Laura Jaramillo ’25
When I came to Pomona, I knew I wanted to study Latin American politics, but I worried that narrowing my focus might limit my exposure to other opportunities. I chose to major in international relations because of my fascination with how history, power, and memory shape our world. Instead of feeling restricted, the major became an open invitation to explore new ideas, connections, and perspectives. It encouraged me to ask deeper questions about how the past shapes the present and how different societies confront historical trauma and political transformation—an area that has since become my central academic focus.
My journey in this department began with International Relations of East Asia, taught by Professor Tom Le—a course outside my intended regional focus and, unexpectedly, an upper-division class I took as a freshman. What could have been intimidating became one of my most formative experiences at Pomona. Professor Le challenged my preconceptions and opened my eyes to new perspectives on regional politics and global security. His thought-provoking seminars on the intersection of historical narratives and contemporary diplomacy fundamentally changed how I approach international affairs. His mentorship extended beyond the classroom, helping me secure an internship at the Pacific Forum, where I conducted research on transnational repression, AI readiness, and disinformation security in the Indo-Pacific—areas that are critical to my studies and have shaped my future aspirations.
The major is rigorous and demanding, but its intensity is balanced by its flexibility—allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. This balance encouraged me to take intellectual risks and pursue unexpected opportunities. I built a curriculum that allowed me to double major in Environmental Analysis while continuing to study International Relations. During my semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea, I focused on the International Relations of the Korean Peninsula while also pursuing my passion for architecture. I took an intensive design course led by practicing architects and engineers, where I worked on human-centered design projects. This experience challenged me to think critically about how we design urban spaces and how political ideologies manifest spatially. My double major equipped me with the tools and theoretical framework to explore this further. When I returned from South Korea, I continued to build on my passion for Latin American politics. With the support of Professors Englebert and Haddad, I traveled to Paraguay and Chile to conduct archival research on military dictatorships from the 1970s. My research focused on tracing surveillance networks through spatial analysis and exploring how state violence continues to shape local communities today.
This major has opened more doors than I ever imagined, including the opportunity to attend the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. There, I engaged with scientists, politicians, and environmentalists dedicated to building a more just and sustainable future. Being part of this global dialogue was humbling and eye-opening—a powerful reminder of the complexity of climate challenges and the critical role of international collaboration. I had the chance to meet and discuss environmental issues with ministers from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and El Salvador. Participating in a conference of this magnitude as an undergraduate was truly a unique experience and one of my most cherished memories at Pomona, made possible through the support and encouragement of the International Relations Department. My professors have been incredible mentors, always encouraging me to think deeper and take risks with my work. My peers have been just as important—whether it’s late-night study sessions, debates that go way off track, or simply figuring things out together. The International Relations Department has felt more like a community than just a major, shaping both my academic journey and who I am.
Most importantly, this major has shown me that global politics isn’t an abstract concept—it’s embedded in the stories we tell, the histories we preserve, and the physical spaces we inhabit. As I prepare for my next steps, I’m deeply grateful for how International Relations has broadened my perspective and given me the tools—and the ethical framework—to engage meaningfully with our interconnected world.
Kai Carse ’24
I chose international relations because I wanted to take advantage of the best Pomona has to offer. As an interdisciplinary major, IR encompasses politics, anthropology, economics, history, global and cultural studies, and more. I came into Pomona quite undecided, with an interest in politics, Spanish, and economics, and IR helped me feel like I didn’t have to sacrifice one of those interests in the pursuit of another.
At first, I was drawn to the major because of its study abroad requirement. This year, while writing my thesis alongside fellow majors, I've recognized the benefits of immersive global studies. Many IR majors use their experience abroad to craft fascinating and personal theses that span a wide range of topics and methodologies. I studied abroad in Havana, Cuba, during the fall of my junior year, where I witnessed the effects of mass migration and explored a fascinating side of U.S. foreign relations from various perspectives. This enriching experience abroad motivated me to write my thesis on border externalization into international waters.
I have also found an incredible web of dedicated and interesting professors in the IR department. In Intro to IR, Professor [Heidi Nichols] Haddad developed engaging simulations and choose-your-own-topic papers that made me think much more practically about how the world works. In the following year, I joined Professor Haddad as a research assistant, working one-on-one with her and developing my research skills. The Intermediate IR seminar, taken by all IR majors during their sophomore or junior year, is another highlight of my time at Pomona. Studying with Professor [Colin] Beck, I learned how to plan and execute a long-form research paper on any international topic of my choice.
The freedom the department awards its students to discover our interests and pursue them is empowering and makes me grateful to be an IR major.