International relations is a multifaceted field that looks at how countries interact on a global level. It spans diplomacy, economics, cultural studies, political science, history and law among other areas of study. It examines the relationships between nations and their governments as well as subnational entities, such as political parties and interest groups. It also explores how international organisations play a role in global politics.
IR is a key area of study for students looking to build a career in global affairs. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to collaborate with people from across the globe, develop a worldview that is broader than your own and help to resolve some of the most challenging global issues.
The foundation of international relations is the concept of sovereignty, which was first articulated by Jean Bodin in his Six Books of the Commonwealth in 1576. It states that sovereign powers have absolute power over their own territories but only so long as they honour their responsibilities to other nations and individuals. This concept has evolved into the current international system based on the principle of sovereign equality, as established through decolonization and a set of global institutions to regulate this order.
In addition to diplomatic engagement, another tool of international relations is the use of force and sanctions to maintain or enforce an agreement. These are often used when diplomacy fails to achieve the desired result. It is important to note that the use of these tools must always be seen in light of the communication and negotiation that diplomacy entails.