Political Science addresses some of the fundamental problems facing human society. Questions concerning government policies aimed at achieving economic stability and growth, the gap between the rich and poor, the role of NGOs to affect social and political change, the relations between countries, the crisis of our democratic institutions, and the world peace are all on the research agenda of contemporary political scientists. The general purpose of the major is to address these and other similar important issues in a multidisciplinary way, and, simultaneously, to expose students to think critically and reason analytically about the constantly evolving political landscape in Asia compared to the rest of the world.

A pervasive feature of human existence, politics entails both cooperation and conflict—in our local communities, in domestic and international environments, and on a global scale. The bachelor’s degree in political science at Waseda University promotes the scientific understanding of politics. We educate students to think independently and critically about the determinants and implications of important political phenomena, such as elections in democracies or patterns of international disputes. The political science major fosters students’ awareness in public issues, develops students’ analytical skills, and encourages students to take responsibility and pursue leadership roles. Ultimately, the major prepares students to contribute to solving the imminent and long-term problems that humanity faces.

Interdisciplinary integration is implemented in the Department of International Political Science and Economics at the Faculty of International Political Science and Economics beyond the framework of traditional departments of politics and economics or existing fields of academic studies.