What is international relations in political science?

It is a part of political science. It studies the relations between different countries. For example, why they make war or peace. It also looks at things like trade and how leaders talk to each other. It helps us understand global politics and the big problems in the world.

International Relations (IR) is a major field of study within political science that focuses on how countries interact with each other, how conflicts arise, and how cooperation is built. It examines diplomacy, international organizations, war and peace, global trade, human rights, and much more. In short, IR is the study of politics beyond borders. It looks at how states, non-state actors, and global institutions shape world affairs.

IR can be understood through different theoretical lenses. For example:- Realism: emphasizes power and self-interest of states.- Liberalism: focuses on cooperation, institutions, and peace.- Constructivism: highlights the role of ideas, culture, and identity. Political science students studying IR learn how wars start, why peace treaties succeed or fail, and how globalization is transforming the nation-state. It’s both academic and practical, because diplomats and policymakers rely heavily on IR knowledge.

From a practical perspective, international relations explains everyday global issues—why oil prices fluctuate, why alliances like NATO exist, or why climate change requires international cooperation. Without IR, it would be impossible to make sense of the complex web of treaties, organizations, and conflicts that define global politics.

In universities, IR is often offered as a separate specialization under political science. Students can focus on areas like:- Foreign Policy Analysis- International Law- Global Security- International Political Economy This makes IR both a theoretical and career-oriented discipline.

IR is not just about governments. It also includes multinational corporations, NGOs, activists, and even individuals who influence global politics. For instance, a tech company like Google can impact internet freedom policies worldwide. IR broadens the lens of political science to include all actors operating in the international arena.

At its core, IR is about understanding how cooperation and conflict coexist in global politics. While states compete for power, they also need each other to solve issues like pandemics or terrorism. That paradox is what makes IR such a fascinating and vital branch of political science.