Studying international relations gives you a deep understanding of the challenges facing the world. You will learn how political, economic and cultural factors play a role in shaping the way our world works. This will help you to leverage these in order to make the world a more peaceful place for everyone.
The field has traditionally focused on state behavior, foreign policy, global politics and international law. More recently, it has expanded to include the interaction between states and non-state actors such as multinational corporations and civil society organizations. Research can focus on a wide range of issues including the causes and consequences of war, diplomacy, conflict resolution, cooperation, trade agreements and regional security.
One of the most significant developments in contemporary IR has been the emergence of multinational, transnational and civil society organisations that challenge traditional national boundaries and the authority of state institutions. These new actors have a powerful influence on international policy, particularly as they generate revenue that far exceeds the GDP of many countries and have an unparalleled ability to connect with global audiences.
Another significant development has been the proliferation of international organisations devoted to specific topics such as climate change, human rights or economic governance. These have an impact on international relations through their capacity to set norms and agendas, and their ability to mobilise collective action. The ‘naming and shaming’ of governments for their human rights records is a recent example of the use of these new tools in an attempt to shape international behaviour.