IR Policy Task Force

The International Relations Policy Task Force invites Schar School sophomore-, junior-, and senior-year students to engage deeply with pressing global challenges. Over the course of the year, students will pursue individual research on a topic of interest, network with subject area experts, and work collaboratively to propose policy solutions. This nonresidential community fits seamlessly into your schedule, allowing you to earn credit towards your degree while you build your research skills and your resume. 

Tackle Pressing International Challenges

Gain Critical Skills—And Class Credit

Fall Semester GOVT 399: Great Power Politics (3 credits)
Students will be able to learn the necessary social science skills to conduct their own analytical research on a crucial international relations question of their interest.

Spring Semester GOVT 444: Great Power Politics (3 credits)
Students will mimic the academic publishing process and will go through a Revise and Resubmit (R&R) process, providing peer reviews for fellow classmates’ research paper while revising the final paper students wrote in fall 2025. 

IR Task Force students posing with a statue of John F. Kennedy at the Kennedy Center.

Become a Policy Expert

A learning community open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, the International Relations Policy Task Force teaches students how to draft compelling research reports appropriate for different audiences while earning course credit. With this specialized training, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of different policy areas and develop valuable skills to help them secure future employment—and be highly effective in their chosen role. Students will also get connected to former practitioners and policy analysts as well as Schar School alums who work in the field of International Relations in both the public and private sectors.

“Being in IRTF has been incredibly special. The skills learned have helped me throughout all other coursework. The wide range of topics covered exposed me to many interesting issues. Unlike most classes, IRTF dedicates almost a year to a single project, allowing continual refinement. The community built in IRTF was amazing, making the class more enjoyable and easier. Being able to say that you go rock climbing with your professor is pretty cool too.”

 

Chris Dayton, IRTF ‘24

An image with a green border, a quote symbol in the top left, and in the center, a photo of a student with a blue collared shirt who is standing outside and smiling
IR Policy Task Force students climbing a hill.

Fulfill Requirements for Your Degree

The IR Task Force fulfills requirements in the following concentrations:  

  • Government and International Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Relations
    • Political Analysis
    • Public Policy and Administration  
  • Public Administration
    • Economic Policy Analysis
    • Public Policy 

A Memorable Year

Past events have included:

  • In class guest speakers such as LTC Matt Kuhlman, Ph.D., an Army Foreign Area Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa, Amb. Piper Campbell, and Dr. Andrew Taffer, Research Fellow with the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs within the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), and Dr. Anita Kellogg, Assistant Professor at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at NDU.
  • Customized field trips to notable sites such as The Pentagon, the Organization of American States, the Australian and Polish Embassies, the World Bank, and BluePath Labs.
An IR Policy Task Force student with glasses in a black suit and white shirt standing in front of a poster on the Pathways to Prevention of Gun Violence.

Spring Break Trip Opportunities

Monday March 9: Bring the Experts to Schar Day 

10am-12pm: Panel with National Defense University experts, Horizon Hall 1007 Dr. Andrew Taffer, Research Fellow with the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs within the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) at NDU, will discuss China’s relations with Russia. Dr. Anita Kellogg, Assistant Professor at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at NDU, will discuss petro states and U.S. relations with Latin America

12pm-2pm: Lunch @ The Globe with the NDU faculty 

2pm-4pm: Coffee chat with Dr. Ketian Zhang regarding grad school 

Friday March 13: DC Visits Day

10am-12pm: Polish Embassy Visit, during which we will hear from the Polish perspective regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, European politics, and the role of the United States

2pm-4pm: Asia Society Policy Institute Visit, during which we will learn from Kate Logan, Director, China Climate Hub and Climate Diplomacy at ASPI, about challenges and opportunities of China's clean technology dominance and the evolution of its green soft power in the context of great power relations. 

LC Campus to Career

LC Campus to Career helps Schar School Learning Community students prepare for life after college. Students can join networking events, career workshops, and sessions that explore different jobs and career paths. The program also offers chances to meet alumni and get guidance on applications and entering the job market.

Annual Spring Break Trip to U.S.-Mexico Border Changes Perspectives

Recent News About the International Relations Policy Task Force

View all International Relations Policy Task Force stories

Former IR Task Force students presenting their individual policy briefs

Meet the International Relations Policy Task Force Director

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Professor Ketian Zhang

For any questions or to learn more, contact: kzhang20@gmu.edu

Meet the Assistant Director of Student Engagement

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Emilee Duffy
Assistant Director of Student Engagement
eduffy3@gmu.edu