The study of international relations is a broad area within political science that looks at how states, non-state actors and organizations interact with one another. It is a highly cross-disciplinary field, with strong connections to disciplines like geography, history, law, economics and sociology.
Long before modern state systems existed, communities engaged in diplomatic interactions – sending messengers bearing tokens of peace to negotiate hunting grounds or to find common ground in times of conflict. These early forms of diplomacy speak to a deep-seated human need for connection beyond borders, even in the earliest phases of organized human society.
As modern societies evolved, technology shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture to industrialization and finally to the development of complex global systems of governance and warfare. These changes created new challenges and opportunities for humankind, raising questions about the legitimacy of international affairs, the nature of the world’s social contract and what kind of future is possible.
Among these questions is the question of sovereignty – what constitutes a state’s right to make decisions about its own citizens, their environment and its security. The answer to this question will have far-reaching effects for humanity.
As the world becomes ever more interconnected, international relations become increasingly important. The study of this field can help students understand the complexities and intricacies that make up contemporary international politics. It can also highlight the need for more diplomacy that is open to public scrutiny and effectively submitted to international legal constraints, aimed at resolving conflict and preventing war.