Caleb Klubben: Practicums, Policy and Paris

Caleb Klubben, pursuing an MA in International Affairs at AUP, already loved Paris when he made the decision to return for his graduate studies. Now with immersive programs like The Hague Practicum offering a strong sense of what it's like to work in foreign policy, Caleb is working on a thesis that explores French military and political influence in Africa.

Caleb Klubben

What made you choose the MA in International Affairs?

During undergrad, I did studied abroad in Paris at the Institut Catholique de Paris. I loved the city, so I was looking to come back. My advisor told me I would get the best student support from an American-style university and recommended AUP. I knew I wanted to study an international subject, and AUP’s MA in International Affairs stood out. I’ve always been interested in how states develop foreign policy and, more specifically, in security and defense. I also like being able to combine theory with more practical elements, which is something I’ve been able to do a lot at AUP. 

For example, through the practicums you’ve attended...

The École de Guerre Practicum was one of the most interesting things I’ve ever done. They took us behind the scenes at the French War College to conduct a crisis simulation with military professionals. It was really strategic and hands-on and made me think on my feet. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity at another university. I also attended the practicum in The Hague, during which we got to visit the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia just after their last-ever trial. We were able to talk to representatives and learn more about the process for establishing and sustaining such a tribunal over all these years. It gave me a strong sense of what it’s like to work in the courts. 

What was your favorite in-class moment?

The professors did a great job at bringing in professionals to teach career-focused modules. We learned a lot. One representative came from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. He worked with us on the logistics and communications behind UN crisis responses. I also enjoyed conflict management and resolution with Hall Gardner, because he drew on his long list of personal and professional experiences in the field.  

MA in International Affairs

École de Guerre Practicum

The Hague Practicum

Caleb, Professor Perry and other students during the Hague Practicum

Caleb Klubben and other students during the Hague Practicum

Caleb and the group pose outside the International Criminal Courts

Caleb Klubben and other students during the Hague Practicum

You’re now working on your thesis...

I’m writing about French military and political influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, and why it appears to have waned in places like Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over the past decade. I’m looking at how much of that has due to French diplomatic policies and how much has to do with outside actors, such as the Wagner group in Russia, which is targeting disinformation in the region. I’m asking what can be done on France’s part to reestablish some of those relationships. 

Why do you think we need international cooperation?

It’s not an option to go down the isolationist road in the globalized world we live in today. Economies are intertwined, and the policies of one nation heavily affect others. To be able to work with and maintain peace with other countries, it’s important to communicate and share knowledge. The more you understand a situation by immersing yourself in a specific aspect or area of conflict resolution, the more you’ll be able to use that knowledge to cooperate with others in the field.