International relations focuses on the relationships between states and other global entities like organizations, businesses, media outlets and social movements. It looks at how these forces influence political economy, cultural exchange and security issues like terrorism and climate migration across state boundaries. It also examines issues like foreign policy analysis, intercultural relations and the impact of new technologies and media on politics.
A graduate degree in international relations allows students to delve deeper into the complex dynamics that shape world events. Coursework often includes study abroad and language immersion, and may focus on a particular region of the world like Asia or Latin America. Programs often offer concentrations in areas of specialization, such as global governance, international trade or peace and conflict studies.
Realism, liberalism and constructivism are the three main schools of international relations theory. Realism argues that states are driven by self-interest, with their decisions being guided by a desire to maintain a balance of power in their immediate neighborhood. Liberalism suggests that states are free to make their own decisions based on values, while still respecting the rights of other nations. Constructivist theory believes that the international system is not as anarchic as realists suggest; it is a social construct of ideas and norms, with varying levels of authority and control.
Other important strands of international relations theory include feminism, Marxism and dependency theories. Feminists are concerned with the role that gender plays in world politics, while Marxism and dependency theory look at how the relationship between a nation’s economic structure and its diplomatic standing can affect its ability to negotiate with other countries.