International relations is the study of how countries interact with one another through diplomacy, foreign policy and conflict resolution. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes elements of political science, history and economics, as well as other areas like law, philosophy and anthropology. It’s also an area of research that has evolved significantly since the post-World War II era, particularly after the founding of the League of Nations and later the United Nations.
There are a number of different schools of thought in this field, including realism, liberalism and constructivism. Realism argues that states seek power and that those who acquire it most effectively will thrive. This theory was popularized by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson following World War I, in his Fourteen Points, which advocated a new approach to diplomacy that would balance power blocs and promote cooperation between nations.
Liberalists, on the other hand, believe that countries should avoid force and instead focus on building relationships with one another through trade, cooperation and cultural exchange. The goal is to promote peace and security around the world by forming mutually beneficial partnerships. This is a major part of the modern international system, and it’s largely reflected in the founding of the United Nations and other international institutions.
For graduate students, an international relations degree can help you develop analytical and communication skills that are valuable to employers in a range of industries, from government and business to nonprofit organizations and international institutions. Many graduates find work in areas such as global development, foreign policy and international law. MTSU & PGA offer study abroad opportunities that can give you the opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand, which is a key element of becoming a more global citizen.