International Affairs Debate: Course Overview

Speak with Precision. Think with Purpose.

This course trains students not just to argue, but to understand. By blending classical debate formats with real-world international issues, students learn how to evaluate global policy, analyze current events, and advocate with clarity. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive debater, you'll walk away with the tools to lead in the most high-stakes conversations of our generation.

Who It’s For

  • Middle & High School students
  • Open to all experience levels — from those just finding their voice to competitive debaters looking to specialize in foreign affairs
  • Ideal for students interested in law, diplomacy, politics, and global events

Formats We Cover

Parliamentary Debate (Parli)

A fast-paced, extemporaneous format that emphasizes quick thinking, teamwork, and the ability to interpret and respond to global motions on the fly.Students learn to build cases rapidly, adapt to new topics, and engage in spirited, real-world debate.

Public Forum (PF)

A structured, team-based policy debate format focused on current international issues and public policy questions.Students develop research, cross-examination, and advocacy skills while working with a partner to present evidence-based arguments.

Lincoln-Douglas (LD)

A one-on-one, values-based format that explores ethics, justice, and global responsibility through philosophical and legal frameworks.Students learn to construct principled arguments, analyze moral dilemmas, and debate the foundations of international law and policy.

Each student is encouraged to specialize in one format by the end of the term, developing mastery while still gaining broad exposure.

What Sets This Course Apart

The focus of this course is not just how to debate — but what we debate.

In a world where diplomacy, global trade, and international law shape everything from climate response to humanitarian aid, students must be able to speak from a place of cultural awareness, policy literacy, and critical analysis.

“With globalization accelerating, being globally literate is no longer optional — it’s essential.”

Every topic, strategy, and case is built around:

  • Treaty negotiation & enforcement
  • Sanctions and foreign policy
  • Global institutions (UN, ICC, WTO, etc.)
  • Refugee and climate law
  • Human rights & sovereignty

Research & Rigor

We place a strong emphasis on deep research and original thinking. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Write and present research-backed policy arguments
  • Analyze international legal frameworks
  • Develop argument briefs at a university undergraduate level
  • Specialize in one format of debate with refined technique and strategy

Sample Motions We Explore

  • This House supports a global minimum corporate tax.
  • States have a moral obligation to accept climate refugees.
  • The ICC should have universal jurisdiction.
  • Economic sanctions do more harm than good.
  • This House believes cultural relativism undermines universal human rights.

Course Outcomes

  • Mastery of one core debate format
  • A portfolio of policy briefs and research papers
  • Optional showcase round or mini in-house tournament
  • Readiness for high school and college-level debate circuits