Arizona State University and the Council on Foreign Relations launch online global affairs course for all learners

From public health to supply chains to cybersecurity, local and global challenges are deeply intertwined. Understanding the dynamics that shape international affairs is foundational for navigating today’s world. 

To meet this growing need, Arizona State University and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) have collaborated to launch “Introduction to Global Affairs,” an online, for-credit course that invites learners of any background to explore today’s most pressing global challenges.

The course was developed in close collaboration with faculty, including Laine Munir, from ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies within The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who co-designed the curriculum and anchored it in global policy expertise. Their leadership ensured the academic rigor and relevance of the course in today’s complex international landscape. 

Exploring key issues in international relations

The course is delivered through ASU’s Universal Pathways portfolio as part of the university’s broader mission to expand access to education at every stage of life. Offered fully online, ‘IRN 194: Introduction to Global Affairs” equips learners with the tools to understand and analyze topics such as globalization, governance, human rights, trade, immigration, and nuclear proliferation. Students engage with multimedia content, interactive case studies, and curated resources from CFR’s world-renowned experts.

“This relationship is significant because ASU brings our expertise in scalable, technology-driven learning together with CFR’s unparalleled knowledge in global affairs,” said Scott Weatherford, Executive Director of Universal Pathways at ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “Together, we’re making global literacy more accessible, especially to learners who haven’t traditionally had these opportunities.”

Who it’s for and how to enroll

Designed for learners at any point in their educational or professional journeys — from high school students to working adults — the course mirrors the real-world decision-making processes that shape international policy. Learners are asked to step into the role of global actors, evaluate competing priorities, and propose thoughtful, evidence-based solutions.

“At the Council on Foreign Relations, we believe that informed citizens are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy,” said Caroline Netchvolodoff, Vice President of Education at CFR. “Our collaboration with ASU brings this belief to life at scale.”

The three-credit course debuted in Spring 2025 and will be offered again in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. It requires approximately 135 hours of work over an 8-week period. Learners who complete the course successfully can choose to add it to an official ASU transcript for transfer or degree-credit purposes.

The next cohort begins August 19, 2025.

Learn more and register now at https://courses.ulc.asu.edu/introduction-to-global-affairs-inr-194.