The field of international relations (IR) explores how nations interact with one another. It looks at how and why countries form alliances, resolve conflicts and shape international norms and policies. International relations scholars draw on theories from many disciplines, including anthropology, economics, history, law, philosophy, political science and sociology. They study topics like international organizations, global trade and diplomacy, as well as non-state actors like multinational corporations and NGOs.
As the world becomes more interconnected, understanding international relations is becoming increasingly important. It’s an exciting and challenging area of study, with a range of career paths available. You might find yourself working in international organisations or the private sector, advising governments and companies on cross-border issues. Or you might be researching trends as an intelligence analyst, or coordinating policy efforts as a government liaison or foreign affairs specialist.
Working in IR can help you develop cultural sensitivity and communication skills. This is particularly important when managing relationships across cultures. A nation’s culture influences everything from social values to preferred forms of communication, which can lead to differences in diplomatic approaches and negotiations.
As an IR professional, you might also be involved in ‘naming and shaming’ tactics at the international level, such as by large human rights NGOs like Amnesty International, or when promoting a boycott of a country’s products, for example. This type of activism can have a profound influence on a nation’s actions. Another factor is the impact of technology, which is changing international relations and facilitating close cooperation between nations on issues such as health, climate change and business.