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 policy issues and hosts programs that involve faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, policy-makers and members of the public.
Meet the Fellows
GPI fellows are a students passionate about international relations and foreign affairs. Our fellows have studied and worked all over the world and come from diverse backgrounds.
Student Resources
GPI has compiled resources and information 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.
Due to COVID-19, our programming has moved online.
GPI invites students for a virtual panel on Wednesday, February 10 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. PST. The panel invites the alums to share their post-grad experiences and invites current students to ask questions during a Q&A portion at the end. This is a great way for students to network with recent graduates and to learn about career paths after receiving an international relations degree from USC.
Sally Roever is the international coordinator for WIEGO — Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing. WIEGO is a global research, policy and advocacy network focused on empowering the working poor, especially women, who are securing their livelihoods in informal economies around the world.
The USC Global Policy Institute is excited to welcome Valentine M. Moghadam, professor of sociology and international affairs at Northeastern University. Professor Moghadam will be discussing feminist foreign policy approaches to the U.S.-Iranian relationship with GPI.
In addition to her academic career, Prof. Moghadam has been Coordinator of the Research Program on Women and Development at the UNU’s WIDER Institute (Helsinki, 1990-1995) and a section chief on gender equality and development, at UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (Paris, 2004-2006).
The USC Global Policy Institute is excited to welcome Bennett Freeman, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights at the U.S. Department of State. Students, faculty, and members of the community are invited to join us in conversation for “The Challenge of Returning Human Rights to the Center of U.S. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy” on Wednesday, March 3 from 2:00-3:00 P.M. PST.
At the State Department, Mr. Freeman served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (1999- 2001); Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs (1997-99); and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and chief speechwriter for Secretary of State Warren Christopher (1993-97).
Join GPI in welcoming William Patterson University Professor Navyug Gill, Art of Citizenry Founder Manpreet Kalra and Ensaaf Co-Founder and Co-Director Sukhman Dhami in a discussion on the protests, their significance, social change in India and what comes next. Read more about our panelists below.
Katie Abrams
Co-Director
“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
Director of Communications
“GPI has given me and countless others, the opportunity to meet amazing people and discuss critical issues facing our world.”
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.
In favor of the Argentine wealth tax model for addressing COVID-19 supply shortages
To address global shortages of personal protective equipment amid COVID-19, countries ought to consider a wealth tax.
Ukraine battles a humanitarian crisis on two fronts — the Donbass conflict and COVID-19
The current ceasefire in Ukraine is still a cause for concern amid the region’s need for humanitarian aid.
Human rights advocates must stop calling for sanctions as a foreign policy tool
Sanctions too often end up harming the very communities they are intended to help.
India’s farmers take to the streets to protest agricultural bills
Ongoing farmers protests in India see thousands take to the street in demonstration.
Amid wave of anti-LGBT policy and autocratic rule in Poland, new abortion law sparks mass protests
Marchers defied coronavirus curfews in cities across the country in the largest protests since the fall of communism.
NGOs play a critical role in ensuring equitable global access to water
In the global pursuit of equitable water access, NGOs play a key role in solving the public-private gap.
Political opponents face suppression and detention under new Kyrgyzstan president
Under new leadership, Kyrgyzstan faces international criticism for a crackdown on political dissidents.
Five-term Ugandan President wins reelection, despite corruption allegations and a crackdown on human rights
President Museveni wins reelection against opposition leader Bobi Wine and now faces accusations of election, press freedom and human rights violations.
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