Director's Welcome
The Center for International Affairs and World Cultures (CIAWC) was relaunched in 2023 as a new home for research and timely discussion on major world events. Our signature global crisis speakers series spotlights a range of perspectives about today’s most pressing global challenges, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the future of AI and governance, international cooperation in outer space, the war in Israel and Gaza, the geopolitics of China, and many more.
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Underlying all of the center’s activities is the question of how international cooperation, empathy, and diplomacy can help tackle major world challenges. To investigate this, our invited speakers and affiliated scholars provide context and expertise, stemming from history, culture, identity, and policy. CIAWC is poised to be a leading venue for the discussion and investigation of global security issues, policy solutions, and timely analysis. Building on strengths in interdisciplinarity, regional expertise, and networks beyond the university, we aim to be a resource for the Northeastern community and beyond. | |
In October 2024, the Center launched its flagship program entitled, “Transnational Political Networks & The Future of Global Order.” Transnational political networks – groups of individuals who transcend national boundaries – are major forces shaping global order, even despite great power competition. They have championed groundbreaking ideas for international cooperation across a wide range of issue areas, such as climate change, nuclear weapons, outer space, and artificial intelligence. | |
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Under Professor Mai'a Cross’s leadership, the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures aims to break new ground in the investigation of transnational political networks through its focus on the types of networks that matter and how they gain influence. At both the societal and elite levels, certain networks have social power, derived from the legitimacy of their ideas, which are often ultrasocial in nature (i.e. inclusive, empathic, and aimed at the common good), global, and transformational.
Support for this project is provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. Carnegie Corporation of New York is a philanthropic foundation created by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to do “real and permanent good in this world.” For more details on this initiative and Professor Cross’s work, you can read the full article here.
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Each year, the CIAWC features a project related to international affairs and/or world cultures and is close to publication/dissemination. CIAWC co-hosts/hosts a workshop for the project. Calls for applications go out in April/May or September/October. A brief synopsis of the workshop and photos are posted on the website. We envision that projects from the Global Ideas Lab might become global spotlight projects. All spotlight project leaders will meet with the research development team in CSSH and NURes at the provost level to explore ongoing research after the spotlight year. The featured Global Spotlight Project for 2024-2025 is the Governing Artificial Intelligence for Humanity project. | |
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On October 23 2024, Professor Denise Garcia held a workshop to convene practitioners and scholars in the field to gather data for a broad-audience trade book explaining AI’s governing forces to the public and a special issue collection of articles in a high-ranked academic journal by researchers from the Institute for Experiential Robotics (IER) in collaboration with networks or practitioners and researchers. This project was presented at the United Nations Summit for the Future. Part of the reform discussions include AI governance.
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Global Spotlight Project 2022-2024
Space Diplomacy
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On November 18th, 2021, Professor Cross convened a one day workshop at Northeastern bringing together 12 experts in the field of space diplomacy. A program of the workshop can be found here.
On June 12, 2023, the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures hosted a symposium on Space Diplomacy at the Leiden University in the Hague. A program of the symposium can be found here. This global spotlight project has resulted in the publication of a double-length special issue on Space Diplomacy, in the Hague Journal of Diplomacy, with guest editors Professors Mai’a K. Davis Cross and Saadia Pekkanen.
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The CIAWC’s Global Ideas Lab provides Northeastern faculty with the funding and space needed to convene meetings amongst potential collaborators, both inside and outside of Northeastern. These projects may be collaborative or an opportunity for scholars working on similar topics to share feedback on specific research topics. We are particularly interested in supporting scholars and projects trying to work across new fields and disciplines.
Interested in applying? Visit our Call for Proposals
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Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz | |
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Alanna Elizabeth Moli
Alanna is interested in nuclear disarmament and the ethical opposition to nuclear weaponry, particularly in Africa and South America. Also, she is interested in efforts to promote gender equality and abolish harmful traditional practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Alanna Elizabeth recently attended the dialogue to the United Nations at Geneva where she researched and evaluated disarmament efforts in Central Africa to develop policy recommendations. She aspires to continue her education at the J.D. level and obtain her law degree and master’s in international affairs, to work as an attorney and foreign service officer one day.
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Eva De Menezes Martins Langer
Eva is passionate about security issues, with a strong focus on counterterrorism, conflict studies, and post-conflict development. Currently, she’s pursuing a Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies through the Plus One Program and is committed to enhancing resilience strategies in both government and private sectors. Her experience includes working as a Research Assistant analyzing the global refugee crisis and participating in a Dialogue of Civilizations in the Balkans, where she studied post-war reconciliation, disaster recovery, and anti-corruption efforts.
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State of the World
Leading experts will delve into the critical challenges facing global politics, such as China, the environment, and US foreign policy and discuss how international cooperation can offer solutions to these pressing issues.
Join us on Oct 28 from 5-6:15pm EST online or in person.
New Location: Curry Student Center, 2nd Floor Suites, Room 228.
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Global Humanitarian Conversations with an Alumna
Join us for an inspiring session with Maisam Alahmed, an expert in international development and post-crisis initiatives. As a former Junior Professional Officer at UNESCO in Paris and a research consultant for UN agencies in Jordan, Maisam will share her journey, key experiences, and lessons learned to students.
