Lala Mustafa, COL ’26, Baku, Azerbaijan
This summer, I had the honor of continuing my research under Professor Julia Gray from the Political Science Department. This project – as part of Professor Gray’s forthcoming book on the vitality of international organizations (IOs) – resonated with me since having grown up in Azerbaijan led me to witness firsthand the challenges such entities face. This research thus perfectly aligned with my passion for enhancing the effectiveness of IOs, driven by the belief that stronger collaboration among nations can advance global human rights and address the world’s most pressing challenges.
To measure IO vitality, Professor Gray developed a framework that evaluates each IO based on the frequency and outcomes of their annual meetings. My role involved creating detailed timelines for each organization we analyzed, assessing whether they achieved their goals in a particular year, and noting any other relevant information through the copious amounts of documents found in Nexis Uni. I then coded this data into Excel sheets with meticulous attention to detail. By categorizing the successes and shortcomings of these organizations in this manner, we aimed to provide a clearer picture of what drives an IO to thrive or stagnate.
Throughout the summer, I was assigned the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union), the League of Nations, and the Organization of American States. Each IO provided unique insights into the challenges and successes of international cooperation. For instance, examining the African Union offered profound perspectives into the delicate balance between national sovereignty and collective action in African politics. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the OAU’s pivotal role in advancing decolonization. The Organization of American States, however, emphasized to me the complexities of adapting to changing political landscapes. Together, these experiences significantly expanded my understanding of the history of global governance.
Beyond deepening my understanding of international organizations, I’ve gained valuable skills in qualitative research, data analysis, and the practical application of political science theories. Working closely with historical documents and current data has further sharpened my ability to synthesize large amounts of information and draw concise conclusions. Moreover, I’m eager to continue working with Professor Gray throughout the school year and explore other international organizations! This opportunity has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in international relations, where I hope to contribute to the development of more effective and resilient global institutions.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
