Overview
Columbia University’s Journal of International Affairs Fall/Winter 2018 issue is focused on “The Fourth Industrial Revolution,” which will examine the effect of technology on the future of work and subsequent societal and institutional changes. The Journal is seeking essay submissions from GPPN and Columbia University students to accompany this issue. Up to two winners will receive a $500 prize in addition to publication of the winning essays.
This topic is tremendously important given the attention it is being paid at the 2018 G-20 Summit in Argentina and events surrounding the 100th anniversary of the International Labor Organization’s founding next year. The World Bank is focusing on the importance of human capital in its 2019 World Development Report. This issue will contribute to and amplify essential discussion surrounding work in the age of automation and globalization. For more information about the Fourth Industrial Revolution, please see this op-ed from Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab.
With this in mind, the Journal is seeking submissions for its semi-annual student essay contests: the Andrew Wellingington Cordier Contest and the Global Public Policy Network Contest. Students from Columbia University or partner institutions in the GPPN are welcome to submit papers responding to the following prompts. Up to two winning papers will be selected and authors of winning entries will receive $500 each and will be published alongside noted scholars in the Journal’s upcoming issue on the fourth industrial revolution.
Prompts
Submissions are welcome on the following topics, or on a similar topic related to the issue’s main theme:
1: As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) develops and takes shape, governments are tasked with developing policies that will advantageously position their countries in a changing world. What will be the key characteristics and elements of this changing world? How will the 4IR change the way we define governmental responsibilities? Have policy efforts to manage/adapt to the 4IR been effective so far?
2: The 4IR will fundamentally change the way countries interact with other members of the international community. It will affect the way countries trade, wage war and make peace. How will these changes take place? What will be the outcome of these changes? Are the traditional schools of thought in international relations (Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism) adequate in predicting the outcomes of the 4IR?
Deadline and Submission Guidelines
Submissions are due at 11:59pm EST on 9 November 2018 submitted via email to [email protected].
Essays should not exceed 4,000 words, and cannot have been previously published. Citations should be in the form of footnotes formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style. For more information and to submit, visit our website If you have questions, please contact Student Essays Editor, Mr. Farah AbuSahliya, at [email protected].