Joel Peters named as director of School of Public and International Affairs

A long-time Virginia Tech professor is the new director of the School of Public and International Affairs.

Joel Peters, professor of government and international affairs who is based in Arlington, joined the university in 2006. His research specialties include global security, conflict resolution, Israeli politics and foreign policy, and the Arab-Israeli peace process.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Ph.D. in international relations from the University of Oxford. He has held teaching positions at the University of Reading and at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. He was also a research fellow at Chatham House, a research institute in London.

Peters said he is committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and practical policy solutions — a hallmark of the School of Public and International Affairs' (SPIA) mission. As part of his vision for the school, he hopes to expand experiential learning, strengthen local partnerships, and prepare students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

He recently spoke about his plans as the school’s new director.

How have your academic and professional experiences shaped your approach to research and leadership as a professor?

Those academic environments exposed me to diverse perspectives and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research and learning, which lies at the heart of SPIA's mission. This experience instilled in me the value of blending theoretical knowledge with practical policy applications — an approach I’ve emphasized in both my teaching and research. My early work as a research fellow at Chatham House along with ongoing collaborations with think tanks across Europe, the Middle East, and Washington, D.C., has reinforced this approach. Additionally, my involvement in Track II diplomacy [nongovernmental actors implementing conflict-resolution tactics] initiatives, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional cooperation in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, highlights my belief in the importance of civil society initiatives and the role of academia in fostering dialogue and trust, as well as promoting creative solutions outside formal governmental frameworks.

What is your vision for the school over the next five years? Are there specific goals or initiatives you plan to prioritize during your tenure?

My vision for SPIA is to strengthen its role as a leader in public policy and international affairs education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and pioneering innovative research. I aim to cultivate an intellectual environment that combines rigorous scholarship with a focus on practical, policy-oriented solutions. A key focus will be expanding experiential learning opportunities, including promoting our Washington Experience programs for undergraduates, increasing study abroad opportunities, and building partnerships with both public and private organizations.

Strengthening our partnerships and expanding our work with local municipalities and small towns, particularly here in Southwest Virginia, is also crucial. Through these efforts, we can make a direct impact — training, supporting, and building the capacity of the communities closest to us.

Additionally, I plan to focus on increasing diversity and inclusion within our programs and faculty, as well as developing pathways to facilitate the integration of active-duty military personnel and recently retired veterans into our degree programs. Above all, it’s important that SPIA remains a dynamic and inclusive environment, where all perspectives are welcomed and respected, and one that reflects the values of Ut Prosim.

The school has a presence in Blacksburg, Northern Virginia, and Richmond. How do you intend to help foster a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff?

Fostering a strong sense of community across SPIA’s locations in Blacksburg, Northern Virginia, and Richmond is both a priority and a challenge. To address this, I aim to enhance communication and collaboration through more frequent virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, and events that actively engage students, faculty, and staff across all campuses. Expanding shared research initiatives, cross-campus courses, and social events will further bridge the geographic divide and cultivate a unified SPIA identity.

What emerging global trends do you believe will influence the school’s academic research and teaching focus in the coming years?

Climate change and environmental sustainability, income inequality, and global inequity, along with human rights and good governance, will continue to be pivotal areas driving research and policy solutions at local, state, and global levels. The rapid rise of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, will increasingly shape international security, privacy, and governance. Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts, such as the growing influence of emerging powers and evolving alliances, will challenge traditional power structures, demanding fresh approaches to diplomacy and global governance. These trends will push SPIA to further innovate its research and interdisciplinary approach, equipping students to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

What do you enjoy most about working in the field of international and public affairs?

What I enjoy most is the opportunity to engage with critical global issues that have a direct impact on people’s lives. The dynamic and evolving nature of the field allows me to continually learn and collaborate with colleagues from diverse academic perspectives. I also find great fulfillment in teaching and mentoring students, helping them develop the skills and knowledge to become better scholars and more informed leaders. The combination of research, policy impact, and shaping future ideas makes this work incredibly rewarding.

What is the key message you would like to share with the students, prospective students, faculty, and alumni as you begin your tenure as director?

The key message I want to share with the SPIA community — students, faculty, and alumni — is one of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. To our students and prospective students, SPIA is here to empower you with the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives needed to address the world’s most pressing challenges. To our faculty, I look forward to working together to build a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that pushes the boundaries of research and education. And to our alumni, I welcome your continued engagement and support as we build on SPIA’s legacy of excellence and help strengthen our impact on public and international affairs.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.