When I was concentrating in international relations as a Government and Legal Studies major at the College, I was encouraged to look at the world with curiosity and a willingness to understand different perspectives. My classes were built on the idea that global issues are complex and rarely have easy answers. We studied diplomacy, power dynamics and the balance between cooperation and competition. That kind of thinking feels more urgent than ever today, as political polarization makes it harder to have thoughtful discussions about international affairs.

Over the past decade, the world has become more interconnected, but many governments have pulled inward. Political conversations often reduce global issues to simple choices, like whether trade agreements are good or bad, or whether diplomacy is a sign of strength or weakness. The reality is much more complicated. Policies that seem beneficial to one group may have unintended consequences for another, and global relationships are rarely about winners and losers.

Trade policy is a good example. Tariffs and economic sanctions are often framed as a way to protect domestic industries, but they can also lead to higher prices for consumers and strained international relationships. The debate around these policies is usually simplified to fit a political narrative, rather than recognizing the complexities of supply chains, labor markets and long-term economic stability.

Diplomacy is another area where nuance is often lost. The United States has shifted its approach to global alliances in recent years, sometimes creating uncertainty among its partners. Whether it is NATO, China or the Middle East, international relations students today must go beyond headlines and understand the historical and strategic factors that shape these decisions. Rather than viewing foreign policy through the lens of partisan politics, it is important to consider the broader implications of each decision.

The College has always emphasized intellectual curiosity and global awareness. That foundation is more important now than ever. I encourage students to challenge themselves by reading viewpoints they disagree with, engaging in discussions that push their assumptions and thinking critically about the narratives they encounter. International relations is not about taking sides. It is about understanding how decisions are made, why conflicts arise and what it takes to build lasting solutions.

The world is facing enormous challenges, from climate change to shifting power dynamics to economic instability. The next generation of leaders will need more than just expertise in policy and diplomacy. They will need the ability to navigate a world where misinformation spreads quickly, where political pressure often discourages compromise and where real progress requires patience and strategic thinking.

To my fellow Polar Bears, you are stepping into a world that needs you now more than ever. You have been given an education that values nuance, dialogue and global responsibility. Those values are not just academic but also the foundation of leadership. I have no doubt that among you are future diplomats, policymakers, entrepreneurs and changemakers who will help guide us through these uncertain times.

The most effective leaders will not be those who simply argue their position the loudest. They will be the ones who can listen, adapt and find common ground in a time when division is easy. That is the kind of leadership that will matter in the years ahead, and I believe Bowdoin has prepared you for it. I cannot wait to see what you do next.

William Gilchrist is a member of the Class of 2006.