Studying International Security Policy at SIPA COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Studying International Security Policy at SIPA COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Nabila recently provided some great advice on choosing your concentration at SIPA.   When I applied, there was no question that I was going to concentrate in International Security Policy (ISP). I was leaving the Army and was interested in continuing to work in the national security space, so it was a natural fit. But I suspect many of you have a wider range of interests or are interested in potentially pivoting to a new career path, and in those cases it’s so important to get a feel for the curriculum and culture of each concentration so that you can find your best fit. I’m going to hopefully assist in that regard by giving you an overview of the ISP concentration and also dispel some pervasive myths and stereotypes. Doesn’t everyone in ISP have military or government experience? Will I fit in? The most common myth is that everyone in ISP is a veteran or someone who wants to follow a very defined path into the government. This couldn’t be further from the truth.  As Leon Trotsky noted, “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.” Whatever your career aspirations, security issues affect every sector and understanding issues of war and peace is essential to anyone that desires to one day lead in government, international non-profits, or even private sector companies. I have friends in ISP that have backgrounds as Army Special Forces Officers, private sector consultants, paralegals, diplomats, and human rights workers. And as far as coursework, the concentration requires no prior academic training in international security or any particular professional background. For more on the diverse backgrounds of ISP concentrators, read this great blog post by ISP graduate Samantha Taylor. What career paths do ISP students pursue after SIPA? ISP students are prepared for a wide range of career paths in U.S. and foreign government agencies, intelligence, think tanks, defense analysis, cybersecurity, consulting, journalism, legislative staffs, and international organizations. For U.S. students, the majority of these positions are in Washington, D.C., but there are increasingly opportunities in New York City as well, especially in cybersecurity. What are the courses like? Almost all of your ISP courses will be small seminars of 10-20 students. Columbia offers more courses in security studies than all but a few other universities, and SIPA and the Political Science department (you can take graduate level Political Science courses while at SIPA) have numerous full-time faculty members focused on security issues.   During your two-year program, there will be approximately 30-40 ISP courses to choose from. The courses cover a wide variety of areas including intelligence, cybersecurity, defense analysis, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, terrorism, and regional issues, among others. You can view the entire curriculum here, but the best way to see what ISP courses are like is to experience one for yourself. This semester, ISP courses available for class visits include War, Peace, and Strategy; Methods of Defense Analysis; Contemporary Russian Security Policy (taught by the former Deputy Assistant Director of CIA for Europe and Eurasia); Intelligence and Wa r; and several others. Register for a class visit here! What extracurricular opportunities does ISP offer? The ISP concentration starts off the year with an annual fall retreat to a campground north of New York City. I went my first year, and it was a great way to meet classmates, second year students, and several professors. In the spring, the concentration usually takes one trip to DC or a military installation. Last year, the trip was a staff ride to Gettysburg and the U.S. Army War College led by Professor Stephen Biddle. There is also a spring crisis simulation held at SIPA and run by ISP students. Last year, students explored the conflict in Yemen in a realistic, one-day simulation. There are also an unending amount of incredible guest speakers that come to Columbia, and many of those of interest to ISP students are hosted by the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies. Just in the past year, students have attended events with former Director of National Intelligence Jim Clapper, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and former Deputy Secretary of State William Burns.

The United States And China - 1650 Words

The chairman has just requested that you relocate to Shanghai - or face losing your job at the company. Apparently, transferring activities to China provides the firm with the greatest chance to succeed. This in spite of the US branch’s ‘excellent performance’ over the past few months. As expected, you are visibly troubled and wish to relieve some tension for the time being. Unbeknownst to you, the stress ball that you reach for, the water bottle that you sip from and the cut-price pillow you lay your head on were all direct results of the ever so famous ‘Made in China’ Initiative. More and more Americans are becoming familiar with this type of scenario and in every case, the inconsistency underpinning their country’s connection with the†¦show more content†¦Concerning the high Chinese savings rate, several analysts hold the financial sector accountable, noting that the underdeveloped financial system has restricted access to external finance - forcing Chinese firms to internally fund any fixed asset investment with their own retained earnings. However, this is not the only factor attributed; according to Juann Hung and Rong Qian, undervaluation of the yuan also propped up the savings rate by making foreign products relatively more expensive and thereby thwarting import consumption (Hung and Qian, 2010). Despite these theories being the subject of much interest, it is the effect of the savings rate which is most important; China’s rising savings rate meant that a key symptom of its economic expansion during the early twentieth century wa s a significant rise in its quantity of savings. This, in the eyes of leading economists, prompted a situation where excessive savings were pursuing a limited number of investment intentions – commonly referred to as a glut of world savings in post-crisis analysis. Considering the Chinese central bank’s choice to purchase dollar denominated debt in and around the same time (to deliberately undervalue the yuan), it was inevitable that US Treasury yields would fall

