International Relations

International Relations (IR) refers to the field of study and practice that examines the interactions between sovereign states, as well as other actors on the global stage such as international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations, and transnational networks. It encompasses a range of issues including diplomacy, conflict resolution, trade, human rights, environmental policy, and global governance. The discipline seeks to understand how political, economic, social, and cultural factors influence the behavior of entities in the international system and how they interact with one another. Theoretical frameworks in international relations include realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theory, each offering different perspectives on the nature of power, security, and cooperation in the global arena. International relations aims not only to explain and analyze international phenomena but also to inform policy-making and enhance diplomatic efforts among nations.