"International Relations (IR) are the interactions among sovereign states."
The study of political, economic, and military interactions among nations.
The concept of sovereignty: The principle of sovereignty is fundamental in international relations. It is the idea that states have exclusive authority over their territories, and that other states should respect this authority.
Realism: This school of thought in international relations emphasizes self-interest and the pursuit of power. Realists believe that states act rationally and seek to maximize their power and security.
Liberalism: This school of thought stresses the importance of international cooperation and institutions in promoting peace and prosperity. Liberals believe that states can achieve their goals through cooperation rather than competition.
Constructivism: This approach argues that international relations are not determined solely by material factors such as power and interests but also by social interactions and ideas.
Diplomacy: Diplomacy is the art of negotiation and communication between states. It includes both formal diplomatic channels, such as embassies and treaties, and informal interactions, such as summits and personal meetings between leaders.
War and conflict: The study of war and conflict in international relations examines the causes, conduct, and consequences of armed conflict between states, as well as efforts to avoid or resolve such conflicts.
International organizations: International organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund, play an important role in international relations. They provide forums for negotiations, coordinate policies, and provide humanitarian assistance.
Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of countries and peoples through trade, investment, and communication has transformed international relations in recent decades. Globalization has created new opportunities and challenges for states and societies around the world.
Security: The concept of security encompasses a wide range of issues, including military security, terrorism, economic security, environmental security, and human security. Security concerns are often at the center of international relations, shaping how states interact with each other.
Human rights: The principles of human rights and dignity are central to international relations. The promotion and protection of human rights are important goals for many states and international organizations.
Economic relations: International economic relations include trade, investment, financial flows, and development assistance. Economic issues often play a significant role in international politics and can create tensions between states.
Regionalism: Regionalism refers to the grouping of states around geographic and cultural similarities. Regional organizations, such as the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, have become increasingly important in international relations.
International law: International law refers to the rules and principles that govern relations between states. It includes both customary international law and treaties, such as the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Charter.
Global governance: The concept of global governance involves the creation of systems and institutions to manage the problems and challenges facing the international community. Global governance is an important area of research and practice in International Relations.
International Security: This branch focuses on the study of military strategy and the use of force in international relations. It examines how states can use military force to achieve their goals, and how military power can be used to maintain peace and security.
International Political Economy: This branch explores the interaction between politics and economics on a global scale. It examines the distribution of wealth and power between countries, the impact of globalization on nations, and the role of international organizations such as the World Trade Organization.
International Cooperation: This branch focuses on how nations can work together to solve common problems, such as environmental issues or poverty reduction. It examines the role of international law and treaties in the creation of international norms and standards.
International Institutions: This branch examines the role and effectiveness of international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Criminal Court. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of these institutions in addressing global issues.
Foreign Policy Analysis: This branch focuses on the study of decision-making processes within states, such as how policymakers choose strategies and objectives in their interaction with other nations. It examines the influence of domestic politics, interest groups, and public opinion on foreign policy decisions.
"It concerns all activities among states—such as war, diplomacy, trade, and foreign policy—as well as relations with and among other international actors."
"Other international actors, such as intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs), international legal bodies, and multinational corporations (MNCs)."
"There are several schools of thought within IR, of which the most prominent are realism, liberalism, and constructivism."
"International relations is widely classified as a major subdiscipline of political science."
"It also often draws heavily from other fields, including anthropology, economics, geography, law, philosophy, sociology, and history."
"International relations did not become a discrete field until 1919."
"...first offered as an undergraduate major by Aberystwyth University in the United Kingdom."
"...in response to the geostrategic concerns of the Cold War."
"The collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent rise of globalization in the late 20th century."
"The scientific study of those interactions is called international studies, international politics, or international affairs."
"The collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent rise of globalization."
"Itergovernmental organizations (IGOs), international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs), international legal bodies, and multinational corporations (MNCs)."
"...such as war, diplomacy, trade, and foreign policy."
"...particularly in North America and Western Europe."
"International relations is widely classified as a major subdiscipline of political science."
"...geostrategic concerns of the Cold War."
"It also often draws heavily from other fields, including anthropology, economics, geography, law, philosophy, sociology, and history."
"The collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent rise of globalization."
"...war, diplomacy, trade, and foreign policy."