Join us on Oct 31 from 5-6:15pm at Cargill Hall 097.
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Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: Post US Elections
Join us as we explore how the outcomes of recent U.S. elections could affect American foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine. We will cover topics such as potential shifts in political support for Ukraine, changes in military aid and sanctions against Russia, and the broader implications for U.S.-Russia relations.
Join us on Nov 21 from 5-6:15pm at Renaissance Park 310
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The Future of the Middle East Peace Process
On Feb 4, 2025, the Center will host special guests Dennis Ross and Ghaith Al-Omari, in its Leaders in Foreign Service Speaker Series in a talk titled, The Future of the Middle East Peace Process. Together, they will provide insights into the current dynamics of the Israel-Gaza War and explore potential pathways toward lasting peace in the Middle East.
Join us on Feb 4 from 11-12:30pm EST online or in person at Raytheon Amphitheater (240 Egan).
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The Future of Global Governance on AI: Challenges and Processes | On Oct 23rd, AI experts like Professor JP Singh, Professor Ingvild Bode, Dr. Anna Nadibaidze joined Professor Denise Garcia for her Global Spotlight Project workshop explored the future of AI in our lives, dove into the global challenges and processes shaping AI governance, including the launch of HuMach—a groundbreaking research initiative on AI and human-machine interactions. | |  |
On Sep 30, 2024, the center hosted its Annual Celebration to welcome back faculty and staff for the new academic year. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks while hearing from Director Mai'a Cross about exciting upcoming events and programs. | | |
On Sep 26, 2024, the Center hosted an engaging discussion on the United Nations Summit of the Future, featuring Professor Denise Garcia and esteemed guest Professor Patrícia Nogueira Rinaldi. | |
On Sep 25, 2024, the Center co-hosted "Feminist Foreign Policy" with CPS. Moderated by Northeastern Professor Fiona Creed, the discussion explored how feminist foreign policy is transforming Germany’s international relations. Students heard from Sonja Kreibich, Consul General of Germany in New England, and Kristina Lunz, Founder of the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy. | |
As part of our Book Launch Series, on February 22, 2024, Center Director Mai’a K. Davis Cross and distinguished public policy thought leaders Dr. Esther Brimmer (Council for Foreign Relations), Gloriela Iguina-Colón (C40 Cities), and Dr. Divyansh Kaushik (Federation of American Scientists) convened for an engaging conversation about the public policy implications of Prof. Cross’s new book, International Cooperation Against All Odds: The Ultrasocial World. | |
The CIAWC organizes and holds relevant panel discussions about global crises as they emerge. Events are open to all members of the Northeastern community and feature faculty experts in the field. | |
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November 8, 2023
Issues of International Law and Human Rights for Palestinians and Israelis
More details here
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The Perils and Promise of AI in World Politics | |
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November 16, 2023
Jewish History and Jewish Responses
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Conversation with Mai’a Cross: Meetings with WorldBoston
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On April 16, 2024, the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures hosted its inaugural speaker, Karen Donfried, in its Leaders in Foreign Service Speaker Series in a talk titled, Transatlantic Relations in a Time of War: Taking Stock of Russia’s War against Ukraine.
More details here
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On October 24th, author Denise Garcia presented her latest book, "The AI Military Race: Common Good Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." Published in February 2024, this timely and thought-provoking work reshapes the discourse surrounding AI and its impact on international relations.
In this groundbreaking work, Denise Garcia explored the pressing issues surrounding the militarization of artificial intelligence. With a keen focus on shaping a new global framework for governance, Garcia offered innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by AI in military contexts.
During the book talk, Garcia delved into key themes such as:
- Shaping a New Legal-Political Framework
- Building a Peaceful Future Order
- Warning Against Hostile Utilization
- Navigating Existing Legal and Political Frameworks
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Student Engagement Projects | |
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Best Paper Prize
Each year, the Center accepts nominations for the best undergraduate essay in world history and global affairs. We are looking for papers that are well-written and researched, grapple with global issues or questions, and represent a sophisticated grasp of the material. We look for work that bridges theory and practice in the humanities and social sciences to deepen policy-oriented expertise and encourage global public engagement.
More details here
International Affairs Policy Brief Series
The CIAWC aims to tap into Northeastern’s network of undergraduate and graduate students to discover innovative answers to growing foreign policy concerns that the world may confront. The International Affairs Policy Brief series program allows applicants to put their academic expertise to the test by translating it into policy language and insights. Applicants are invited to submit 2,000-2,500 word policy briefs analyzing a current issue and providing policy recommendations. After a competitive selection process, authors of essays selected for publication will receive a gift card. The deadline for submissions is Dec 16, 2024.
More details here
World Cultures “Explainer” Series
The CIAWC aims to tap into Northeastern’s network of undergraduate and graduate students to help shed light on today’s global challenges. The World Cultures Explainer series invites applicants to submit a clear and accurate account or brief history of a current issue/event related to a region of the world or a particular country. Essays should be 2,000-2,500 words. After a competitive selection process, authors of essays selected for publication will receive a gift card. The deadline for submissions is Dec 16, 2024.
More details here
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360 Huntington Avenue
210A RP
Boston, MA 02115
https://cssh.northeastern.edu/internationalcenter/
internationalcenter@northeastern.edu
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