B.A. in International Political Economy and Diplomacy

In an era where there is a growing focus on economic diplomacy, UB’s B.A. in International Political Economy and Diplomacy fills a crucial niche. The major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the global political economy and with the analytical skills needed to evaluate change and direction. The study of the international economic system provides insight into how it produces and distributes wealth. The study of the international political system provides insight into how institutions and rules govern social and economic development. Because diplomatic negotiations form the basis of new international law, and because diplomacy operates within the framework of extant international law, the study of diplomacy is an important component in the study of international political economy. Political economy represents a nexus between politics and economics, and international political economy includes study of the area in which international politics and international economics meet. It represents an investigation of the political basis of economic action and the economic basis of political action. An important additional consideration is the role of international law in circumscribing political and economic activity. Recent graduates of the program have gone on to top graduate programs including Harvard, London, Johns Hopkins, Wisconsin and Columbia. IPED graduates are now working in places such as the UN, major INGOs and in numerous other international organizations and corporations. The IPED program has the following learning outcomes: Students will demonstrate an ability to explain and compare different political and economic systems; Students will be able to reflect on the role of culture, history and religion in international political economy; Students will be able to explain the role of diplomacy and conflict resolution in international relations; Students will demonstrate a basic working knowledge of a world language other than one’s mother tongue; Students will demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking in their evaluation of issues and problems in international political economy; Students will demonstrate practical skills in helping resolve global disputes through diplomacy and conflict resolution. Political economy represents a nexus between politics and economics, and international political economy includes the study of the area in which international politics and international economics meet. It represents an investigation of the political basis of economic action and the economic basis of political action. Students graduating from this program will therefore be prepared for graduate work at schools such as Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of London. Career tracks: Government Official, International Banker, Teacher/ College Professor, Political Analyst, Campaign Manager, Lobbyist, Legislative Assistant, Judge, Risk Analyst, Consultant, Public Relations Manager, Or explore possibilities in Corporate and Multinational Organizations, Global and Domestic Marketing, International Public Service, International Non-Government Organizations.