Watson School at Brown

@watsonschoolbrown

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.

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Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 2d

The Watson School celebrated a milestone on July 1: one year since its launch as Brown University's first new school in over a decade, with a bold vision to address the world's most pressing economic, political, social and policy challenges. Learn more: https://ow.ly/YQ0C50Ztzu7

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 2d

From Brown to the State Department: Public Service in Action — Dean John Friedman and Senior Fellow Laurel Rapp ’06 discuss her journey from Brown University to the State Department. (VIDEO) https://ow.ly/FVBw50Xh0Zb

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 5d

#BrownMPA Summer Sequence 2 is underway. MPA students are in Economics of Government Intervention, exploring trade, fiscal policy and business cycles to see how policy shapes the broader economy, all at the accelerated pace our summer program is known for. Learn more: https://ow.ly/SEqf50Zv1lt

Brown MPA cohort in True North Classroom.

Brown MPA cohort working together at the Watson School.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 5d

AI Policy Summer School seeks to build pipeline of AI experts to fill emerging needs The AI Policy Summer School, a collaboration w/ Brown University's CNTR, brought graduate students to Brown and D.C., to learn from leading experts and engage directly with policymakers. https://ow.ly/xxCi50ZtroU

AI Policy Summer School participants standing outside of the Watson School.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 7d

#AlumniSpotlight : Meet Annika Prinz ’22, ’23 MPA, who turned her Watson experience into a career in corporate sustainability. Learn how her global perspective, climate policy studies and Brown mentors helped shape her journey. Read her story: https://ow.ly/nm9y50Zwe5v

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 8d

What China’s hypersonic anti-ship missile fired from a smaller destroyer signals — Lyle Goldstein told the South China Morning Post that China's latest hypersonic missile deployment makes U.S. naval operations near Taiwan even more difficult. https://ow.ly/GWf350Zv7Ry

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 9d

Tomorrow @ 4 pm: Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, joins the Africa Initiative to present “Nuclear Physics Research and Teaching in Africa Today,” moderated by Africa Initiative Director Wilmot James. https://ow.ly/rsj350ZukMB

Portrait of Zeblon Vilakazi promoting a lecture on Nuclear Physics Research and Teaching in Africa on August 4, 2026.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 14d

China is gaining troubling military know-how from Russia — In The Economist, Lyle Goldstein discussed how Russia's growing dependence on China is giving Beijing greater leverage to obtain advanced military technology and intelligence from Moscow. https://ow.ly/EBqp50ZubxE

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 22d

At a House task force hearing on the CIA's MKULTRA program, Stephen Kinzer discussed the agency's human experimentation, Cold War-era abuses, the treatment of victims and the need to declassify remaining records. https://ow.ly/39FQ50ZqKan

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 26d

This past week, Dean John N. Friedman joined the Brown University Club of Japan in Tokyo to discuss the launch of the Watson School and its mission to advance research, teaching, and public engagement on today's most pressing policy challenges. Photo Credit: Shuko Kawase

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 27d

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 University. https://ow.ly/VCSi50Z6LuI

Starr Plaza outside the Watson School buildings lined with blooming pink and green trees under a clear blue sky.

Jeanne Shaheen holds a microphone during the Dean's Fireside Chat with John Friedman.

Dean John Friedman sits across from Condoleezza Rice at a student talk before the Ogden Lecture.

Gen. Mark Milley speaks at the Watson School's launch event.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 28d

One year of the Watson School: an inaugural dean, our first MPA cohort, a year of conversations that connected people, and our first graduating class. One year of momentum, one year of community, and this is just the start. Stay tuned for more to come! #WatsonSchool #BrownU

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· 29d

#AlumniSpotlight: Tamara Coger '16 MPA is helping shape international approaches to climate resilience, ecosystem restoration and locally led adaptation at the World Resources Institute. Learn more about how her Watson School experience informs her work: https://ow.ly/iFGr50ZjHmz

A quote on climate change urgency and economic solutions from Tamara Coger, MPA Class of 2016.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jul 7

In testimony before the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, Stephen Kinzer described CIA MK-ULTRA programs as involving serious abuses of human subjects & said their legacy has been insufficiently investigated & accounted for. https://ow.ly/Qr9R50ZjIev

Stephen Kinzer testifying at a Congressional hearing about the CIA mind control project MK-ULTRA.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 25

Relive the highlights of the Watson School's commencement celebrations! From MPA Policy in Action presentations and the alumni mixer to graduation breakfast and commencement ceremonies, our photo albums capture it all. Find your favorites: https://www.facebook.com/WatsonSchoolBrown/photos_albums

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 23

Orientation Week is complete, and #BrownMPA students have begun Summer Sequence 1 of the Watson School’s Master of Public Affairs program—an accelerated 4.5-week course designed to build the foundation for the year ahead. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ormL50Z86vC https://ow.ly/ormL50Z86vC

Student focused on taking notes during a lecture in Joukowsky Forum at the Watson School.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 18

#ArtatWatson recently presented Odisha Illuminated: A Celebration of Ritual in a Modern World, featuring appliqué panels curated by Odisha native Rakhi Jain. The works honor the craft and tradition of handmade art, inviting viewers to slow down and appreciate beauty rooted in ritual.

