The way societies work together – or in opposition – shapes crucial global outcomes like peace, war and trade. These decisions begin with governments, but often impact people worldwide. That’s why studying international relations (IR) matters so much.
IR is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that examines the factors that shape how countries act on the world stage. Its broad scope means it draws from a wide variety of disciplines, including sociology, political science, history and economics. Many programs also offer experiential learning opportunities, giving students a chance to put their skills into practice and build connections that will benefit them throughout their careers.
A policy that advances a nation’s perceived interests rather than upholding moral principles or respecting the rights of others. A classic example is the war in Yemen, a proxy for the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
A global system in which no country predominates over the others. Generally, it is maintained through alliances to prevent the rise of a hegemon. The hegemon may be a nation, an economic bloc or some combination of the two. Examples include the EU, NATO and the ASEAN.