Module 12: International Relations

Although states remain the primary actors in international relations, they are no longer the only actors that influence world affairs. Today, businesses, international organizations, terrorist groups, humanitarian organizations, multinational corporations, and even individuals can affect events across the globe.

Throughout history, one of the greatest challenges facing nations has been the prevention and management of conflict. Although many international interactions are peaceful, disagreements between states sometimes escalate into war. These conflicts can have devastating consequences, including the loss of life, economic destruction, political instability, refugee crises, and long-term regional insecurity.

Constructivism focuses on ideas. Constructivists argue that international politics cannot be understood solely through military power, economic interests, or political institutions. They believe that beliefs, identities, values, norms, and shared understandings also shape how states behave.

Constructivism focuses on ideas. Constructivists argue that international politics cannot be understood solely through military power, economic interests, or political institutions. They believe that beliefs, identities, values, norms, and shared understandings also shape how states behave.

While realism emphasizes competition, power, and survival, liberalism offers a more optimistic view of international relations. Liberalism agrees that the international system is anarchic and that states care about their security. However, liberals argue that conflict is not the inevitable outcome of anarchy.

Political scientists have developed several major international relations theories. One of the oldest and most influential of these theories is realism. Realism begins with the observation that states exist in an international system where there is no world government capable of protecting them.

Political science studies power within societies. International relations studies power between societies. More specifically, international relations (often abbreviated IR) is the study of how states, international organizations, non-state actors, and other participants interact with one another across national borders.

See all of the sections for module 12.