Module 12:
International Relations

Module 12 introduces international relations as the study of how states and other actors interact in a world without a world government. It explains the international system, the meaning of anarchy in global politics, and why states are often treated as the primary actors. The module then presents three major theories of international relations—realism, liberalism, and constructivism—showing how each explains state behavior differently through power and survival, cooperation and institutions, or ideas, identity, and norms.

The module also examines how these theories connect to real-world international politics through foreign policy, diplomacy, alliances, war, security, globalization, and non-state actors. It shows that international life involves both cooperation and conflict, and that modern world affairs are shaped not only by governments but also by corporations, international organizations, NGOs, terrorist groups, and individuals. Overall, the module presents international relations as the study of how political actors pursue security, influence, cooperation, and survival in an interconnected but anarchic global system.