The Social And Racial Inequalities - 761 Words

After watching the video, I realized that the reality is that the situation has not gotten better. In fact, I believe that it has gotten worse over time. Since the video was broadcasted eight years ago, there has been numerous attempts by local and federal government to close this gap and attempt to reduce the social inequalities that were mentioned. In the video, it was mentioned that the United States alone spends over $72 trillion a year in health care alone. Currently, that number has risen and it is estimated that the United States spends over 15% of its GDP on healthcare alone. This is higher than any other country in the world. Unfortunately, the spending and the overall health of its citizens is not positively correlated. The social and racial inequalities depicted and explained in depth by Dr. Kawachi seem to be the underlying cause of the many health issues that Americans face today and unfortunately, all these issues could be prevented with the efforts of not only society but by community leaders, businesses, and government. When looking at Orlando specifically, one can clearly see the social divide within each community. Although I am very new to this community, it does not take long to recognize such particular divide. For example, in communities that are known to have high crime rate, such as Pine Hills, there are a lot of fast food restaurants and convenience stores. This is somehow similar to what Dr. Kawachi mentioned in the video about every community hasShow MoreRelatedMinorities, Racial, And Social Inequality1966 Words   |  8 PagesThose who have a criminal history experience difficulty in finding a job and a home, which leads to homelessness if they fail to do so. 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A field experiment exploring how pay and representation differentially shape bias on the pathway into organizations† this paper will explore racial social injustices with the intent to showcase the thinking about race relations and social inequality. Points of Interest Racial inequality is a volatileRead MoreSocial Inequality Is An Important Issue In Today’S Society.1595 Words   |  7 Pages â€Æ' Social inequality is an important issue in today’s society. Today, people face many inequalities based on their gender, race, religion, and disability status, yet there are many different ideologies and ongoing debate about social inequality. There are three perspectives concerning the issue of inequality in America. 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As described by Dr. Rengifo (2009), the social disorganization theory, forwarded by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay (1942), suggests that the variation in crime rates is linked to the weakened social integration of neighbourhoods which is a result of the presence of delinquent subcultures and structural factors on social interactions that lead to the absence of self-regulatory mechanisms. HoweverRead MoreKey Social Problems Affecting Africans Americans Essay1375 Words   |  6 Pages Though social problems affect a wide variety of people from all races, classes, and cultures; minorities, specifically African Americans, encounter social problems on a multi-dimensional basis. Poverty, employment rates, discrimination, and other social problems strike African Americans in such a way that it is nearly impossible to separate them; each individual has different background, socially and physically, that would determine in which order his or her social problems need to be solved. 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“to the Reader” Analysis Free Essays

