Following a Passion for International Relations
August 12, 2026 Written by Chiu-Yin Mak | Photos courtesy of Srinjay Mukherjee
For 91原创 student Srinjay Mukherjee, studying international relations has never been simply about understanding diplomacy or foreign policy. It is about making sense of a world he has experienced firsthand.
A sophomore international relations and economics double major, Mukherjee has lived in multiple cities in India and abroad, and has published a book on India鈥檚 global identity. At 91原创 he conducts undergraduate research on international treaties and will serve as a teaching assistant for POSC 240: Introduction to Global Politics this fall. His journey can be traced to one decision he made years ago: choosing to follow his passion.
Growing up in India and traveling extensively, Mukherjee developed an early interest in the forces that shape relationships among countries.
鈥淚 came to realize that the world isn鈥檛 a set of isolated nations, but an interconnected system shaped by history, power and incentives,鈥 he said.
That curiosity took a more tangible form when Mukherjee was 16, during his junior year of high school. At his father鈥檚 suggestion, he spent months researching and writing essays on India鈥檚 national identity and place in the international system, eventually compiling them into a book, India鈥檚 Kaleidoscope: Looking Inward, Outward and Forward.. A publisher accepted the manuscript without requesting changes, a surprising milestone for a first-time author. Through the book, Mukherjee sought to offer readers a deeper understanding of India鈥檚 history, foreign policy and evolving role in global affairs.
When it came time to choose a university, Mukherjee knew he wanted to study in the United States. The flexibility to combine majors, and exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities to build professional connections all appealed to him.
Hoping to pursue internships in Washington, D.C., or New York City, he focused his college search on universities along the East Coast. The 91原创 quickly stood out.
Mukherjee expressed that 91原创鈥檚 strong international relations program and connections to Washington, D.C., and New York City made it an ideal fit for his academic and professional goals.
One of the people who has played an important role in Mukherjee鈥檚 experience at 91原创 is Robert Denemark, professor of political science and international relations. From his first semester in the classroom to undergraduate research, Denemark has been both a teacher and mentor, encouraging Mukherjee to pursue his interests and deepen his understanding of international relations.
As an international student, Mukherjee found his first semester at 91原创 overwhelming at times. Determined to engage rather than fade into the background, he actively participated in POSC 240: Introduction to Global Politics, a lecture course with more than 200 students, and regularly attended Denemark鈥檚 office hours to continue conversations beyond the classroom.
Recognizing Mukherjee鈥檚 enthusiasm, Denemark encouraged him to take POSC 362: Diplomacy, where students tackle real-world international conflicts through simulations, negotiations, debates and policy briefs. The experience challenged Mukherjee to apply theory to practice and further strengthened his connection with Denemark.
That relationship continued through undergraduate research and will extend into the classroom again this fall, when Mukherjee returns to POSC 240 as a teaching assistant.
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly excited to work with Professor Denemark again and help first-year students navigate the intricacies of international relations and political science that first captivated me,鈥 he said.
Research has become one of the most rewarding parts of Mukherjee鈥檚 undergraduate experience. He worked alongside Denemark and Alice Ba of the 91原创 and of Neumann University to catalog bilateral and multilateral treaties involving India from 1970 to 1991. The research revealed a shift in India鈥檚 treaty behavior during the period. While early agreements leaned heavily toward bilateralism and reflected Cold War strategic considerations, later treaties increasingly emphasized multilateral cooperation and international organizations, with growing attention to trade, economics, communications and transportation.
鈥淲orking on the research project taught me how meticulous data work can uncover broader patterns in state behavior,鈥 Mukherjee said. 鈥淚t strengthened my ability to think critically about how countries navigate power, institutions and strategic choice.鈥
Outside the classroom, Mukherjee has embraced opportunities to serve the 91原创 community through leadership.
He will serve on the International Student Advisory Committee, representing the perspectives of international students and helping advocate for campus initiatives that support them. This summer, he is also welcoming the newest Blue Hens as a New Student Orientation Leader, helping first-year students navigate the same transition he experienced only a year ago. His involvement in , a professional co-ed business fraternity at 91原创, has further strengthened his teamwork, professional development and commitment to service.
Together, these experiences have reshaped his understanding of leadership.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned that a great leader isn鈥檛 necessarily the loudest voice in the room,鈥 Mukherjee said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the person who creates an environment of trust for everyone else to succeed.鈥
Looking ahead, Mukherjee plans to pursue graduate study in international political economy, international affairs or a related field before building a career analyzing geopolitical and economic risk.聽 He hopes to advise organizations on international investment strategies through geopolitical consulting or institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.
As he reflects on his journey so far, Mukherjee is grateful for the mentorship he has found within the Department of Political Science and International Relations.
鈥淭he Department has been remarkably supportive,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y professors have always been ready to lend a hand and help me identify where my true passions lie while developing a deeper understanding of the world.鈥
His advice for current and prospective students, especially fellow international students, is simple: take advantage of every opportunity available. He encourages students to attend office hours, build relationships with professors, alumni and classmates, and begin networking early through platforms such as LinkedIn.
鈥淥pportunities rarely just fall into your lap,鈥 Mukherjee said. 鈥淵ou have to actively build your own momentum.鈥
That philosophy has guided Mukherjee from choosing his academic path in India to conducting research, publishing a book, mentoring new students and preparing for a career in international affairs. For him, every opportunity has begun with the willingness to take the first step.