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Capstone & Thesis Topics for International Affairs Students

Analyze the interconnected systems of diplomacy, governance, trade, and conflict through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary global lenses.

🌐 Introduction

Columbia’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) prepares students to navigate complex global challenges through diplomacy, economic strategy, and institutional analysis. These thesis and capstone project ideas span foreign policy, international development, security, and multilateral relations.

📋 Suggested Capstone & Research Topics

Diplomatic Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the Middle East

Evaluating the Role of the UN Security Council in Modern Conflicts

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Its Global Governance Impact

Cybersecurity and State Sovereignty in International Law

Global Energy Security and the Geopolitics of Rare Earth Metals

Migration Crisis and Border Diplomacy in the EU and U.S.

Effectiveness of Sanctions in Preventing Human Rights Violations

The Rise of Populism and Its Impact on Multilateral Institutions

Climate Diplomacy and the Role of Developing Countries in COP Summits

Regional Integration Models: EU vs. ASEAN Policy Lessons

Peacekeeping Missions and Civil-Military Coordination Failures

Analysis of Foreign Aid Effectiveness in Sub-Saharan Africa

Weaponization of Economic Tools in Great Power Competition

Soft Power Strategies: Comparing U.S. and China’s Cultural Diplomacy

Post-Conflict Reconstruction Frameworks in Fragile States

Evaluating NATO's Strategic Relevance in a Multipolar World

Media Influence on Public Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Framing

The Impact of International Trade Wars on Global Supply Chains

The Role of Religious Diplomacy in Peace Negotiations

Strategic Use of Development Diplomacy in Africa

Cross-Border Water Conflict Resolution: The Nile Basin Case

Multilateral Cooperation in Global Vaccine Distribution

The Role of Intelligence Sharing in Transnational Terrorism Prevention

Women, Peace, and Security: Implementation of UNSCR 1325

Sovereignty and Humanitarian Intervention in Civil Conflicts

Geoeconomics and the New Dynamics of Global Influence

Crisis Communication Strategies in International Negotiations

The Role of Think Tanks in Shaping Foreign Policy in Democracies

Geopolitical Implications of Arctic Resource Development

Reforming the IMF for Equitable Global Development Finance

Collexa - Your Global Affairs Research Ally

Collexa supports MIA students with policy brief writing, stakeholder analysis, foreign affairs case studies, conflict mapping, and international institution research.

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