â€Å"To The Reader† Analysis The never-ending circle of continuous sin and fallacious repentance envelops the poem â€Å"To the Reader† by Baudelaire. The beginning of this poem discusses the incessant dark vices of mankind which eclipse any attempt at true redemption. As the poem progresses, the dreariness becomes heavier by mentioning the Devil and demons, and how Hell is the final stop of everyone’s journey. We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"to the Reader† Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now The ending stanza says the most dangerous of all actions is boredom. This proposition that boredom is the most unruly thing one can do insinuates that Baudelaire views boredom as a gate way to all horrible things a person can do. The first thing one reads is the title, â€Å"To the Reader. † With this, Baudelaire is not just singling out any individuals or a certain group of people. â€Å"Folly, error, sin and parsimony,† (1) everyone possesses these vices, and that is who Baudelaire is addressing. A religious aspect is introduced in lines 5 through 7 stating that although we repent and confess, our sins are obstinate and our repentance feeble because soon after we are back to our wicked ways. Many religions, such as Christianity and Islam, believe that there is a joyous afterlife for those who have led a righteous lifestyle and have atoned for their sins. However, Baudelaire dismantles this comfort by implying that we repent because we â€Å"Believ[e] our base tears can wash away the stains [our sins]† (8). Even with the hint of a religious tone, Baudelaire is still talking to those without a religious affiliation, for no one is perfect and has not apologized for an act they were not sorry they committed. In class, it was argued that this poem is not actually a religious work because it has no hope and that it is, in fact, just about human nature; I believe it is about both. It is human nature to express regret towards those we have wronged, whether Christian, Muslim, Atheist, or any other denomination. However, those with a religious affiliation are hypocrites; preaching that we must all be without sin and have faith in and obey their respected deity. They, such as Christians, demonstrate hypocrisy through participating in sins themselves. They think ill thoughts against those who believe something else – judging; speak poorly of others to their friends – gossiping; confess that they did not mean what they said or did – lying. Although we may try to live better with each passing day, our evilness has a stronger resolve. Baudelaire writes â€Å"On the pillow of evil Satan Trismegistus / Cradles at length our enchanted soul† (9 10) â€Å"It is in hateful objects that we find peace / Each day, one step further towards Hell† (14 15). In these four lines, Baudelaire is suggesting that we do unholy or immoral things without noticing; continuing to entertain Gluttony, Pride, or Lust without a second thought, and that our souls are the Devil’s price. There are different levels of intensity to all sins; telling a white lie every now and again is far better than taking another’s life every now and again. For some, the thought of murdering or raping someone is atrocious, nevertheless Baudelaire believes that If rape and poison, arson and the knife Have not yet women their pleasant designs On the dull canvas of our lowly destinies It is because our soul, alas, is not yet bold enough. (25-28) The Christian religion is hinted here again by the use of women; it was Eve that introduced sin to mankind by eating the forbidden fruit, the pleasant design of sin. These lines are suggesting that appalling crimes are thought about and can be conducted by all, but only the strong willed are able to carry them out. Of all the horrible acts one can commit, Baudelaire suggests that there is one that is most heinous above all the rest, and that is boredom. Baudelaire states that Boredom is â€Å"more ugly, evil, [and] fouler than the rest† (33). Being in a state of boredom can lead to all types of malice and immoral thoughts. When you have time to think, memories of how someone wronged you may appear and you may decide to do wrong back unto him, or perhaps going to the club may seem like a nice way to meet with someone to relieve you of your boredom, etc. Boredom is not just failing to find something to do, but that you are tired of doing the same stuff over and over again. If one is bored of going to church and hearing the gospel, they could always decide to follow a different religion or drop it altogether. Who can say they are without sin, completely wholly, and truly deserving of a divine afterlife? As previously stated, some believers can be considered hypocrites. People are always preaching that one must practice a better way of living, yet they are deaf to their own sermon. Sin is practiced by all, even those who believe themselves to be above it. Unfortunately, to cast away sin is to cast away human nature, which cannot be done, and as long as boredom lingers around, sin will always follow. How to cite â€Å"to the Reader† Analysis, Essay examples

