The future of international affairs and governance: why global understanding is more urgent than ever

In a world defined by complexity and interconnection, the institutions and systems that support global cooperation are under increasing pressure. International governance — how rules are created, agreements are enforced and cooperation is sustained between nations — faces both growing demand and deepening skepticism. As challenges like climate change, conflict, inequality and cyber threats cross national borders, the need for strong and adaptable international affairs frameworks is more urgent than ever.

But the future of international affairs isn’t just being shaped in policy rooms and multilateral summits — it depends on a globally literate generation prepared to engage with the forces transforming our shared world.

What are international affairs and governance?

At its core, international affairs is the study of how nations, organizations and non-state actors interact on the world stage. International governance, a key aspect of this field, refers to the structures, norms and institutions that coordinate action and resolve problems at the global level. It includes formal bodies like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the International Criminal Court, along with informal partnerships and multilateral agreements.

This is where domestic and foreign policy converge — where national interests meet global priorities. From coordinating pandemic responses to negotiating climate agreements and managing digital threats, international affairs affect nearly every part of modern life.

“International governance is not the same as global government. There is no single ‘world government’ enforcing laws across all countries. Instead, international governance refers to the systems, institutions, agreements and norms that help countries cooperate — or at least coexist — on shared challenges like trade, climate change, human rights, security and public health,” says Laine Munir, Assistant Teaching Professor at ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies. 

Understanding these systems — and how they evolve in response to global, political and technological change — is essential for anyone interested in leadership, diplomacy or advocacy in today’s world.

Why international affairs and global governance matter more than ever

International governance lays the foundation for resolving conflict, advancing human rights, and addressing crises that no single country can handle alone.

Historically, governance systems like the League of Nations and the United Nations were born from the need to avoid future wars. Over time, organizations such as the World Bank, World Health Organization and WTO expanded this framework to include development, health and trade. These institutions became central pillars of international affairs and helped shape decades of peace and prosperity.

But today’s problems are different. The digital economy, mass migration, pandemics, and geopolitical rivalries have redefined the scope of international cooperation. At the same time, rising nationalism and new power centers challenge the effectiveness and legitimacy of long-standing governance systems.

The global order, shaped largely in the aftermath of World War II, is being tested like never before.

• Can the UN Security Council remain effective as power shifts and vetoes stall action?
  
• Will international treaties hold up in an era of populism and political polarization?
  
• Can international institutions adapt fast enough to regulate AI, cybersecurity, and digital surveillance?

“Power is uneven in these systems, often reflecting the interests of the most powerful states, and it’s critical to ask who gets a seat at the table — and who doesn’t,” Munir shares. “Even well-crafted agreements can fail without enforcement or political will, so studying governance means examining both the formal rules and how they play out in practice. Global governance affects local lives, and grassroots movements can push global agendas forward, showing that the local and the global are inseparable.”

As new powers emerge and non-state actors like tech giants, NGOs, and activist networks play a bigger role, the future of international affairs will depend on how well governance systems adapt and stay relevant. International affairs is no longer optional — it is the lens through which we understand and respond to global change.

How international affairs education prepares you for the future

The world needs people who can analyze, engage with and improve the systems that govern it. That’s why there’s a growing demand for education that covers:

• Contemporary global issues like conflict, inequality and environmental collapse
• The relationship between domestic and foreign policy in shaping national decisions
• Forms of government and their influence on international cooperation
• The role of international institutions and systems of global governance
• The forces of nationalism, sovereignty and self-determination that shape identity and policy
• The challenges of conflict and global security in a digitally connected world
• Broader geopolitical, economic, political, historical and social trends
• The approaches and tools of foreign policy — including diplomacy, development aid and strategic alliances

An education in international affairs gives you the framework to turn knowledge into action — whether you’re analyzing trade policy, participating in peacebuilding or promoting human rights.

Munir adds, “Understanding international governance gives learners the tools to engage critically, advocate effectively, and help build more just global systems. Whether you realize it or not, these institutions shape your world.”

A smarter path to understanding the world through international affairs with ASU

Arizona State University’s Introduction to Global Affairs course is your first step toward meaningful engagement in the world of international policy and governance. It’s designed to give you a strong foundation in understanding the forces that shape our interconnected world. Developed in collaboration with the Council on Foreign Relations, the course features exclusive insights from global policymakers, diplomats and scholars who are actively shaping international policy. 

“International governance shapes everyday life. From the cost of goods at the grocery store to the policies that address global warming, from how we respond to pandemics to how we manage migration, international institutions and cooperation play a central role,” said Güneş Murat Tezcür, Director and Professor at ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies. “We aim to make our students develop an informed understanding of global affairs so that they navigate and help shape the world they live in.”

Through real-world case studies and expert-led content, you’ll analyze global issues through the lens of international policy, building valuable skills in critical thinking and global analysis. Along the way, you’ll uncover how high-level decisions are made and why they matter, preparing you for future academic study, for participation in civic life as an informed citizen, or careers in global affairs, public service, policy-making and other internationally focused fields. 

The course is 100% online, self-paced and structured for flexibility — making it accessible whether you’re a student, working professional, or lifelong learner. With a low-cost, pay-when-satisfied model ($25 to start, $400 per credit upon completion), the course is both affordable and credit-eligible, offering real value for learners looking to make a long-term impact in global affairs. This course is ideal for students, professionals and lifelong learners who want to make sense of the international systems shaping their lives — and help shape what comes next.

Whether you’re an aspiring diplomat, journalist or just someone who wants to make sense of the world, Introduction to Global Affairs offers the knowledge and tools you need to take informed action. Think globally and learn with purpose from content developed by the Council on Foreign Relations. The future of international governance isn’t just about institutions — it’s about people who understand them, question them, and shape what comes next. Enroll now in Introduction to Global Affairs.