The study of relationships among sovereign nations/states and their citizens, and relations with other international actors (international organizations, non-governmental organisations, international law). IR is a multidisciplinary field that includes global politics, economics and history. It sits within the larger discipline of Political Science and can be studied in many different departments at universities.
The idea that international relations is not just about governments but broader issues such as war, peace and cooperation has led to a growth of interest in the subject. This has been especially the case since World War II, when the belief that international events were largely unknown by the general public shifted to the view that knowledge of foreign affairs was essential for all citizens, and that universities should promote research into international issues.
A key aspect of international relations is the concept of diplomacy – the formal recognition by one state that another entity fulfils all the conditions of statehood and is in control of its territory. Diplomacy has been a vital part of the creation of international institutions, the enforcement of international law and the prevention of wars.
There is a broad consensus that the modern international system is characterized by interdependence. This is reinforced by the existence of international institutions and widespread acceptance of a set of operating principles. It is also reflected in ideas such as dependency theory, which argue that a core of powerful states exploit a set of weaker periphery states for their wealth and resources.
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