American University School of International Service
American University’s School of International Service (SIS) is a top-10 school of international affairs located in Washington, D.C. Since our founding in 1957, we have answered President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s call to prepare students of international affairs to “wage peace.” We do so because we believe the world needs leaders ready to serve.
SIS produces transformational research and prepares more than 3,000 graduate and undergraduate students for global service in government, nonprofits, and business. Our students learn from more than 120 full-time faculty – leading political scientists, economists, sociologists, anthropologists, demographers, geographers, historians, and experts in international development, global health, communications, energy, and the environment – and benefit from an active international network of more than 20,000 alumni. They graduate prepared to combine knowledge and practice and to serve the global community as emerging leaders.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Hassan Rouhani of Iran and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, following their meeting in Tehran, Iran, Sept. 7, 2018.
Reuters/Kirill Kudryavtsev/Pool
Gordon Adams, American University School of International Service
The US was once the dominant force in the Middle East. That old order has disappeared. Now the new powers are Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Russia – and the US needs a new policy for the region.
Supporters of Nationalist Movement Party at a rally before the June election.
REUTERS/Osman Orsal
Doga Ulas Eralp, American University School of International Service
Turkey’s close relationship with the US dates back to the Cold War. But after the June election there put nationalists into a position of power in the government, that alliance could turn rocky.
A poster on the wall of the International Centre for Sexual Reproductive Rights, an NGO based in Minna, Nigeria.
The story of how Nigeria and Mississippi implemented comprehensive sexual education programs despite local opposition offers important lessons about how to boost adolescent sexual health.
Trump and Putin have had generally friendlier relations than Trump and NATO.
Reuters/Jorge Silva
Garret Martin, American University School of International Service and Balazs Martonffy, American University School of International Service
After Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine, NATO members felt a renewed sense of purpose: deter Putin. Trump’s anti-NATO, pro-Russia talk is thus an existential threat to this old transatlantic alliance.
Trump has long talked about halting U.S. participation in the WTO.
Reuters/Denis Balibouse
Stephen J. Silvia, American University School of International Service
Trump has often talked about leaving the World Trade Organization. An economist explains what it is and what would happen if the president had his way.
La canciller alemana Angela Merkel, en el centro, habla con el presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, en la polémica Cumbre de líderes del G7 en Canadá en junio.
AP/Jesco Denzel/German Federal Government
Gordon Adams, American University School of International Service
Se critica al presidente Trump por alterar un orden internacional en el que Estados Unidos era el líder. Pero lo que hace Trump en realidad es acelerar un cambio que comenzó hace mucho tiempo.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, center, speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the contentious G7 Leaders Summit in Canada in June.
AP/Jesco Denzel/German Federal Government
Gordon Adams, American University School of International Service
President Trump is criticized for wreaking havoc on the international order, where the US was the established leader. But Trump is simply hastening a change that has been a long time coming.
Can transatlantic relations still be saved?
Reuters/John MacDougall
Garret Martin, American University School of International Service
The Iran nuclear deal will struggle to survive the damage done when Trump pulled the US out on May 8. So will US-Europe relations.
Macron and Trump, seen here meeting in September 2017, have reportedly developed a good working relationship despite their many ideological differences.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Garret Martin, American University School of International Service
Trump is rolling out the red carpet for Macron’s visit to Washington. But the French president has some tough talks ahead, as the two leaders discuss thorny issues like trade and the Iran deal.
Peruvian ceviche doesn’t just taste good — it can be a force for social change.
Enrique Castro-Mendivil/Reuters
Pioneering chefs from Bolivia to Brazil are stepping out of the kitchen and into public service. The ‘social gastronomy’ movement uses food to create jobs, prevent violence and boost economies.
President Donald Trump with now-former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, and former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.
AP /Andrew Harnik
Gordon Adams, American University School of International Service
John Bolton just started his job as National Security Adviser to President Trump. He’s the latest in a ever-changing cast of staffers, raising the question: Who’s in charge of national security?
North Korean women’s ice hockey players.
REUTERS/Song Kyung-Seok
Ji-Young Lee, American University School of International Service
North Korea has taken up the South’s invitation to the Olympics, but a quick look at the history of North-South talks suggests that unity is not as close as it may seem.
Donald Trump’s and Rodrigo Duterte’s mutual admiration could bring about a thaw in U.S.-Philippine relations.
Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha
Garret Martin, American University School of International Service
An expert explains why the EU is ill-equipped to handle a problem like Catalonia.
A woman with symptoms of cholera walks into a cholera treatment center at Immaculate Conception Hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti in November 2016 in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
Reuters/Andres Martinez Casares
Europe is experiencing a wave of optimism that its seven-year Greek drama may be finally coming to a close. Only one way to do that: Share Greece’s pain.
An anti-U.S. protest in Yemen during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia.
Reuters/Khaled Abdullah