International relations is the study of how states interact with one another in a global arena. It is closely related to diplomacy, but also takes into account a range of other aspects of global governance and politics, including international organisations, multinational corporations, NGOs, and activist groups. The field draws on many different theoretical frameworks, from realism and liberalism to constructivism, to explain state behaviour and global phenomena.
It is widely believed that the field of international relations arose in response to World War I, when the notion that foreign and military matters were no longer solely the preserve of rulers and elites gave way to the belief that such issues deserved public scrutiny and debate. This, in turn, led to the creation of university-based programmes to educate the masses about the complexities of the international system.
In addition to analysing state interactions, the field of international relations aims to understand non-state actors and their influence on diplomatic strategy. This enables the study of global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and migration that cannot be managed effectively by any single nation acting in isolation.
Many careers in international relations involve travel or working abroad, whether as an ambassador, lobbyist, or business executive. These roles require an understanding of the culture and traditions of a given country, which in turn often requires fluency in the language of that country. Consequently, studying a language is often a great complement to a career in international relations, as it can help you stand out from the competition and improve your employability.
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