<p><span class="p-body">Working hard to foster a greater understanding of progressive policy change, particularly in conservative societies, Anne Marie Goetz's academic and professional path began with a focus on political science and international development. She studied International Relations at the London School of Economics and then worked for the United Nations Development Program in West Africa.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The complexities and contradictions she encountered in policy-making drove her back to academia, where she earned a PhD in gender and development from Cambridge University. Goetz's research and professional career took her to the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, where she focused on women's participation in democracy-building and anti-corruption campaigns in South Asia. In 2005, she returned to the UN, serving UNIFEM and later UN Women, as an advisor on governance, peace, and security. Her work included addressing conflict-related sexual violence and formulating Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Joining NYU SPS's Center for Global Affairs (CGA) in 2014, Goetz sought to integrate her extensive policy-making experience with teaching and research. She continues to work on UN reform and peacebuilding processes, enriching her academic role with practical insights from her international advocacy efforts.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Goetz, &quot;great teaching is grounded in research,&quot; and views teaching as a means to build student capacity for identifying and solving complex issues. Goetz enjoys the process of deepening her own understanding of global affairs through teaching. She reflects, <br> </span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Students in Goetz's program benefit from her extensive experience and practical approach to teaching. She relates course content to real-world applications, offering insights into the frustrations and strategies of policy negotiations. Her courses often include site visits to the UN and activist organizations, immersive simulation games, and student practicums that address fundamental research or policy challenges. The results of these practicums have been exceptional, with many student research pieces published and presented to international policymakers and activists.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Goetz highlights the CGA’s ability to swiftly respond to emerging global threats, integrating new content on issues like counter-terrorism, cyber security, climate change, and authoritarianism. However, keeping up with the rapid changes in global processes and technological innovations remains a challenge. She notes that while digital technologies provide vast amounts of information and new teaching methods, they also pose risks, such as diminishing analytical skills. Students in the program can hope to meet the current moment's most pressing issues in Goetz's courses, which prepare them for the world as it is today.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Goetz emphasizes that CGA graduates need to be prepared for the complexities of policy-making, which often involves navigating politics and building constituencies for change. In the classroom, she often addresses the importance of the skills and networks developed through the program, which help graduates advocate for human rights, economic development, and peacebuilding in a challenging global environment.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">This fall, Goetz looks forward to teaching her favorite course, &quot;Corruption and Anti-Corruption,&quot; which will be enriched by new cases and student perspectives. In Spring 2025, she will launch a new course on gender and cyber security, tackling an emerging and significant field.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Goetz hopes future leaders will resist the lure of identity politics, isolationism, xenophobia, militarization, and misogyny. She advocates for addressing transnational problems like climate change and promoting inclusive decision-making based on human rights.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As for new students coming into the program, Goetz's advice is to study what interests them deeply, as passion and expertise in a subject make them attractive to employers. She also emphasizes the importance of good writing, which she describes as &quot;organized thinking&quot; that leads to action. She encourages students to learn to manage evidence and develop strong qualitative and quantitative data skills.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The Center for Global Affairs is a robust training ground for changemakers who are ready to take the future into their own hands. Take your seat at the table 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.</span></p>