The modern world is complex and fast-paced, with many forces and relations that transcend national boundaries. This complexity demands professionals with a global outlook and an understanding of the impact of decisions made at the international level. International relations is the field that studies those interactions, from the development of cooperation between nations to addressing issues such as world hunger or climate change.
As an international relations major, you will dive into the dynamics that shape global events and explore the political theories behind them. A bachelor’s degree typically covers topics like comparative politics, political theory, history, and security studies. Many programs also offer a concentration in a particular region like the Middle East or global politics, allowing you to tailor your studies towards areas of interest.
One of the defining principles of this discipline is the concept of sovereignty. This principle, originally described in Jean Bodin’s Six Books of Commonwealth in 1576, states that sovereign nations have control over their territory, and that they have certain obligations to other sovereign nations and individuals.
Another major consideration is how cooperation between nations benefits everyone involved. A key point in this is the fact that countries with similar interests can work together to achieve objectives that are beneficial to all, such as through regional organizations like NATO or the European Union. This kind of cooperation can have a big impact on the world at large, especially when it comes to humanitarian projects that help people around the globe.