International Affairs Major International Affairs Major Students majoring in international affairs study issues of conflict and cooperation in the international system by examining domestic influences on state behavior, the foreign relations of states, and characteristics of the international system. Majors can choose from one of two tracks.Offered by the Department of Social Sciences. Breadcrumb academics majors and minors international affairs major academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Extracurricular Opportunities Service Academy Exchange Program Scholars Program Departments Overview Courses Enrichment Are you interested in global politics, strategy, or diplomacy? Do you enjoy history, debate, or understanding different cultures? Perhaps you have a desire to lead in international environments. If so, the International Affairs (IA) major at the United States Military at West Point may be a direction for your future. The IA major studies how governments make decisions, how international organizations operate, and what drives events like wars, revolutions, peace treaties, and global crises. The goal? To prepare you as a future Army officer to lead in a complex, interconnected world.What is International Affairs?International Affairs focuses on understanding how countries interact - through diplomacy, conflict, trade, culture, alliances, and war. It combines political science, history, economics, geography, and military strategy to help cadets become thoughtful, globally minded leaders. It asks big questions like: Why do countries go to war? How do alliances form? What keeps the peace?As a social science, IA is organized around alternative theoretical schools of thought that seek to explain international phenomena. The ability to understand, anticipate and shape the complex dynamics of the international environment (between and within states) is of direct relevance to U.S. Army officers, whose careers will be defined by the problems and opportunities that merge within the international system. Central IA concerns include power, strategy, war, international cooperation, governance, political institutions and structure, human security, civil society, trade, economic development, ideology, and culture. International Affairs majors think critically about complex political issues, they will learn how to test hypotheses using reliable methods and evidence, evaluate the moral dimension of issues in international relations and comparative politics, appreciate the problem of uncertainty and its significance, and see important events and issues from multiple perspectives. Majors can choose from one of two tracks and have the opportunity to pursue an academic minor in Terrorism Studies. The program also offers an honors track.Why Choose International Affairs at USMA?At West Point, the International Affairs major prepares cadets to become a globally aware, strategically minded Army officer - ready to operate anywhere in the world and help shape a more secure future.Think Globally, Lead StrategicallyCadets learn how to analyze global threats, understand allies and adversaries, and make decisions with international consequences - skills vital for any Army officer.Understand the Big PictureIA majors connect the dots between politics, economics, culture, and military power so they can lead effectively in fast-changing environments like the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, or Europe.Language and Culture OptionsMany IA cadets study foreign languages (like Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or French) and learn how culture influences global affairs - critical for working with partner nations and allied forces.Career-Ready VersatilityWhether a USMA graduate serves in Military Intelligence, Foreign Area Officer (FAO) roles, Special Forces, Cyber, or go into diplomacy or national security, IA gives them the foundation to succeed.Research, Travel, and Exchange OpportunitiesSome cadets do international internships, attend conferences, or even study abroad during summer academic enrichment programs.What To Do With This Major?Graduates will be ready to:Lead in Army branches like Military Intelligence, Civil Affairs, Foreign Area Officer, Special Forces, or CyberHelp shape U.S. strategy, foreign relations, or peace operationsWork with international organizations or defense policy officesAttend top graduate schools for international affairs, security studies, or political scienceInterested CadetsLearn about the Department of Social Sciences (SOSH)Contact SOSHContact the IA Academic CounselorPodcast: West Point Cadets on Why They Chose to Major in Social SciencesVideo: West Point's International Affairs Program Do you wonder how global events - like wars, alliances, and international crises - affect your life and the Army? Are you curious about how countries make decisions, solve conflicts, and work together (or don’t)? If so, the International Affairs major at West Point might be the perfect fit for you.This major teaches you how the world works beyond our borders. You’ll study politics, cultures, and security issues from around the globe - and learn how to be a smart, strategic leader in a world where everything is connected.Why Consider This MajorThe International Affairs major helps cadets become globally-minded leaders - ready to make smart, strategic decisions in a complex, ever-changing world.Army-Relevant Knowledge: Today’s Army officers deal with global threats, diplomacy, and international partnerships.Big Picture Thinking: Cadets learn how to think across borders and understand the political and cultural factors that shape the world.Real-World Application: Graduates apply what they learn to real-life military strategy, national security, and international missions.Global Perspective: Cadets gain the tools to lead in any region of the world with cultural awareness and strategic insight.What Cadets LearnThe International Affairs major blends political science, history, and global strategy. Cadets learn how governments interact, why conflicts happen, and how peace is maintained (or lost). Core topics include:International Relations – Study how countries interact through diplomacy, alliances, and warComparative Politics – Understand how different governments and political systems workNational Security & U.S. Foreign Policy – Explore how America engages with the worldConflict & Cooperation – Learn why conflicts arise and how peace is negotiatedCadets have opportunities to:Participate in national security simulationsIntern with the Department of State, the Pentagon, or international think tanksJoin academic conferences or travel abroad for cultural immersion programsWork on capstone projects that solve real global problemsChoice of ElectivesCadets customize their studies based on their interests and future goals. Sample electives include:Terrorism & Counterterrorism – Examine the causes and responses to global terror threatsPolitics of the Middle East, Asia, or Latin America – Explore specific regions of the worldHuman Rights & Global Justice – Understand the political side of humanitarian issuesInternational Political Economy – Learn how trade, finance, and economics shape world politicsCyber Conflict & Emerging Threats – Explore how digital warfare is changing global power dynamicsLearn MoreView the full International Affairs major curriculumMeet the International Affairs faculty Majors can apply to participate in a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a USMA-run academic enrichment experience, in places focused on providing cross-cultural experiences and human security issues. Past internship locations include: Vietnam, Mongolia, Morocco, Israel, Madagascar, Greece, and Nepal. Honor Societies:Golden Key - International Honour SocietyKappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor SocietyTo learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Social Sciences.