A field of study focusing on the ways in which nations, people and ideas move across borders, international relations is a major multidiscipline that spans the fields of political science, history, economics, geography, law, philosophy and politics. The study of international relations is often categorized into schools of thought, including realism, liberalism and constructivism.
The belief that the innate political sovereignty of a group of people is the foundation for international order, and that this sovereignty is inherent in borders as well. This school of thought also holds that a sovereign nation is always stronger when allied with other sovereign nations.
An alliance of countries, especially powerful nations, that share common interests and objectives such as defense, security, trade or diplomacy. Examples of regional organizations include the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union and the G-8 group of industrialized nations.
Normative international relations, which directs policy shapers toward actions that advance human wellbeing, rather than further a country’s own perceived interests. This school of thought is often associated with social movements such as liberal democracy and sustainable development.
The belief that states should have a right to intervene in the internal affairs of another state in the event of humanitarian crises, such as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. This school of thought is also associated with the notion that it is not only legitimate but necessary for international institutions to act on behalf of the world’s population when a sovereign nation cannot protect its citizens.
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