Which issues are examined in international relations?

In the field of political science, international relations examines the political interactions and relationships between states, international organizations, and various subnational entities like bureaucracies and interest groups.12

Key issues and areas of study include:

• Conflict and Security: This includes the causes of war, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and ethnic or religious conflicts.32
• Foreign Policy and Power: Researchers analyze the formation of foreign policy, the role of national interest, and the struggle for power within an anarchic international system.342
• Global Governance and Law: This involves the development and influence of international institutions, the strengthening of international law, and efforts to foster trust and cooperation between nations.32
• Political Economy: The study of international political economy addresses global economic interdependencies and trade.32
• Human Rights and World Order: Scholars examine human rights, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and the ethics of just war and intervention.3
• Global Challenges: Research also covers environmental issues such as pollution, resource depletion, and the impacts of population growth.3