
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.
View our event calendar here.
At the end of this semester, Dr. Laurie A. Brand is retiring from a 32-year career at the University of Southern California. Dr. Brand, currently the Robert Grandford Wright Professor of International Relations and Middle East Studies, has been an integral part of both programs.

GPI is hosting our inaugural climate change think-a-thon! All students interested in participating, or attending our event series, are invited to learn more about this opportunity and competition here. Students can register for the think-a-thon in a team or individually to be placed on a team. Registration is open from March 15 to March 26.
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.

Joe Biden, Iran’s nuclear future and the path to progress
Joe Biden has the chance to transform U.S.-Iran relations. Will he?

Sino-Indian border clashes are driving India and the United States closer together
An increasingly assertive and aggressive China will only drive India and the United States closer together.

The world can’t give up on Cyprus
Any progress on Cyprus must first attempt to curb Turkish aggression.

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.
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