Rebecca Lee
Global governance, social-ecological problems within international development and food security in the Global South
Before beginning your studies at the Institute of Political Economy where did you study and what program(s) were you enrolled in?
I completed my undergraduate degree in International Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Ottawa.
What is it specifically that attracted you to study Political Economy at Carleton?
The Political Economy program offered an opportunity to tailor my education. As a unique feature, it challenges students to learn cross-disciplinary thinking and integrating those critical approaches to their chosen research.
My areas of research interest include…
- Inclusive and participatory dialogue within the multilateral sphere;
- Political economy of multilateral trade agreements and negotiations
- Understanding social-ecological problems within international development and food security in the Global South
- Global governance and legitimacy
- Agri-food trade and agriculture policy
What activities have you been involved in lately?
While supporting research at the nexus of international development, agriculture, and food security within the Global South as my passion at work, supporting the Ottawa community to showcase local food and food culture is my personal passion. I’ve also worked within federal Canadian politics and policy making and continue to pursue personal growth through cooking and volunteering with a local blog called Apt613. Also, being a dog-parent.
What advice would you give to a prospective Political Economy graduate student?
Know that you don’t need to have all the answers but if you want to understand the underlying linkages of how individuals interact and organize within a given society, what that means at various scales, and understand the drivers that shape political and economic decisions, this program is for you. Reading will also be your best friend.