International Relations (IR) refers to the study and practice of the interactions and relationships between sovereign states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other actors in the global arena. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including diplomacy, security, conflict, trade, human rights, and international law. IR explores how countries cooperate, engage, and sometimes come into conflict with one another. It seeks to understand the underlying factors that influence international behavior, such as power dynamics, economic interests, cultural exchanges, and historical context.
The field of International Relations includes various theories and approaches, such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theory, which provide different perspectives on how international affairs operate. Practitioners of IR often engage in policymaking, negotiation, and analysis to address global challenges and promote peace, stability, and mutual understanding among nations.