HISTORY AND MISSION

After the political turbulence of the 1960s, a group of Yale students came together seeking to promote a better understanding of global affairs. As a result, in 1969, the Yale International Relations Association (YIRA) was founded. 

The Yale International Relations Association strives to foster conversation about international relations on campus and beyond through conferences, classes, travel, publications, and speaker and social events. We aim to create an inclusive, diverse, and accessible educational space for students, providing resources that enrich public speaking, leadership, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities so members may best apply their passion for international relations and give back to the world.

With consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council as well as hundreds of members hailing from more than 30 countries and pursuing virtually all courses of study, YIRA is the largest undergraduate student organization at Yale and serves as the voice of international relations on campus. 

Through its unique and ambitious constituent programs, YIRA aims to foster debate about international affairs. We pride ourselves in the diversity of our members and the students we educate, as well as our educational programming that highlights different geographical regions, cultural upbringings, and social perspectives often overlooked in the field. As one of the most active undergraduate organizations, YIRA offers a variety of ways to get involved and join our great community of students.