As part of Yale’s effort to encourage students to pursue topics outside U.S. borders, the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies has hired two professors who will specialize in international affairs.

The additions of Giovanni Maggi, an economics and international affairs professor, and Thomas Pogge, a philosophy and international affairs professor, will allow the center to expand its interdisciplinary course offerings, said center director and political science professor Ian Shapiro.

“The center is trying to enhance its teaching and research on international subjects,” Shapiro said. “We are trying to contribute to President [Richard] Levin’s mission to globalize the institution.”

Maggi, who specializes in international trade, began teaching this fall. He was previously a professor at Princeton University.

Pogge, who is currently teaching at Columbia University, will relocate to the Elm City next fall. His specialties include global justice and moral and political philosophy.

Maggie and Pogge were both unavailable for comment Thursday.

The center is evaluating candidates to fill two more professorships, one in international political economy and one dealing with the Middle East, Shapiro said. The center also plans to initiate at least one more candidate search this year.