Whether you want to improve the world or find a fulfilling career, studying international relations is an excellent option. It will develop your decision-making, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
You’ll study various subjects, including; foreign policy analysis, global governance, intercultural relations, national and ethnic identities, development studies, human rights, and diplomacy. It’s an interdisciplinary subject closely linked to politics, geography, history, economics, law, and psychology.
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It’s an interdisciplinary subject
International Relations (IR) is an interdisciplinary subject that seeks to understand how nations interact with each other and the world around them. It also seeks to provide solutions to the difficulties facing the global society.
It examines themes such human rights, global poverty, environmental protection, security, and international ethics by combining the disciplines of economics, history, and political science. That is crucial in a world that is becoming increasingly complex and unstable.
The study of international relations is based on the idea that the behavior of states in the global interstate system can be explained by studying their interactions with other countries and their broader relationships, as well as with their institutions. These include private, state, and nongovernmental actors and international organizations.
The field of international relations is a growing focus in both academic and public discourse. It is an ever-evolving discipline as research advances and more explicitly identifies which characteristics of nations have the greatest influence on their relationship with each other.
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You’ll learn about different cultures
A major part of international relations is learning about different cultures. There are many ways to do this, including reading books, visiting museums, and watching documentaries or films that focus on the cultural aspects of other countries.
You can also learn about a new culture by spending time with people from that country. It can help you see how they live, giving you a deeper understanding of their values and beliefs.
For example, you may understand why they celebrate certain holidays, such as Chinese New Year or Cinco de Mayo, or you might have interesting discussions about their religions and traditions.
There are plenty of reasons to study international relations. Still, one reason to be particularly excited about the subject is that you’ll be able to learn about various cultures in the process. This will give you an excellent foundation for future career opportunities and personal growth.
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You’ll develop your analytical skills
International relation is a field that requires you to think analytically to process information, communicate effectively, and solve problems. This can be useful in several careers, including law, government, international business, journalism, and teaching.
You’ll develop these skills by studying international history, culture, and politics. You’ll also learn about current global issues like health, climate change, and national security.
During your studies, you’ll focus on how these issues are influenced by various cultural perspectives and how they affect different people around the globe. This knowledge will help you understand the needs of other cultures and how to deliver humane and effective solutions.
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You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world
As the world becomes increasingly globalized and technology enables us to interact with each other, international relation is a key tool for understanding how people are connected. With a deep understanding of the complex relationships between states, power, and organizations, you can help develop solutions to our most pressing global issues.
Studying international relations can lead to a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit careers. These include working in diplomacy, governmental affairs, advocacy, NGOs, think tanks, public policy, and higher education.
Many universities offer excellent IR programs, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of the world and become an expert. For example, Berkeley in California and Sciences Po in France offer a dual degree program where students take courses at the regional campus before moving to Berkeley for their final years.
