If you’re interested in understanding how governments, states, non-state actors and organizations interact with each other on the global stage and are passionate about international diplomacy, promoting human rights, assisting in natural disasters or tackling issues like world hunger, a degree in international relations (IR) might be a great fit for you. IR is a multidisciplinary field that spans areas of study from political science, history, law and economics to sociology and philosophy.
Some of the most popular theories of IR are realism, liberalism and institutionalism. Realism is straightforward in its approach, asserting that all countries seek to increase their power, and those who do so most effectively will thrive. Consequently, conflict is the norm rather than cooperation. Realism also argues that international organizations, such as the United Nations, are just another means to project power and coerce foreign states.
Liberalism, on the other hand, posits that all states have a rational interest in cooperating with others in order to achieve common goals. It also argues that individuals, groups, and international organizations can play a more important role in shaping the world than the state alone. This, in turn, can reduce the anarchic tendencies toward conflict.
Finally, institutionalism takes a bit of both realism and liberalism by arguing that the international system is complex and influenced by various players. It argues that the use of economic tactics to influence international outcomes is more effective than purely military approaches.
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