Columbia University

Our Work

We drive impact on critical global challenges through a dynamic program of initiatives—from publications to signature speaker series.

The Institute of Global Politics (IGP) convenes leading scholars and practitioners to foster civil discourse and create evidence-based policy strategies for real-world impact. We are also committed to training the next generation of leaders, providing opportunities for Columbia students to build the skills needed to address complex policy challenges.

Our work focuses on five key areas of impact: geopolitical stability, democratic resilience, climate and sustainable development, inclusive prosperity and macroeconomic performance, and technology and innovation.

Explore our areas of impact

Event Panelist

Event Series

IGP’s signature speaker series offer a vital platform to exchange ideas, find common ground, and model civil discourse for the next generation of policy leaders.  

Policy Roundtable panels

Policy Roundtables and Skills Workshops

A core part of IGP’s mission is to train the next generation of global leaders. IGP will host Policy Roundtables and Skills Workshops, providing students with unparalleled access to the Inaugural Carnegie Distinguished Fellows and other leading practitioners. These small, closed-door sessions will feature discussions on policy topics informed by real-world experience and workshops on policy skills, including speechwriting and campaign staffing.

Columbia University campus

Ongoing Projects

Columbia University campus

Publications

From the climate change to online mis/disinformation, our Publications provide evidence-based, nonpartisan insight from top scholars and practitioners into complex global challenges. IGP reports draw on the latest research from Columbia University and beyond to bring together diverse perspectives and provide practical recommendations to guide policy action around the world.

Columbia University Campus

Resources

IGP’s Faculty and Fellows author a variety of resource guides for students, faculty, policy makers, and the general public, on a host of issues related to policy engagement and work.

2024 and Beyond

As IGP grows, we will launch additional initiatives and programming, including:

Podcast

IGP will host a podcast featuring a series of engaging conversations with Inaugural Carnegie Distinguished Fellows on a range of topics.

Professional Training

The real work of developing and implementing policy is often done by staffers, bureaucrats, and aides. IGP will provide professional training to congressional staffers, civil society, and UN diplomatic staff on cutting-edge issues, including artificial intelligence and the regulatory process.

Lee C. Bollinger Policy Engagement Program

The Lee C. Bollinger Policy Engagement Program, a for-credit course currently in development, will provide select SIPA students direct engagement with policymakers and experts in Washington, DC, or at an international location.

Robert O'Brien

We can disagree about politics without being disagreeable… it’s amazing how much you can get done when you can work together to bring about something good for the country.

— Robert C. O’Brien

SIPA Students at event

Training the next generation of leaders

IGP provides opportunities for students across Columbia to gain unparalleled access to experts, develop hands-on experience in policy making, and engage in dialogue on global challenges.