The Watson Institute's research focuses on two areas: global security, and political economy and development.
The Watson School of International and Public Affairs seeks to promote a just and peaceful world through research and teaching on the world’s most pressing economic, political and social policy challenges. Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs is a leading center for research and teaching on the most important problems of our time. Its research aims to improve po
06/23/2026
Orientation Week is complete, and the MPA Class of 2027 is already hard at work. 📚
Students have kicked off Summer Sequence 1 of the Watson School’s Master of Public Affairs program, diving into an accelerated 4.5-week course of study and building the foundation for the year to come.
Big things are ahead for this cohort. ✨
Curious about the MPA curriculum? Learn more: https://ow.ly/lLiu50Z7yZX
06/16/2026
Welcome to the MPA Class of 2027!
Over the past week, incoming MPA students connected with faculty, staff, alumni, and one another through orientation activities designed to prepare them for success at Brown University. From career and academic workshops to community-building events and a tour of Providence, the week offered a glimpse into the collaborative and engaged community that defines the Watson School.
Learn more about the MPA program: https://home.watson.brown.edu/mpa
06/13/2026
We invite the Brown community and our friends around the world to join together in observing a moment of silence to mark six months since the shooting that occurred on our campus on December 13, 2025.
We acknowledge the void left by the two members of the Brown family we lost, and the pain that our entire community has carried since that day. We recognize our community’s grief and its resilience, and the continued healing that is part of our shared experience.
We are ever true.
Keep the commencement memories going by exploring our photo albums!
From the undergraduate honors thesis conference and MPA Policy in Action presentations to the alumni mixer, graduation breakfast, and commencement ceremonies, did you or your loved ones take part in the celebrations? Our photos capture all the highlights 📸
Check out all the photos: https://www.facebook.com/WatsonSchoolBrown/photos_albums
06/10/2026
06/09/2026
The Watson School is building on a strong first year!
From new faculty hires and expanded academic programs to a bold vision for future growth, learn how the School is shaping the future of international and public affairs at Brown.
🔗 https://home.watson.brown.edu/news/news-from-watson/inaugural-year
06/03/2026
The 2026 Watson School student awards, grants and prizes celebrate students pursuing impactful work across the globe and across traditional academic boundaries 🌍🏆
From research and internships to language study, public service, honors projects and policy engagement, these students are making an impact in and beyond the classroom.
Join us in congratulating this outstanding community of students!
View the full list of recipients: https://ow.ly/RnLq50Z5Ehi
🎙️New Trending Globally podcast: The war in Iran’s ripple effect on the global energy economy
On this episode, John Friedman and Jeff Colgan discuss the war’s growing economic, geopolitical and climate impacts as new research from the Climate Solutions Lab estimates the conflict has already added more than $40 billion in U.S. fuel costs.
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Listen to the full episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/87c7e9a6-a2bc-4fc2-9726-3bdb4ca4b69f
Commencement Weekend is always one of our favorites, and this one did not disappoint 🎓
We welcomed back alumni to join the graduating MPA class for a cocktail reception, celebrated our seniors over breakfast with their families, and cheered as our master's and undergraduate students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. Congratulations, Class of 2026!