The study of international relations is a multidisciplinary field that spans the fields of political science, history and economics. Students in international relations programs may explore the relationships between nations, regions and individuals across national boundaries. In some institutions, international relations is taught as part of a larger global studies program and may be housed within other departments such as law or economics.
The belief that each nation-state possesses a unique political identity and should be treated as a sovereign unit. This doctrine is the foundation of most Western political systems. It was instrumental in forming the League of Nations and its successor, the United Nations, which are based on the principle that states can avoid war by agreeing to international laws against aggression and committing to punish those who break them with nonmilitary sanctions. This doctrine is sometimes referred to as realism, although it also differs from liberalism and neo-liberalism in that it does not see the world as intrinsically adversarial.
A grouping of states that share similar interests, generally in national or regional security or economic development. Examples include NATO, the European Union and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. These groupings may also be categorized as North and South based on wealth, with the latter being poorer countries in Africa, Latin America and Oceania.
A form of international cooperation that involves the sharing of resources such as water, food and minerals, or military assistance to help a state cope with an emergency. It is contrasted with unilateralism, which advocates the use of military force to achieve strategic goals.