International relations is a broad field that examines how countries, governments, state and non-state actors and organizations interact with one another. It is an ideal major for those interested in government, politics, law and policy AND who are fascinated by other nations, cultures and their interactions. IR is a multidisciplinary subject, spanning areas like economics, history, geography, political science, sociology and philosophy, and draws from a variety of theoretical lenses including realism, liberalism and constructivism.
The international arena is characterized by conflict and anarchy in the realist perspective, while the liberal theory of IR focuses on cooperation and peace. Liberals believe that states act in their own self-interest, but also recognize that their actions impact other states. They believe that individuals, private parties and international organizations are important mediating entities in the global arena. Using game theory, they argue that cooperative outcomes can result from rational and self-interested decisions.
A degree in IR can lead to careers in diplomacy, international business and global governance. Many graduates choose to take their knowledge further with a postgraduate course such as a Masters in International Relations, which allows them to specialise in a particular area of the discipline. For those wanting to work in the diplomatic world, learning a foreign language is often a good idea as it can improve communication with other countries. Similarly, volunteering or interning in a country overseas can be an excellent way to develop a deeper understanding of a different culture and the interactions between nations.