A major multidiscipline within political science that analyzes how nations interact with each other and the world around them. International relations is a broad field that draws heavily from many other fields, including anthropology, economics, history, law, philosophy, sociology and political theory. There are several schools of thought in the field, such as liberalism, realism and constructivism.
A governing body that represents a nation in the world of diplomacy. The job of an ambassador is to represent the interests of his or her country abroad. Diplomacy is the most prominent tool of international relations, though the use of force, sanctions and adjusting trade regulations are also tools.
The belief that a group of people sharing a common culture should be considered one nation. The idea of nationhood is often a prerequisite for economic interdependence among states. The modern world’s growing reliance on global economies has given rise to many new types of nationhood, such as state-run capitalism.
The ability to work with different cultures is an important skill for any international relations specialist. Whether you are an ambassador, lobbyist or business executive working in the world of international politics, you will be expected to immerse yourself in another country’s language, culture and traditions. This cultural collaboration not only makes you a better professional but can lead to deep personal growth and discovery that many find incredibly fulfilling. Developing your leadership skills is another perk of studying international relations. Being able to communicate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives will make you stand out in the workplace.