Mission & Philosophy

Mission

The mission of the International Studies Program is to promote excellence in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy in developing and transitional economies around the world.

The International Studies Program pursues this mission by pursuing and supporting internationally-oriented research and academic programs, by providing technical assistance to governments of developing and transitional economies, and by providing international policy-focused training programs.

Philosophy

Unlike many consulting firms, the success of the International Studies Program reflects the breadth and depth of the technical expertise that the International Studies Program can draw upon. The Andrew Young School's faculty are leading experts in economics and public policy and have authored books, published in major academic and technical journals, and have extensive experience in designing and implementing technical assistance and training programs.

Based on our extensive experience, our technical assistance strategy is not to merely provide technical prescriptions for policy reform, but to engage in a collaborative effort with the host government. Through cooperation with the donor and host country at all stages of the process, we seek to identify and analyze the issues at hand, arrive at policy solutions and implement reforms.

Contributions of expatriate specialists in public policy reforms can be easily lost if an expert fails to be accepted as a partner in the reform process by government officials from the host country. However, the faculty and research staff at the International Studies Program enjoy international acclaim and recognition for their intellectual leadership and technical abilities. Our cutting edge technical competence, combined with our spirit of cooperation and our commitment to local ownership over projects, has given the International Studies Program the ability to command respect and trust at the highest levels among stakeholders from government, business, academia, and the public at large.