Marianne Lu

Marianne Lu is a third year International Relations major specializing in International History & Culture and Economic Development/World Economy. She is also serving as an IR peer advisor. Marianne spoke with us about how she became interested in IR, her favorite course, and her future career goals!

What sparked your interest in IR? 

Growing up in Beijing, I was always fascinated about how China’s actions on the world stage seemed to shape my day to day life –– why weren’t we allowed to drive our car in the days leading up to the 2008 Olympics? Why was hosting the Olympics such a big deal, anyway? My initial interest in IR was cemented in high school, when I took a series of classes on America’s “empires” around the world, and learned about how the interactions between countries, and their intended and unintended effects, can ripple out and touch the lives of millions. The classes I’ve taken and people I’ve met in the IR department at Stanford have definitely shown me that IR was the right choice!  

What is your favorite class you’ve taken in the IR program? 

My favorite class I’ve taken in the IR program has been War and Peace in American Foreign Policy. Even though I took it online during Covid, I had great discussions and loved learning about the people and structures that shape US foreign policy.  

What are your future career goals? 

I’m thinking of going to law school, and I would eventually like to play a role in pushing the relationship between the US and China in a more constructive direction.