Interview with Tania Verdugo Lema, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Legal and International Relations at UNIE

The Role of Universities in Global Education

In such a complex global context, what role can—and should—universities play in training future professionals in International Relations? Are academic programs being adapted to today’s global realities?

Universities must rise to the challenges of the times—they should be living, dynamic spaces. They cannot teach in the abstract, disconnected from what’s happening in the world. At our Faculty, training in International Relations is built on a solid foundation of knowledge, but it evolves every academic year to respond to developments beyond the classroom: geopolitical shifts, environmental challenges, technological impact, and new forms of conflict or cooperation. We train our students from a global perspective, but always with practical application in mind. That’s why we go beyond theoretical learning: we promote a hands-on model, where students work on real-world challenges, participate in diplomatic simulations, collaborate with institutions, and apply what they learn from day one.

Moreover, UNIE has a strong entrepreneurial DNA. This means that in addition to rigorous academic training, our students develop key professional skills that are highly valued in international settings: strategic thinking, teamwork, and the ability to navigate both public and private organizations. That connection with the professional world is essential to keep pace with a constantly evolving global landscape.

We’re incorporating more applied approaches, partnerships with sectoral institutions, and ongoing dialogue between theory and practice. Curricula are not static—they’re regularly reviewed and updated to include emerging issues that are now central to the international agenda.

From your perspective as an academic and vice dean, how do you perceive young people’s interest in international politics? Are the new generations more engaged or more disenchanted with the role of diplomacy in today’s world?

What we observe at the university is a growing interest among young people in international affairs, though it manifests in different ways than in the past. It’s no longer just about pursuing a diplomatic career or working in major multilateral organizations—it’s a broader form of engagement that spans human rights, sustainability, technology, and global justice.

This interest is not always channeled through traditional structures. Many students approach international issues from local activism, social entrepreneurship, or critical analysis of global information. There is some questioning of traditional institutional models, but the dominant attitude is not disillusionment—it’s a desire for transformation. They want diplomacy to be more transparent, more participatory, and more aligned with real-world challenges.

We also see growing interest in the international dimension of business. More and more students understand that international relations take place not only in embassies or multilateral forums but also in corporate strategies, value chains, and sustainability and compliance policies. That’s why, at UNIE, we foster a model of internationalization closely linked to the business world—preparing students to operate confidently in global contexts, whether in public institutions, NGOs, or the private sector.

Our role as a university is to support that curiosity with solid, ethical, and professional training—so students can interpret the world critically and act responsibly. The demands they bring to the table are, in fact, an opportunity to rethink what it means to educate in international relations today.

Artificial intelligence, disinformation, and social media are transforming both the practice and perception of international politics. How does UNIE incorporate these emerging challenges into its academic programs?

These issues are very present, both in the content we teach and in how we teach it. Artificial intelligence, for instance, is no longer reserved for tech degrees—it’s reshaping the rules of international relations, from propaganda to global security.

At UNIE, we tackle these topics from multiple angles, through specific subjects and complementary activities. We address disinformation, digital narratives, platform governance, and associated risks. The aim is for students not only to understand what’s happening but to develop their own critical lens to analyze it and respond with rigor.

Spain and Europe on a New International Stage

The war in Ukraine has shaken the foundations of European security. Do you believe it has irreversibly changed the EU’s foreign and defense policy? What role might Spain play in this redefinition?

The conflict in Ukraine has reactivated deep reflections within the European Union about its role in foreign and security policy. From an academic standpoint, what we’re seeing is a process of reassessing and adapting priorities, with growing debate on coordination among Member States and the scope of shared capabilities at different levels.

New frameworks, analytical tools, and proposals are emerging in response to a more unstable international environment and the perception of new threats. This has reopened discussions on the balance between joint action, national sovereignty, and cooperation with multilateral actors.

From the university’s perspective, these developments compel us to rethink how we train the professionals who will one day be responsible for analyzing and managing these complex scenarios—with knowledge, critical thinking, and a global outlook.

Looking Ahead: Academic and Institutional Priorities

Looking toward the upcoming academic year, what are the main priorities of your Faculty in the field of International Relations? Are you planning new research lines, international collaborations, or teaching innovations?

We’re in a highly dynamic moment. One of our major priorities is strengthening the international dimension of the Faculty—not just through formal agreements, but through real experiences for our students: exchange programs, joint projects, guest lecturers from international universities.

We also want to continue innovating in the classroom: working with simulations, real-life case studies, team-based challenges… These are tools that connect better with both the professional world and how students learn today. In terms of research, there is growing interest in topics such as global sustainability, artificial intelligence, political polarization, and international cooperation. These are areas we’re promoting through various Faculty initiatives.

Finally, what message would you share with students who are considering studying International Relations? What qualities will be essential to succeed in such a volatile world?

Choosing to study International Relations is a bold decision—but it’s also a highly relevant one right now. The world needs professionals who can understand complex realities, analyze them with a cool head, and act with ethical purpose. We want our Faculty to be a space not only for reflection but also for action.

To those considering this path, I would say: prepare for a demanding environment, but also one full of opportunities. You’ll need critical thinking, adaptability, language skills, and—above all—the desire to engage with realities different from your own. If you remain curious and committed, your education will open many doors—not only in diplomacy, but in international organizations, businesses, NGOs, media, and other arenas where decisions with global impact are made.

At our Faculty, we are committed to supporting students along that journey. We provide them with the tools they need to grow professionally and confidently in a global, complex, and increasingly demanding environment.

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