Strength of Popular Holdings Berhad free essay sample

For Popular Holdings Berhad, as the one of the biggest book store and provider in Malaysia, they basically need to exercise the SWOT analysis in order to stay strong in the market with nowadays there are a lot of book stores all around the country. Strength The strength for Popular holdings Berhad are the core values of the company which is the people, objectivity of the company, the product, unity created in the organization, the leadership style used, and the reward amp; recognition won. According to the first core value of Popular, people are their customers, they are their greatest asset. This is because, Popular bookstore is functioning as provider and supplier of books to the people. According in their website, people are their customers, the reason of their existence. People are their employees, their greatest asset. Without the people needs and interest, their business will never gain any profit. We will write a custom essay sample on Strength of Popular Holdings Berhad or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Besides that, the second core value of Popular is their objective of work. They implement the approach that work positively through pro-active participation and open communication. The employees were given the opportunities to get involved in the decision making and problem solving. The third core value of Popular Holdings Berhad is provides their customers quality product at a reasonable price. With this, Popular can persuade a lot of customers especially students and as the result they can create loyal customers. The fourth value says that Popular respect their people and promote teamwork. Unity is the most important value in all organization because with it all work and goals can be achieved successfully. Leading with commitment, integrity and competence is the fifth core value of Popular. The six values will be striving for excellence, fostering a quality culture in our company. Lastly Popular encourage, recognize and reward their

DSL vs Cable essays

DSL vs Cable essays Is the cable company in your neighborhood offering a "sweet deal" on their cable modem service? Maybe the phone company has contacted you about their new DSL rollout? Some people live in places where neither cable modem nor DSL service is available, but many others have the choice of both. For those who do live in areas with DSL or cable net support will be able to vastly choose which service to use. Many individuals ponder which service is more beneficial and reliable when it comes to services, price, speed, and last but not least, security. Families no longer need to fight over the phone line when the Internet is being used because DSL and cable net offer a separate line, which doesnt interfere with the original. As a result, having DSL or cable modem services is like having two phone lines but both offer faster speed that exceeds the speed of those equivalent modems. But the main question remains, which one is better? the decision is up to one. Commencing to which service is more available and dependable, I come to a conclusion that both meets the same requirements of the customers need. Both DSL service and cable service arent available in all areas of the country, some neighborhoods have it and certain dont. Exceptionally, the two utilities are increasing each day as it spreads nationwide in attempt to recruit more homes and businesses to their plans. Each one is highly recommended because the costumer service each one provides is at its standards. One doesnt require waiting on hold because there is always someone there to pick the phone and answer any questions regarding any problems. Seeing how the technical support and the friendly operators they have to assist me when I was asking about their service, I resolve that the customer services is at its perfection. Compared to traditional dial-up access, these two technologies open up homes and small businesses to a new...

Egypt Cult of the Sun God and Akhenatens Monotheism

Egypt Cult of the Sun God and Akhenatens Monotheism Egypt During the New Kingdom, the cult of the sun god Ra became increasingly important until it evolved into the uncompromising monotheism of Pharaoh Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV, 1364-1347 B.C.). According to the cult, Ra created himself from a primeval mound in the shape of a pyramid and then created all other gods. Thus, Ra was not only the sun god, he was also the universe, having created himself from himself. Ra was invoked as Aten or the Great Disc that illuminated the world of the living and the dead. The effect of these doctrines can be seen in the sun worship of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who became an uncompromising monotheist. Aldred has speculated that monotheism was Akhenatens own idea, the result of regarding Aten as a self-created heavenly king whose son, the pharaoh, was also unique. Akhenaten made Aten the supreme state god, symbolized as a rayed disk with each sunbeam ending in a ministering hand. Other gods were abolished, their images smashed, their names excised, their temples abandoned, and their revenues impounded. The plural word for god was suppressed. Sometime in the fifth or sixth year of his reign, Akhenaten moved his capital to a new city called Akhetaten (present-day Tall al Amarinah, also seen as Tell al Amarna). At that time, the pharaoh, previously known as Amenhotep IV, adopted the name Akhenaten. His wife, Queen Nefertiti, shared his beliefs. Akhenatens religious ideas did not survive his death. His ideas were abandoned in part because of the economic collapse that ensued at the end of his reign. To restore the morale of the nation, Akhenatens successor, Tutankhamen, appeased the offended gods whose resentment would have blighted all human enterprise. Temples were cleaned and repaired, new images made, priests appointed, and endowments restored. Akhenatens new city was abandoned to the desert sands. Data as of December 1990Source: Library of Congress Country Studies Ancient Egypt LOC Articles Ancient Egypt - New Kingdom 3d Intermediate Period Ancient Egypt - Old Middle Kingdoms and 2d Intermediate Period