Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs is a premier interdisciplinary research institute at Syracuse University dedicated to the study of international relations, global governance, and transnational issues. Established in 1994 and named in honor of the distinguished statesman and scholar Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the institute serves as a central hub for fostering dialogue, advancing policy-relevant scholarship, and preparing students for careers in the global arena. It coordinates a wide array of academic programs, research centers, and public events that engage with pressing challenges from climate change to human security.

History and establishment

The institute was founded in 1994 through a transformative gift from Syracuse University alumnus and trustee John L. (Jack) Hennessy, chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston. It was named to honor the legacy of Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the four-term U.S. Senator from New York, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and professor at Harvard University known for his intellectual rigor in public policy. Its creation was part of a broader university initiative to strengthen international studies, building upon existing strengths within the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. The founding director, political psychologist Margaret Hermann, shaped its early focus on the role of leadership in foreign policy and global conflict resolution. Over the decades, the institute has expanded its scope, consistently supporting research that bridges academic inquiry and the practical world of diplomacy and international organizations.

Academic programs and research

The institute is the administrative home for the master’s degree program in **International Relations (M.I.R.)**, a professional graduate program that draws students from around the world to study at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. It also offers an undergraduate certificate in **Global Political Economy** and supports numerous doctoral candidates across disciplines. Core research themes include global governance, transnational migration, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution. Faculty and fellows affiliated with the institute regularly produce influential scholarship, with projects often funded by grants from entities like the National Science Foundation and the United States Institute of Peace. The institute emphasizes experiential learning, facilitating internships at organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and various non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C. and New York City.

Centers and initiatives

Several specialized research centers operate under the institute’s umbrella, each focusing on a distinct geographic or thematic area. The **Center for European Studies** is a designated European Union Center of Excellence, funded in part by the European Commission. The **Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts (PARC)** conducts interdisciplinary research on peacebuilding and mediation. The **South Asia Center** promotes the study of the Indian subcontinent, while the **Middle Eastern Studies Program** covers a region from North Africa to the Persian Gulf. Other key initiatives include the **Transnational NGO Initiative**, which studies the role of civil society in global affairs, and the **Global Affairs and International Political Economy** research cluster. These centers host prominent speakers, conferences, and workshops, often featuring experts from The Brookings Institution, the Council on Foreign Relations, and major global media outlets.

Notable people and leadership

The institute has been led by a series of accomplished scholars in international relations. Following founding director Margaret Hermann, subsequent directors have included political scientists such as Mark L. Haas and Lamis Abdelaaty. Its advisory board includes distinguished alumni and practitioners in global policy. The institute’s namesake, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, remains a towering intellectual figure whose work on social policy, ethnic conflict, and diplomatic security informs its mission. Numerous visiting fellows and senior scholars have been in residence, including former ambassadors, officials from the U.S. Department of State, and researchers from institutions like the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Faculty affiliates are drawn from across Syracuse University, including the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the College of Law, and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Facilities and resources

The institute is physically housed in the historic **Eggers Hall**, part of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs complex on the Syracuse University campus. Its facilities include dedicated seminar rooms, administrative offices, and workspace for graduate students and research fellows. The institute manages the **Moynihan Research Grants**, which provide funding for faculty and student field research around the world. It also maintains the **Global Affairs Library Guide** in partnership with Syracuse University Libraries, offering access to specialized databases and collections on international law, global development, and foreign policy. A key resource is the **Moynihan Lecture Series**, which brings high-profile figures in international affairs to campus, such as former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and economist Jeffrey Sachs.

Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:International relations organizations Category:Syracuse University