Majors will also have the opportunity to participate, travel, and compete as a member of numerous clubs within the social sciences department, including: Domestic Affairs Forum, Debate Club, International Affairs Forum, Model United Nations, and Student Conference on United States Affairs. This major offers an honors track. Honor Societies:Golden Key - International Honour SocietyPhi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor SocietyTo learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences or the center associated with this department/area of study.