In an increasingly globalized world, nations need to work together to create peaceful coexistence and find solutions to pressing global challenges. International relations (IR) is the study of how countries engage with each other, negotiate agreements, manage conflicts and collaboratively address global issues like climate change and immigration. IR scholars explore the formal diplomatic ties and informal networks that drive international dynamics.
IR scholarship was formerly classified with history and international law, but the rise of international organizations after World War I led to a separation between the two fields. While both scholarly domains are crucial to understanding global affairs, they differ in their scope, functions and analytical levels.
One of the top benefits of studying IR is personal growth and discovery that come from collaboration with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This can lead to a greater awareness of different perspectives and viewpoints, which in turn can foster greater cross-cultural competence for professionals working with business partners or in multicultural environments.
Another key benefit is developing stronger leadership skills, particularly if you choose to specialise in international security or diplomacy. This is because these areas require you to be able to communicate effectively with people from all over the world, as well as being able to deal with conflict and resolve disputes. This can be a hugely valuable skill to develop, especially in a corporate environment. In addition, learning a second language is often a requirement for careers in IR.
