The study of how countries interact with each other on the world stage. International relations is an interdisciplinary field spanning political science, history, economics, geography and law. An undergraduate major in international relations prepares students for careers in government and business, and may lead to a master’s degree in global politics, international law or economics.
International relations scholars use various theoretical frameworks to analyze patterns of state behavior and global phenomena. Realism, liberalism and constructivism are among the most widely used approaches.
A policy of avoiding involvement in the wars of other states, and possibly extending to an unwillingness to join mutual defence agreements and international trade. The US pursued a policy of isolationism in the 19th century, while Japan and many European nations practiced isolationism in the 16th and 17th centuries.
States that are considered to be wealthy or middle-income, and that are in the northern hemisphere as opposed to the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. They are also sometimes referred to as the Global South.
A state that is dissatisfied with the existing global order, and wants to revise it. Russia and China are examples of revisionist states.
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