Assalam o Alaikum/Hi/Good morning/afternoon everyone.
Today, I’ll be presenting an overview of Political Science — what it is, why it matters, and how students of Political Science contribute meaningfully to diverse sectors such as government, military and intelligence, law, private and corporate sectors, media, international organizations, and more.
We’ll also look at how Political Science compares with other disciplines and why it stands out as a uniquely comprehensive field of study.

Political Science is the systematic study of politics, power, governance, and public policy.
It seeks to understand how societies are governed, how power is distributed, and how decisions are made at all levels — from local communities to the international stage.

Key Areas of Political Science:

• Political Theory (ideas and ideologies)

• Comparative Politics (systems and institutions)

• International Relations (global politics and diplomacy)

• Public Administration and Policy

• Political Economy and Development Studies

Political Science is crucial because:

• It promotes informed citizenship: helps people understand their rights, responsibilities, and the functioning of the state.

• It strengthens democracy: by studying governance, transparency, and accountability.

• It shapes public policy: guides governments in addressing social, economic, and security challenges.

• It contributes to peace and conflict resolution: through diplomatic and international relations analysis.

• It builds analytical and leadership skills: essential in today’s interconnected and dynamic world.

Political Science graduates can play a central role in governance and policy making.

Possible Roles:

• Civil Service Officers: Administrative, policy-making, and governance roles in local or national governments.

• Political Analysts and Advisors: Assist politicians and legislators with data, research, and strategy.

• Public Policy Experts: Design and evaluate policies related to health, education, or economy.

• Elected Representatives or Political Consultants: Engage directly with constituents, design campaigns, and promote democratic values.

INDIVIDUALS:

Barack Obama (The 44th President of the United States earned a B.A. in political science from Columbia University, focusing on international relations.)

Woodrow Wilson (The 28th President of the United States was a scholar with a Ph.D. in political science, who had an extensive academic background and served as President of Princeton University and Governor of New Jersey before becoming president.)

Political Science students understand national security, defense policy, and international relations — vital in military and intelligence contexts.
Possible Roles:

• Defense Policy Analysts: Evaluate national security strategies and foreign threats.

• Intelligence Officers or Strategic Analysts: Work in intelligence agencies analyzing political risks, conflicts, and international trends.

• Research Specialists: Provide political risk assessments for defense planning and crisis management.

Their ability to analyze global events and predict outcomes makes them valuable assets in national security planning.

INDIVIDUALS:

Stansfield Turner (Turner served as the Director of the CIA under President Jimmy Carter. He was a highly educated individual, holding a bachelor's degree in political science from the United States Naval Academy ) 

Condoleezza Rice ( The former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, earned her bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Denver and a Ph.D. in political science ) 

Political Science graduates are highly adaptable and valuable in the private and corporate world.
Possible Roles:

• Corporate Policy Advisors: Help companies navigate political and regulatory environments.

• Public Affairs or Government Relations Officers: Manage communication between corporations and government bodies.

• Market and Risk Analysts: Assess political risks affecting investments and business operations.

Political Science provides skills in negotiation, critical thinking, and policy analysis — essential for leadership roles in corporations.

INDIVIDUALS:

Madeleine Albright ( Holds a degree majoring in politcal science, she served on the boards of numerous companies and founded a successful consulting firm. ) 

Since law and politics are deeply interconnected, Political Science forms a strong foundation for legal professions.
Possible Roles:

• Lawyers and Legal Advisors: Understanding of governance and constitutional systems helps in legal interpretation.

• Human Rights Advocates: Promote justice and equality at national and international levels.

• Policy and Legal Researchers: Support law-making processes with evidence-based recommendations.

Many Political Science graduates pursue Law degrees and excel due to their prior understanding of political systems.

INDIVIDUALS:

Hillary Clinton (The former U.S. Secretary of State, Senator, and First Lady majored in political science at Wellesley College before pursuing a law degree at Yale ) 

Clive Stafford Smith ( earned an undergraduate degree in political sciense from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before attending law school. He is the lawyer of Dr.Aafia Siddique and is advocating for her return to Pakistan. Aafia Siddiqui was reportedly handed over to U.S. authorities during the military government of General Pervez Musharraf. ) 

The field of International Relations within Political Science opens doors to global careers.
Possible Roles:

• Diplomats and Foreign Service Officers: Represent their country abroad and handle negotiations.

• NGO Program Coordinators: Work on humanitarian aid, education, gender equality, and peacebuilding projects.

• Policy Advisors and Project Managers: Design and implement international development programs with organizations like the UN, World Bank, or Amnesty International.

INDIVIDUALS:

Rachel Maddow 

( After completing her bachelor’s degree in politcal science, Maddow turned her attention to activism, working with the San-Francisco-based AIDS organization ACT UP )

Political Science graduates understand both the content and the context of news and information.
Possible Roles:

• Political Journalists or Analysts: Provide commentary and interpretation on political developments.

• Editors and Media Strategists: Shape narratives and promote informed public debate.

• Communication Specialists: Manage public relations, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.

Their deep understanding of political processes helps ensure responsible, accurate, and critical reporting.

INDIVIDUALS:

Fareed Zakaria ( a journalist, holds a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a doctorate in political science from Harvard University )

Politics influences business — from taxation to trade policies.
Possible Roles:

• Policy Consultants and Lobbyists: Represent corporate interests before policymakers.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers: Develop programs that align business with social and environmental goals.

• Analysts in International Trade or Political Risk: Evaluate how political shifts affect markets, investment, and globalization.

Political Science has deep connections with many other fields, yet it stands apart as a uniquely comprehensive discipline. 

• For example, Economics primarily focuses on markets, production, and the distribution of wealth. However, Political Science goes beyond this by examining how political decisions shape economic policies and influence national and global economies. 

• Similarly, Sociology studies society and social behavior, while Political Science connects those social patterns directly to systems of governance and public policy, showing how societal needs and attitudes can drive political change.

• When compared with History, which concentrates on past events, Political Science uses historical knowledge to interpret present political systems and to forecast future political developments. 

• In contrast to Law, which deals mainly with legal rules and institutions, Political Science provides the broader political, ethical, and social context in which laws are created and implemented. 

• Finally, International Relations focuses specifically on global affairs and diplomacy, but it is actually a major branch within Political Science itself — making Political Science the broader and more integrative field that links domestic governance to international politics.

• Thus, Political Science is interdisciplinary, combining analytical tools from all these fields while focusing on power, governance, and policy.

In conclusion, Political Science is not just about politics — it’s about power, governance, justice, and society. It develops critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and informed citizens who can contribute to virtually every sector, from government to business, from local communities to international organizations. For Political Science students, the opportunities are vast, and the responsibility is great — to shape a more just, stable, and prosperous world.

Thank you for your attention.
Any Questions or Comments?