1 What is International Relations (IR)?

Figure 1 A world of sovereign states.

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On the left of this colour photograph is a globe, framed against a blurred background. The nations of Africa, the Middle East and Europe are identified by different colours on its visible surface. Projecting from the globe are at least twenty small wooden flags, each of them marking the location of the corresponding nation.

Figure 1 A world of sovereign states.

International Relations (IR) is the study of global interactions between states, societies and people. While ‘international’ originally referred only to relations between countries, it now covers a wide range of interactions among different actors with global impact. The term ‘international relations’ (lowercase) generally describes real-world interactions, while ‘International Relations’ (uppercase) refers to the academic study of these interactions.

Since the world consists of many societies, each must consider others when making decisions. The way societies work together – or in opposition – shapes crucial global outcomes, such as peaceful coexistence, economic growth, and solutions for global challenges like climate change and human rights. IR explores topics like war, peace, trade, the environment and migration, making it a broad and dynamic field. Contemporary issues, like those seen in the daily news, frequently reshape the discipline of IR, demonstrating the importance of understanding these global interactions. IR also directly impacts everyday life. For example, international trade influences what we can buy, while international policies affect travel and job opportunities. These global decisions often begin with governments, but influence individuals and communities worldwide.