International Relations

International Relations (IR) is the study and practice of the interactions between sovereign states and other actors on the global stage. It encompasses a wide array of issues including diplomacy, conflict, trade, international law, and the roles of multinational organizations such as the United Nations. The discipline explores how countries interact, the influence of non-state entities like NGOs and multinational corporations, and how these relationships shape global affairs.

IR examines theories and frameworks that explain state behavior, power dynamics, and the establishment of international norms. It includes various schools of thought, such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism, each offering different perspectives on how global interactions are understood. Historically tied to the analysis of war and peace, IR has expanded to include topics such as human rights, environmental issues, and global economic systems.

Ultimately, International Relations is both an academic field and a key aspect of global governance, influencing policy decisions and international cooperation among states and international organizations.