School of Global Policy and Strategy

School of Global Policy and Strategy. It is a graduate school of international relations and public policy at the University of California, San Diego. Founded in the late 20th century, the school is known for its interdisciplinary approach, combining rigorous training in policy analysis with deep regional expertise, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Its programs are designed to prepare leaders for careers in government, international organizations, and the private sector.

History

The school was established in 1986 as the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, a direct response to the growing economic and strategic importance of the Pacific Rim. Its founding was championed by notable figures including UC San Diego chancellor Richard C. Atkinson and benefactor Joan B. Kroc. The school was renamed in 2016 to better reflect its broadening focus on global policy challenges beyond the Pacific region. A significant milestone was the 2003 opening of its dedicated building, constructed with a major gift from Qualcomm founder Irwin M. Jacobs and his wife Joan Jacobs.

Academics

The school offers several professional master's degrees, including the Master of Public Policy, the Master of International Affairs, and the Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs. It also features a Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs and a Ph.D. program in political science and international affairs through a partnership with the UC San Diego Department of Political Science. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative analysis, economics, and management, with a strong focus on regions such as China, Japan, Korea, and Latin America. Many students complement their studies with certificates in specialized areas like international environmental governance or peace and security.

Research centers and initiatives

Research is organized through numerous interdisciplinary centers. Key units include the Center on Global Transformation, the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, and the 21st Century China Center. The school also houses the Pacific Leadership Fellowship program and the deeply engaged Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, which is the premier research institution in the United States focused on Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations. These centers frequently collaborate with entities like the U.S. Department of State, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank on critical policy issues.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes distinguished scholars and practitioners such as former U.S. Ambassador to China Susan Thornton, political scientist David A. Lake, and China expert Barry Naughton. Prominent alumni hold significant positions worldwide, including former Prime Minister of Peru Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Vice President Sir Danny Alexander. Many graduates serve in influential roles at organizations like the United Nations, Google, McKinsey & Company, and various national governments.

Campus and facilities

The school is located on the main campus of University of California, San Diego in the coastal community of La Jolla. Its primary facility is the modern, state-of-the-art Robinson Building Complex, which houses classrooms, research centers, administrative offices, and common spaces designed to foster collaboration. The complex includes the Doreen and James J. J. Jang Multimedia Hall and the Sonja and William Davidow Visualization Lab. Students also have full access to the resources of UC San Diego, including the Geisel Library and the nearby Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Category:University of California, San Diego Category:Public policy schools in California Category:International relations schools in the United States