Intellectual Orientation
The University of Chicago's Committee on International Relations (CIR) has a tradition of leadership and innovation in the study of international relations. Since the era of Hans Morgenthau, CIR has been known as one of the most distinguished leaders in the study of international security. Committee members such as Charles Glaser, John Mearsheimer, and Robert Pape carry on this tradition.
International political economy, institutions and globalization are another focal point of the CIR program. Charles Lipson, Saskia Sassen and Duncan Snidal have made original contributions in this area. Bruce Cumings, Gary Herrigel, and Dali Yang are leading experts in the political economy of Europe and East Asia.
Another tradition of the Committee, international law and human rights, pioneered by Quincy Wright, has enjoyed a resurgence of interest among both faculty and students. Human Rights is now a well-established field within the MA program. The Committee also has great depth and breadth in the study of comparative politics and development. Its faculty members are intellectual leaders on the major regions of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Russia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
The combination of intellectual diversity and analytical strength provides a stimulating environment for students. The small size and intellectual rigor of the Committee ensure that students with differing perspectives will challenge each other and come to a more sophisticated understanding of the complicated interaction between the realities of international politics and economy and the requirements of morality. This rich program has provided excellent preparation for students, whether they choose to continue their graduate studies in leading doctoral programs, or decide to work in government or the private sector.
