<p>The Center for Global Affairs (CGA) prepares students for changemaking careers in international policy and beyond. Teaching in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html" title="MS in Global Affairs program">MS in Global Affairs program</a>, Mary Beth Altier brings decades of research experience to the classroom, along with her valuable insights on politics and international relations. We were thrilled to speak with her about her background and experiences teaching at NYU SPS.</p>

<p>Growing up in New Jersey, Altier was awarded a scholarship to Drew University, where she majored in mathematics and history. These subjects, while seemingly disparate, allowed her to explore her varied interests deeply. &quot;I had no idea how I was going to use these degrees in my career,&quot; she recalls, &quot;but followed my interests and took advantage of the breadth of study and flexibility that a liberal arts education offered.&quot;</p> <p>A pivotal moment came on September 11, 2001, when she witnessed the attacks on the Twin Towers. This event profoundly influenced her decision to study why individuals support political violence. Pursuing a PhD in Politics at Princeton University, Altier did a deep dive into comparative politics, international relations, and formal and quantitative methods, with a particular focus on why ordinary people support violent political elites.</p>

<p>After completing her PhD, Altier worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Pennsylvania State University, overseeing a significant grant project on terrorist disengagement, re-engagement, and recidivism. This role allowed her to engage deeply with the psychological processes behind political violence and collaborate with government practitioners, making her research directly impactful. &quot;Seeing the tangible impact that academic research could have and better understanding the issues practitioners grapple with was incredibly rewarding,&quot; she says.</p> <p>Following this, she worked on a research project at Nuffield College, comparing the stability of democracies formed during peacetime with those post-Civil War. These experiences reinforced her desire to work in an environment that valued interdisciplinary research and the connection between scholarly work and practical application, leading her to the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/center-for-global-affairs.html" title="Center for Global Affairs">Center for Global Affairs</a> at NYU SPS. Here, she now leads the transnational security concentration and directs the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/center-for-global-affairs/initiative-for-the-study-of-emerging-threats.html" title="Initiative for the Study of Emerging Threats">Initiative for the Study of Emerging Threats</a>.</p>

<p>Altier's love for school and learning is palpable. She enjoys analyzing new information and appreciates the diverse perspectives her students bring. &quot;The world is constantly changing,&quot; she notes, &quot;and while many of the theories and some readings may be similar, the substantive content is quite different.&quot; Her courses evolve with current global events, ensuring that students receive relevant and up-to-date education.</p> <p>Students benefit from a rich program that includes coursework, consulting practicums, internships, and networking events. Altier runs two consulting practicums—one with the State Department's Global Engagement Center and another with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. These practicums allow students to work on cutting-edge issues such as state-sponsored propaganda, AI use by violent extremists, and the incel movement. She shares,</p> <p>&quot;Students who have participated in [the State Department] practicum…have worked on projects on state-sponsored information campaigns in Latin American and the Western Balkans, identifying media literacy training gaps and good practices globally, strategic communications to counter violent extremist recruitment in Nigeria and Somalia, and country and private sector approaches to the authentication, detection, and labeling of AI-generated content.&quot;</p> <p>The program also offers experiential learning opportunities like the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/news-and-ideas/articles/center-for-global-affairs/2024/international-symposium-cga-offers-special-strategic-crisis-negotiation-exercise-on-the-south-china-sea-for-students.html" title="US Army War College International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise">US Army War College International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise</a>. This exercise hones students' diplomatic and negotiation skills by simulating real-world crises, further preparing them for impactful careers.</p>

<p>Altier emphasizes the need for Global Affairs students to remain nimble. &quot;The world is changing rapidly,&quot; she says, &quot;but the same theories and lessons will still apply.&quot; Understanding unique problem sets and adapting learned theories are crucial skills for graduates.</p> <p>Looking forward, Altier is excited to meet new students and continue to explore pressing global issues, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, the rise of China, and the impact of climate change on geopolitical security. She also anticipates another engaging semester with the Manhattan DA's Office practicum.</p> <p>In today's fractured global climate, Altier hopes future leaders will prioritize long-term societal impacts over individual gains. She stresses the importance of unity and resilience in facing internal and external threats, from misinformation to global norm violations. &quot;We need to work together and think about the long-term societal impacts of our actions or lack of action,&quot; she advises.</p> <p>The Center for Global Affairs is where students gain the knowledge and experience they need to take the future into their own hands. Explore how you can make a difference by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html" title="MS in Global Affairs">MS in Global Affairs</a> today.</p>