The Chanakya Fellowship in Social Sciences (CFSS) inaugurated its first Career Series on July 31, 2025, with a webinar titled “Careers and Callings in International Affairs.” The event drew nearly one hundred participants, including students and young professionals from diverse fields such as international relations, political science, economics, law, and public policy.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Harsh V. Pant, Vice President for Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation and Professor at King’s College London, shared insights from his extensive academic and policy career. A globally respected voice in strategic affairs and a faculty member at CFSS, Prof. Pant emphasized the dynamic and uncertain nature of today’s international system, shaped by shifting alliances, emerging security challenges, and the intersection of technology, economics, and geopolitics.
In his address, he highlighted the unique opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing careers in international affairs. Unlike linear career paths, he noted, this field requires adaptability, intellectual breadth, and the ability to engage across disciplines and global contexts. Drawing on his own journey, he underscored the importance of rigorous research and analytical clarity, coupled with the ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways for policymakers, media, and the wider public.
Prof. Pant also urged participants to cultivate writing as a core skill, framing it as not only an academic exercise but also a powerful means to shape debates, gain visibility, and influence decision-making.
