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What are International Relations?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

International relations refers to the collective interactions of the international community, which includes individual nations and states, inter-governmental organizations such as the United Nations, non-governmental organizations like Doctors Without Borders, multinational corporations, and so forth. The term is also used to refer to a branch of political science that focuses on the study of these interactions. As an academic discipline, it encompasses a wide range of academic fields, ranging from history to environmental studies, and there are a number of areas of specific specialty for academics who are interested in them.

The concept is probably quite old, given that humans have been establishing governments and communicating with each other for thousands of years. Many people agree that international relations truly began to emerge around the 15th century, however, when people started exploring the world and interacting with other governments and cultures. Organizations like the Dutch East India company were among the first multinational corporations, for example, while representatives of various European governments met with foreign governments to establish trade agreements and to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The concept of international relations dates to at least the 15th century.
The concept of international relations dates to at least the 15th century.

As one might imagine, these relations can get incredibly complex. They are also sometimes known as “foreign relations,” and specialists in the field do things like staffing diplomatic agencies abroad, providing consultation to businesses that are considering establishing branches overseas, and assisting charitable non-governmental organizations with their missions. Many specialists pick a particular region of the world to focus on, as the language and etiquette of this discipline is incredibly varied, depending on whom one deals with.

International relations involves the interactions of nations, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations.
International relations involves the interactions of nations, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations.

In the academic world, the study of international relations encompasses the history of this immensely varied field, along with studies of modern foreign relations. Students often examine specific relationships to learn more about them, and they may look at emerging global issues as an ongoing part of their education. Many people in the field also spend time abroad, studying foreign relations from a different angle and performing specific regional research.

The United Nations, which is headquartered in New York City, was designed as a forum where international conflicts could be resolved.
The United Nations, which is headquartered in New York City, was designed as a forum where international conflicts could be resolved.

Whether one works in this discipline or studies it, he or she should expect to examine things like economics, history, sociology, anthropology, law, nationalism, development, human rights issues, psychology, geography, global studies, and even philosophy. Many institutions all over the world offer training for people who wish to specialize in this field, along with cooperative study agreements abroad which help to expand the horizons of students.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a CulturalWorld researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a CulturalWorld researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon267558

International relations certainly sounds interesting. However, are there any places for employment in this field in the Caribbean region?

anon124057

Precisely where or when foreign policy began no one can say because no one knows where and when men first thought of themselves as comprising a community, distinct and separate from other human communities. but the root of foreign relation lie in antiquity.

anon67306

what are the hazards during international relations?

anon67210

i think international relationships are important for the global economy.

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    • The concept of international relations dates to at least the 15th century.
      By: zhu difeng
      The concept of international relations dates to at least the 15th century.
    • International relations involves the interactions of nations, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations.
      By: veneratio
      International relations involves the interactions of nations, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations.
    • The United Nations, which is headquartered in New York City, was designed as a forum where international conflicts could be resolved.
      By: Touch
      The United Nations, which is headquartered in New York City, was designed as a forum where international conflicts could be resolved.
    • Global ecology is a branch of international relations.
      By: eliaskordelakos
      Global ecology is a branch of international relations.