Comments on Dean Cordier's Paper: Are We Training 'Professionals' in International Affairs?

Dean Cordier's title for his luncheon address to the International Studies Association on September 8, 1966 suggested the title for the following remarks. I liked the tone and ring of his title although I do not know quite what "professionals" means in our field and his speech did not help very much to define it. But it sounds impressive and persuasive. It suggests a well organized curriculum of study in academic programs properly accredited, the way other professional degree programs are accredited; with probably a working internship of substantial duration; and sooner or later rigid examinations before some state or national board that subsequently issues (for the successful candidates) the authorization that permits one to ply his profession legally. That picture of professionalization is quite appealing but also quite different from current practices in the preparation of personnel for the international affairs field. Dean Cordier did not even hint at