International Policy Studies - International Security Stanford University

Overview

The International Policy Studies - International Security programme at Stanford University is designed to equip future leaders with the analytical tools required to navigate global challenges. This specialised track operates under the guidance of the Center for International Security and Cooperation to ensure academic excellence.

Students engage with a curriculum that balances theoretical frameworks with practical applications in modern statecraft. The programme emphasises the intersection of technology, law, and international relations, fostering a deep understanding of how these forces shape contemporary global security landscapes.

The learning environment encourages critical thinking regarding the ethics of warfare and the complexities of international mediation.

Why International Policy Studies - International Security at Stanford University?

This programme is uniquely supported by the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, providing students with unparalleled access to leading experts. The curriculum is guided by the Center for International Security and Cooperation, a premier research centre for global safety and policy.

The institution offers a distinctive teaching approach that integrates interdisciplinary research with real-world policy challenges. Students benefit from the university's strategic location and its strong connections to both government agencies and innovative technology sectors in Silicon Valley.

Facilities at the university provide a collaborative space where students can engage in high-level research and policy simulation. The programme's reputation for excellence ensures that graduates are well-positioned to influence international security debates and contribute to global stability.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 28585 per semester
• National fee: USD 28585 per semester
• Local fee: USD 28585 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Contemporary Issues in International Security
• Strategic Technology and Global Challenges
• Geographic Information Science (GIS)
• Power and Institutions in the Global Economy
• Presidents and Foreign Policy in Modern History
• China and its Military
• Ethics and Law of War
• India in the Indo-Pacific
• Research Topics in Technology and National Security
• Technology, Policy, and US-China Relations
• AI, Autonomy, and the Future of Warfare
• The Asian Triangle: Japan, Korea and China
• Silicon Valley and the U.S. Government
• Nuclear Strategy, Law, and Politics
• Economic Statecraft
• Technology, Innovation and Great Power Competition
• Innovating for National Security
• International Law
• Transitional Justice
• Business, Social Responsibility, and Human Rights
• Confronting Misinformation Online: Law and Policy
• Negotiation
• Solving National Security issues with the Lean Launchpad

Careers with International Policy Studies - International Security

Graduates of this programme are prepared for influential roles within international organisations, national governments, and non-governmental agencies. The focus on security and technology makes them highly sought after by employers in the public and private sectors globally.

Potential career paths include roles in diplomatic services, intelligence analysis, and policy consultancy. Many alumni find success in international criminal tribunals, human rights organisations, and strategic think tanks, where they apply their expertise to manage complex global risks.

The programme also prepares students for careers in the private sector, particularly in industries concerned with risk management and emerging technologies. Graduates are equipped to lead initiatives that address misinformation, nuclear strategy, and the ethical implications of modern warfare.