In an age of globalization which increasingly brings people in contact with other cultures as a result of changing social, political, and economic activities and technological advances, the need to understand international affairs, to recognize cultural values other than our own, and to understand world events from a variety of perspectives, has become increasingly critical. The purpose of this program is to provide an intensive seven-day international experience for participants to explore pressing issues of global concern and to view such issues from a perspective both literally and figuratively outside the borders of the United States. Participants should leave with the knowledge and skills to acquire a better understanding of the international political order, the global economy, worldwide social developments, what it means to be a global citizen, and, most importantly, with the desire, ability and empowerment to envision and affect positive change on their own campuses and in their own communities.

Because the Salzburg Global Seminar is located in the heart of Europe and due to the historical circumstances under which it was founded over sixty years ago, the session will pay special attention to the political, economic and cultural history of the trans-Atlantic relationship, its future dimensions, and the impact such changes may have on the rest of the world. At the same time, mindful of increasing global interconnectedness, the session will consider issues of particular concern to regions of the developing world. In this way, students will be exposed to the relationship between the historical legacy of the latter part of the 20th century, global responsibility, humanitarian intervention, social justice, and sustainable development.