In 2013, more than 50 internationally minded organizations in Arizona came together to discuss the future of the state from an international perspective. The summit’s ultimate goal was to bring attention to international relations efforts in Arizona and provide an opportunity for government agencies, industry representatives, and humanitarian aid organizations to come together and build connections that strengthen relationships with international stakeholders.
This summit was just on example of the many efforts that state government agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Arizona make to promote international cooperation, understanding, and relationships vital to the health of the state.
Positive international relations pave the way to strong trade partnerships, which are vital to Arizona’s economy:
- More than 93,000 jobs in Arizona depend on international export
- More than 7,000 companies in Arizona participate in international exporting
- More than 83,000 workers in Arizona were employed by foreign-controlled companies
Just some of the major sources of foreign investment in Arizona include: Canada, the U.K., Germany, and France. Further, since 2005, exports with countries that have free trade agreements with the U.S. have increased 61 percent in Arizona, with Korea, Israel, Australia, and Chile leading the way.
Choosing a Degree in International Relations
A degree in international relations lays the foundation for those aspiring to become:
- Foreign policy advisors
- Diplomats
- Ambassadors
- Foreign Outreach Workers
- NGO Managers and Directors
- Humanitarian Aid Program Directors
- Interpreters and Translators
- Intelligence Analysts
- Security Analysts
- Immigration Specialists
Many of these programs now offer distance learning and online courses as to accommodate today’s busy professionals.
Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations
Bachelor’s degrees in international relations allow students to explore the interactions among peoples and nations and develop communication and research skills that enable them to analyze and form solutions to a variety of international issues. Many times, these programs are designed as:
- BA/BS in International Relations
- BA/BS in International Studies
- BA/BS in International Relations and Global Politics
- BA/BS in International Relations and Pacific Studies
- BA/BS in International Relations and Diplomacy
Most undergraduate degree programs with a major in international relations allow students to focus their study on a specific area with a minor in such areas as:
- European studies
- Asia studies
- Middle East studies
- Global environmental issues
- International policy
- International economics
- Latin American studies
- War and peace
Master’s Degrees in International Relations
Master’s degrees in international relations allow students to understand complex, transnational issues and manage programs related to diplomacy, international development, global security and much more.
Just a few of the career options for professionals with graduate degrees in international relations include:
- International relations officer
- Foreign affairs analyst
- Immigration specialist
- Intelligence specialist
Master’s degree programs in international relations may be designed as:
- MA/MS in International Relations
- MA/MS in International Affairs
- MA/MS in Diplomacy and International Relations
- MA/MS in Global Studies and International Relations
Admission into a master’s degree in international relations requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Though a specific undergraduate major isn’t typically stipulated, there are often course prerequisites. Other requirements may include a minimum undergraduate GPA and minimum GRE scores.
Core coursework in a master’s degree in international relations covers fundamentals of international relations theory, research methods, the global economy, and global security.
In addition to core courses, these degree programs allow students to develop in-depth knowledge in a chosen specialty. Many programs also require students to choose a regional core to study in-depth, such as:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- The Middle East
- Russia and Central Eurasia
- Islamic Studies
Tracks in master’s degree programs in international relations (and some of the coursework in these tracks) include:
Comparative and Regional Studies
- Theories of international and comparative studies
- Global political economy
- Introduction to economic theory
Global Governance, Politics, and Security
- Global international relations theory
- International economics
- History of global politics
International Economic Relations
- International economics
- International trade relations
- International financial relations
United States Foreign Policy and National Security
- Foreign policy: institutions and processes
- Foreign policy: theories of decision making
- Fundamentals of U.S. foreign economic policy
Arizona’s Contribution to International Trade, Security, Development, and Humanitarian Aid
The focus on international relations in Arizona is evident through the many agencies and organizations that support positive international affairs through: networking, the cultivation of personal and business relationships, and mutual understanding and respect:
Arizona Council for International Visitors
The Arizona Council for International Visitors (AZCIV), a World Affairs Council, is a private, non-partisan organization that hosts international visitors in Arizona. With the help and cooperation of the U.S. Department of State, the AZCIV has hosted thousands of international visitors to Arizona, many of whom have ultimately chose to become political, community, or business leaders in their home countries.
For 47 years, the AZCIV has included more than 250 corporate and individual members, volunteers, and citizen diplomats. It hosts more than 250 international visitors each year.
The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) is committed to:
- Driving collaboration among internationally oriented organizations in the Metro Phoenix area
- Engaging policy makers on improving Arizona’s international competitiveness
- Educating the community on relevant international issues
- Providing members with the opportunity to engage with leading international experts
The PCFR believes that unbiased information leads to improved policymaking. They are also focused on promoting a better understanding of global trends and on improving community relationships and the global business climate.
Organizations Committed to International Relations in Arizona
From nonprofit organizations that focus on international humanitarian efforts to Arizona companies that rely on international exports, the promotion of international affairs ensures that Arizona remains a leader in positive international relations:
Nonprofit Organizations
- Arizona Council for International Visitors
- The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
- International Rescue Committee, Phoenix
- Border Action Network, Tucson
- Water for People, Phoenix
Governmental Agencies
- International Trade Commission, Phoenix, Tucson
- U.S. Export Assistance Center, Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale
- Arizona Commerce Authority
- Arizona District Export Council
Arizona Exporters Partnering with the U.S. Government
- Bechtel International Inc., Glendale
- Competitive Engineering Inc., Tucson
- Southwest Windpower Inc., Flagstaff
- Harter Aerospace, Tempe
- Syncardia Systems, Inc., Tucson
- First Solar, Tempe