Globalization Student Highlight: Lara Cyrus

Curious about a Master’s in Globalization? Here from a student researching AI systems, and the impacts on governance!

We sat down with Lara Cyrus to talk about her path to the Master’s in Globalization, and how the Master’s in Globalization allowed her learning to become interconnected.

What led you to decide to continue your education with a Master’s in Globalization? What is your ideal future path with this degree?
I chose a Masters in Globalization because I wanted to extend my knowledge with Political Science in a new field to challenge myself and learn more in an interconnected way, which has been so exciting! I hope with this unique knowledge I now have; I hope to attend law school and work within the Federal government and possess a more multifaceted view on policy rather than solely a judicial one.

Can you give a brief introduction to your tentative research for your MRP?
My research examines how predictive AI systems can alter the location, mechanisms, and even actors of sovereign power. Rather than residing solely within the state, sovereignty becomes distributed across hybrid networks that combine governmental authority, private technological infrastructures, and algorithmic decision-making. Using the concept of algorithmic sovereignty, I explore how predictive AI reshapes authority and governance in the contemporary global order by utilizing case studies from the United States, China and the EU.

Why is this research important?
My paper takes a multifaceted approach, arguing that power resides simultaneously in different spaces both within and beyond the state. Economic, legal, political, and ethical dimensions are often treated as separate areas of analysis, even though they are deeply interconnected. Rather than examining these factors as sole processes and consequences, I bring them together within a single framework to analyze how they collectively shape power and governance, providing a more comprehensive picture of the broader dynamics at hand.

What is one aspect about the IGHC master’s program that you love?
The interdisciplinary ideas are not just in research, but within the people you meet here. Many professors and students come from various backgrounds in and outside academia, and that has not only made classes more exciting, but connected me to so many people on a personal level! I’ve been able to challenge beliefs and myself with my knowledge with peers who have incredible ranges of expertise, which has not only helped my paper, but also me as an individual learn various perspectives on concepts I thought I knew from my undergrad.

What would you like to say to prospective students thinking of a Globalization minor or masters?
When I entered the Globalization program, I quickly realized that many of the issues we encounter in the world do not have simple answers. The program challenged me to think beyond the surface, explore different perspectives, and ask why people hold the views they do. If you enjoy critical thinking, meaningful discussions, and tackling complex questions, this degree is a great option!