International Relations (IR) refers to the study and practice of political, economic, and social interactions between sovereign states and other international actors, such as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. It encompasses a wide range of issues including diplomacy, conflict resolution, trade, international law, human rights, and environmental challenges.
IR examines how countries interact with each other, the structures and institutions that facilitate these interactions, and the impact of global issues on state behavior and international cooperation. The field of international relations draws upon theories and concepts from political science, history, economics, and sociology to explain and analyze the complexities of global affairs.
Key areas of focus within international relations may include security studies, foreign policy analysis, international political economy, and the study of international norms and global governance. As a discipline, IR seeks to understand and assess the dynamics of power, influence, and conflict in a globalized world and aims to promote peaceful cooperation and effective strategies to address transnational challenges.