Tia Sewell

Tia Sewell is a junior studying International Relations with a keen interest in international law and security. Tia is currently studying abroad in Paris, where she's exploring French language, culture and political affairs. Tia spoke with us about finding an IR niche and making the most of time at Stanford. 

What sparked your interest in IR?  

My father was an F-16 fighter pilot in the Gulf War, and when I came to Stanford, I realized that I had a lot of unanswered questions relating to conflict and foreign policy. At the time, I had a relatively limited understanding of the history, politics, and economic dynamics underpinning U.S. military and diplomatic engagements abroad. I took classes on the history of the international system, American interventions in the Middle East, IR theory, and economics and found myself enthralled by the ways these courses intersected and provided different frameworks to comprehend current global dynamics.  

I spent my first summer at Stanford working as a research assistant on Professor Scott Sagan’s team studying ethics, nuclear weapons, and public opinion, during which I developed a distinct interest in international law, specifically as it relates to the protection of civilians in conflict. Since then, I’ve worked pretty squarely within the intersection of law and international security, including at Brookings’ Lawfare Institute, the U.S. State Department’s Mission to the United Nations, and Valens Global. As I continue to learn, I continue to be fascinated by the complex nature of war and the nuanced historical connections of countries (and non-state actors) within the international system—and inspired by the efforts of professionals working in the field to advance a more secure and prosperous world with well-informed and responsible policy responses to counter modern threats. 

Have you/are you studying abroad? What has been your favorite part of this experience?  

Yes, I am currently studying abroad in Paris! It’s been an extraordinary experience so far. I’ve found the linguistic and cultural immersion to be particularly valuable, for it offers a really unique (and quite humbling) opportunity to grow as a global citizen. In conversations at the dinner table with my host family, we’ve discussed inequalities in French society, the 2022 presidential election, and even the recent diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and France. In discussions with university students and young professionals in the city, I’ve learned about the differences between the French and American education systems, gaining insight into the array of ways that institutions have shaped our lives in separate societies. I’ve also loved the opportunity to frequent the city’s museums and cafés (both of which there is absolutely no shortage) and to meet the other Stanford students in the program. The croissants are an added bonus, of course. 

What advice would you give a student interested in international affairs or global politics?  

Do your best to stay informed and invest time into finding the topics that interest you most. IR classes are an amazing opportunity to explore specific threads that you find compelling—whether it be a news story, ongoing policy issue, historical puzzle, etc., dig into the details and see where they lead you. Also, reach out to both peers and professors who share your passions and interests, and attend FSI events when you can. Stanford is overflowing with expertise and important perspectives relating to international affairs, and leveraging this network can be incredibly valuable for young people who are considering entering the field.