International Relations is a field of study dealing with how nations with varying power, interest, and identity interact with each other in the absence of a global government. The discipline originated in the tragic experience of World War I, when unprecedented devastation called for a systematic inquiry into the causes of war and conditions for peace. Since then, the range of issues covered in the discipline has expanded to include economic interdependence, international organizations, terrorism, poverty, human rights, and climate change, among others.
International Relations as a discipline is not just about what is happening around the world. We study why countries and national leaders behave the way they do, using different intellectual lenses, called theories. When discussing global issues such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, refugees, hunger, and global warming, there is no such thing as the "correct answer" that satisfies everyone. The important thing is that you respect different viewpoints and work to find a common ground. Classroom discussions provide valuable opportunities for students with diverse cultural background to present their views and learn from each other. The skills learned are extremely useful not only in the way students approach their daily lives, but also in their future workplace, be it a multinational firm, government, or international organization. The International Relations major is for students who want to contribute to international societies as global citizens.
