International Affairs Policy Brief Series

The CIAWC aims to tap into Northeastern’s network of undergraduate and graduate students to discover innovative answers to growing foreign policy concerns that the world may confront. The International Affairs Policy Brief series program allows applicants to put their academic expertise to the test by translating it into policy language and insights. Applicants are invited to submit 2,000-2,500 word policy briefs analyzing a current issue and providing policy recommendations. Winners will receive a gift card.     

2024 International Affairs Policy Briefs

Policy Brief by Nylah Hill

Style Guide for CIAWC Papers

  • Each submission should start with a brief executive summary (3-5 sentences) that clearly states the problem being evaluated and the solution being offered.  
  • Each submission should have a title.  
  • Each submission should be formatted with 12-point font, basic margins. Other than student name, all other personal information should be removed. Faculty names/course numbers are OK (per instructor approval). 
  • See call for papers for specific word counts. 
  • Papers should be well-edited; all relevant materials appropriately cited.  
  • We may ask that winning essays be edited or reformatted to fit CIAWC website needs. Students will also be asked to submit a photo and brief bio.  

Interested in participating? How to apply:

Students should submit their policy briefs to their professors. The professors will then nominate select briefs to our Administrative Coordinator, Diana Atoui (d.atoui@northeastern.edu). After review, the CIAWC will select winning papers to be featured on our website, along with the authors’ photos and brief biographies. The submission deadline is TBD.

The CIAWC invites submissions from current undergraduate students and master’s students studying in any field or major at Northeastern University.

Please refer to the Center’s list of potential topics, or feel free to submit your own.

Examples:

Global Climate Change Policy and International Cooperation

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and proposing new policy solutions for global climate action.

AI and Ethics: Developing Global Standards

  • Investigating the need for international guidelines on AI ethics, focusing on privacy, security, and equitable access.

Global Refugee Crisis and International Responsibility

  • Exploring how countries can collaborate to address the growing refugee crisis, with a focus on humanitarian aid and resettlement policies.

Cybersecurity and International Relations

  • Proposing global frameworks for cybersecurity cooperation to prevent cyber-attacks and mitigate digital threats.

Geopolitical Impacts of the Ukraine Conflict

  • Analyzing how the Ukraine conflict affects global security and alliances, and proposing strategies for international diplomatic responses.