Meeting the Challenge
Seeking to promote a just and peaceful world through research, teaching and public engagement.
Watson faculty book contributions in 2023
Reality Check: Chinese Military Spending in Context
Exit Wounds: How America’s Guns Fuel Violence Across the Border
Apply to Brown's one-year Master of Public Affairs program today!
Application deadline January 15
Academics and Research
The Watson Institute houses several undergraduate and graduate programs that take an interdisciplinary, comparative approach to policy-relevant learning in the social sciences.
Academic Programs
Focusing on three main areas — development, security and governance — the Institute leverages Brown's tradition of true interdisciplinarity to foster innovative, policy-relevant scholarly activities. Across all topics and fields, the Institute tackles the complexities of 21st century security threats, globalization and intractable inequalities. From Latin America to China, from the Middle East to India, the Institute's work helps us all make sense of the world.
Student Experience
The Watson Institute houses several undergraduate and graduate programs that take an interdisciplinary, comparative approach to policy-relevant learning in the social sciences. Our programs are designed to inspire today's engaged scholars and creative thinkers to become tomorrow's leaders in international and public affairs.
“ Participating in the Graduate Program in Development through Watson and being exposed to different perspectives has been really refreshing. It has reminded me why I decided to be a social scientist in the first place, which is to help people live better lives. ”
Centers, Initiatives and Programs
The Watson Institute is proud to house 11 region or topic-focused centers, initiatives and projects that are dedicated to research, teaching and outreach. These entities also serve as conveners, sponsoring informative events that inspire dialogue among scholars, students and the public.
learn more about our centersDiscover Our Research
Focusing on three main areas — development, security and governance — the Institute leverages Brown's tradition of true interdisciplinarity to foster innovative, policy-relevant scholarly activities. Across all topics and fields, the Institute tackles the complexities of 21st century security threats, globalization and intractable inequalities. From Latin America to China, from the Middle East to India, the Institute's work helps us all make sense of the world.