Exploring critical global challenges and the related policies
of individuals, countries and international organizations
The Global Policy Institute is a multidisciplinary research, teaching and community education institute at the University of Southern California. We focus on university programs that involve faculty, students, policymakers and members of the public.
About Us
Our institute focuses on global policy issues and hosts programs that involve faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, policy-makers and members of the public.
Meet the Fellows
Fellows are students passionate about international relations. Our fellows have studied and worked all over the world and come from diverse backgrounds.
Student Resources
GPI has compiled resources that can aid students interested in international relations and foreign affairs in their professional and academic development.
Event Calendar
Our fellows work to develop programming that brings together faculty, students and policymakers to discuss key global challenges. From crisis briefings to panels, from professional development events to our monthly book club, the Global Policy Institute aims to create an environment that promotes community education and informed understanding.
At USC’s Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies this month, students traveled to Catalina Island and researched the world summit’s impact on climate change mitigation. Specifically, the students looked at COP26 and climate justice through the lens of social justice.
Learn about their research and other ways to get involved in climate change, diplomacy and global affairs research.
RSVP
Learn about a career for the U.S. Department of State from Travis Glynn, a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and hear him talk about his pathway to holding a position within the government. All majors and years are invited to attend this panel and Q&A.
RSVP
Learn about the application process, being a strong applicant, pursuing a PhD or master’s degree and different career paths in academia within political science and international relations. All majors and years are invited to attend this panel and Q&A.
RSVP
Join us for a discussion on the role of journalists and the important of media freedom in today’s world. We will be joined virtually by Stephanie Sugars, a senior reporter from the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.
RSVP
Students will network with a few USC seniors who will be discussing their professional and academic experiences at USC, in Washington D.C. and across the world!
If you can’t join us in person, join us over Zoom here.
RSVP
Join us for a discussion on the political and humanitarian consequences of U.S. withdrawal, how we got here and what recent developments mean for the future of Afghanistan — in terms of everything from migration to human rights.
GPI is joined by Sonila Sonila and Steve Swedlow. Prof. Sonila will join GPI via video from Kyrgyzstan, where she is currently based. Prof. Swerdlow will be with students in person to moderate discussion.
RSVP
COP26: What’s at Stake?
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, is the world’s most important conference on climate change. This year, the conference is being held in Glasgow, Scotland.
The USC Global Policy Institute’s COP26 series explores the conference, issues related to climate change and the environmental movement altogether. Follow along as we publish articles throughout the duration of the conference (Oct. 31 to Nov. 12) and host COP 26-related events and programs.
Recent Editorials
Global Policy Institute fellows draft articles each week on global issues and challenges. Fellows choose topics of interest to them related to traditional and human security, economics, the environment, technology, international organizations and global institutions.
Read more of our work here.
Nature is healing — or is it?
COVID-19 is impacting climate change, and vice versa. In both scenarios, wildlife is feeling the impacts.
COP26 or FLOP26: What happened at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference?
Was Glasgow a success? GPI fellows analyze the wins and losses of COP26.
Hit or Miss: A comparison of climate goals among G20 countries
Canada. Russia. Germany. Argentina. All members of the G20. All tackling wildly varied climate actions plans.
Small Island Developing States fight for survival at COP26
SIDs contribute the least to climate change, and yet, are most impacted by it.
Conflict and Climate: How the changing environment is creating a human security crisis
The climate crisis is creating the conditions under which extremism and conflict thrive.
Negotiations in Glasgow seek to build on the Paris Agreement
It’s been five years since COP21 — how did we get here?
Clean skies ahead? The economic solutions to climate problems
World leaders unveil market solutions at the COP26 conference.
Katie Abrams
Alumnae
“The Global Policy Institute helps shine a light on problems that need to be addressed, and I am proud to be a part of that.”
Lizzie Shepherd
Fellow
“Working for GPI gives me the opportunity to apply my studies to current events and deepen my understanding of global affairs.
Mia Speier
Co-Director
“GPI has given me, and countless others, the opportunity to meet amazing people and discuss critical issues facing our world.”
Contact Us
Join Our Mailing List
Join our mailing list in order to stay up to date on all of GPI’s events, programs, announcements and editorial content.