Colorful textile art, and people walking and sitting at tables in the Agora at the Watson School.

Two symmetrical textiles hang above a wooden table in the Agora at the Watson School.

Brightly colored textiles hang in the Agora at the Watson School.

Colorful traditional Indian folk art featuring a central face surrounded by symmetrical geometric patterns in vibrant reds, yellows, blues, and greens.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 18

Watson Ph.D. fellow Juben Rabbani is turning his research on the EV transition into art. His multimedia exhibition, now on display through summer 2026, explores the impact of the EV transition on California's Salton Sea region. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/bJ2q50YUF7v

Watson Ph.D. Fellow Juben Rabbani presenting at a podium in The Watson School.

Person reading an exhibit titled 'The Future Was Already Buried Here' with maps and explanatory text.

Three students with backpacks closely observe framed black-and-white photographs displayed at the Watson School.

Two students closely observing framed photographs displayed at the Watson School.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 16

Welcome MPA Class of 2027! incoming students connected with faculty, staff, and alumni through career workshops, academic sessions, and a tour of Providence, getting a first look at the community that defines the Watson School. Learn more about the MPA program: https://home.watson.brown.edu/mpa

Dean John Friedman sits with a group of MPA admitted students.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 15

A generous gift from the Bravo Family Foundation, founded by Brown University alumnus Orlando Bravo, will bolster research, teaching in the Department of Economics and Watson School of International and Public Affairs. https://ow.ly/uC5A50YSxXt

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 12

The 2026 Watson School student awards, grants and prizes recognize students making an impact through research, public service, internships, policy engagement and more. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! #BrownU #Brown2026 #WatsonSchool2026 https://ow.ly/Sekl50Z5EoB

A recent MPA graduate stands next to Matt Lyddon at the MPA Awards Ceremony, holding an MPA Awards 2026 certificate.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 12

At the Undergraduate Honors Thesis Conference, graduating IAPA seniors from Brown University presented original research on today’s most pressing global challenges. Thematic panels showcased timely, impactful work. Learn more about undergrad programs at the Watson School: https://ow.ly/h3RH50Z1J85

IAPA seniors presenting at the Watson Undergraduate Thesis Conference in Joukowsky forum.

Student speaking at the podium in Joukowsky Forum.

Students seated at the conference table in Joukowsky forum speaking during the Undergraduate Honors Thesis Conference.

Student speaking at the conference table in Joukowsky Forum.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 10

Today at 4 p.m. Dean John N. Friedman talks with Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ’94 about turning political challenges into effective public policy. Register to join the webinar: https://ow.ly/N9SB50Z6L1e

Poster for webinar featuring Governor Matt Meyer and John Friedman discussing political issues and policy in Delaware.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· Jun 9

Earlier this year in D.C., Dean Friedman hosted former Secretaries Gina Raimondo & Mark Esper for a conversation on economic and national security challenges, technology, and pragmatic solutions in a divided world — celebrating the launch of the Watson School w/ Brown University alumni in the area.

Dean John N. Friedman in conversation with Gina M. Raimondo and Mark T. Esper.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· May 29

Last weekend, 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. Congrats, #Brown2026!

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· May 22

Trump leaves China after much pomp and pageantry, but little to show for it — Lyle Goldstein told South China Morning Post that China’s position on Taiwan has remained consistent for decades. https://ow.ly/EKUb50Z2GF8

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· May 21

As the Watson School completes its inaugural year, we’re celebrating the remarkable students graduating during Brown University 258th Commencement & #BrownReunion weekend. Learn more about #WatsonSchool2026 graduates: https://ow.ly/L3lE50YZ2ly

Graduates in black caps and gowns standing in line during a formal indoor graduation ceremony.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· May 15

Brown University undergrads are doing real research that matters. Through the UTRA program, students are working with Tyler Jost comb through thousands of diplomatic records to understand what drives — and derails — major power cooperation. Learn more: https://ow.ly/jXNP50YYeg8

Tyler Jost sitting in a conference room at The Watson School.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· May 14

From housing affordability to public health, Watson School MPA students are tackling real-world policy challenges through the Policy in Action Project. Students presented hands-on work completed with partners across RI and beyond. 🌍 https://home.watson.brown.edu/news/news-from-watson/PIA-2026

Bilena Dabalen, Qutaiba Deah Enaya and Emma Vega stand behind the table in Joukowsky Forum with the Economic Progress Institute's Alan Krinsky.

David Blanding at the podium during the PIA Symposium, while Ryan Zapata, Olivia Hayes and Lailah Williams take questions from the audience.

Watson School at Brown@watsonschoolbrown· May 7

Africa Initiative postdoctoral research associate Chikezirim Nwoke is investigating how Nigeria's centuries-old apprenticeship system is breaking down — and what's rising in its place. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/BMXy50YUFtN