What is Global Thought?
Global Thought is an approach to considering the global issues of today that escapes outdated frameworks, categories, and forums of old. At the Committee on Global Thought, we recognize that today’s moment of interconnection demands more interdisciplinary, collaborative, and diverse thinking, and we seek to involve as many voices and modes of thinking as possible in critical conversations affecting our world today. At the core of our approach are collaborative, interdisciplinary exchanges with scholars, practitioners, and leaders of business, government, and civil society from around the world.
Global Thought feels different from other academic spaces because they let you choose your own adventure. It’s nice to be able to explore and figure out what I want to do at Columbia, knowing that I had cohort, faculty, and staff support as well.
News
CGT Welcomes Four New Members
The Committee on Global Thought is thrilled to welcome four new faculty members. These faculty bring with them a broad range of expertise and approaches, and their contributions will further enrich CGT’s inter- and trans-disciplinary work exploring the complex issues facing today’s world.
Alumni Spotlight
CGT Alumnus Empowers Ethiopian Youth With National Debate Initiative
June 4, 2026
Tesfamichael Negussie, Class of 2026, founded the Ethiopian Public Debate Program using a Davis Projects for Peace grant to cultivate civic engagement, critical thinking, and public speaking skills among Ethiopian youth.
Events
On Antisemitism: A Word In History
June 3, 2026
What are we talking about when we talk about antisemitism? Never has the term been deployed more widely or loosely than it is today; never has informed discussion of its meaning been more needed. Historians Lila Corwin Berman and David Feldman join Mark Mazower in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Adam Tooze.
Alumni Spotlight
Alexander Hrdecky, CGT'22, Champions Technology Equity for the Global South
June 1, 2026
As the leader of the United Nations Development Programme’s global AI strategy, Alexander Hrdecky champions technological equity and promotes inclusive AI solutions designed specifically to empower the Global South.
Events
On June 16, the Committee on Global Thought hosted a reception at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum at Columbia University to celebrate the launch of Politics of Visual Arts in a Changing World: 2014–2024, edited by Vishakha N. Desai and published by Columbia University Press.
June 16, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
What are we talking about when we talk about antisemitism? Never has the term been deployed more widely or loosely than it is today; never has informed discussion of its meaning been more needed. Historians Lila Corwin Berman and David Feldman join Mark Mazower to explore how a historical perspective can help elucidate the subject.
November 5, 2025
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
