The study of international relations (IR) addresses how states and non-state actors, such as companies, individuals, and non-governmental organizations, interact in the global arena. It examines the complex web of relationships, interests and challenges that characterize a rapidly changing world.

IR studies often focus on issues such as foreign policy, conflict and peace-making, security and defense, diplomacy, human rights, globalization and economic development, global governance, and the causes of war. The discipline uses many different theoretical lenses to understand these phenomena. These include realism, liberalism, and constructivism.

For example, realism looks at state power and hierarchy to explain how states behave. Liberalism focuses on the importance of ideas, norms, and identity in shaping international relations. Constructivism views the international realm as a reflection of society at large and examines how social structures, including culture and language, influence interaction among states.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, countries have shifted their traditional view of sovereignty, which was defined by the idea that a nation was a distinct political unit bound by its borders, ethnicity and cultural identity. Instead, nations now recognize the importance of multilateralism and cooperation and have formed a number of international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to promote their collective economic interests.

In addition, a new generation of emerging leaders has forged a strong connection to the global community through online learning and social media. These trends, along with increasing international terrorism and the outbreak of pandemics, have increased the need for the field to develop innovative diplomatic solutions that can transcend national boundaries.