WELCOME
About Cornell IAR
OUR NORTH STAR
The Cornell International Affairs Review (CIAR) is dedicated to providing a platform for undergraduate scholarship in international relations. We seek to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical policy analysis, fostering a global dialogue on the critical issues defining our time. By publishing rigorous research from diverse perspectives, we aim to elevate global voices and contribute meaningful insights to the broader international affairs community.
OUR HISTORY & LEGACY
A Tradition of Global Discourse Since our founding in 2007, the Cornell International Affairs Review has served as a critical forum for international relations scholarship. For nearly two decades, we have bridged the gap between academic theory and high-level policy, curating a mix of rigorous peer-reviewed research and exclusive features.
Our archives distinguish us as one of the few undergraduate journals to publish insights from the field's defining voices. We have featured discourse and transcripts from titans of political science like Francis Fukuyama, Stephen Walt, and Robert Keohane, as well as global practitioners like former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.
This proximity to power has made CIAR a proven launchpad for our own staff. Our alumni have gone on to win Pulitzer Prizes, found major technology companies, and hold faculty positions at institutions like Brown and Oxford, carrying the Review’s tradition of excellence into the highest levels of their careers.
THE EDITORIAL PROCESS
CIAR distinguishes itself through a highly selective and hands-on editorial process. Each semester, we accept a limited number of manuscripts from a global pool of submissions, looking for original arguments that challenge the status quo. Once accepted, authors do not just submit a paper; they enter a partnership. Every article undergoes a rigorous, multi-round revision cycle where our editors work closely with the author to sharpen their thesis, strengthen their evidence, and refine their prose. We believe that great scholarship is built through iteration, and we are committed to ensuring every piece we publish is sound and compelling.
LEADERSHIP & STRUCTURE
Every member begins their tenure as an Associate Editor, where they are trained in the rigorous standards of academic editing, fact-checking, and style. From this foundation, members who demonstrate exceptional commitment and skill are elevated to the Executive Board. This leadership body drives the journal’s strategic vision, led by the Editor-in-Chief and supported by Managing Editors who oversee the review pipeline. Operational success is ensured by our specialized Directors of Finance, Recruitment, and Public Relations, who manage the journal’s growth, funding, and global outreach.