International relations is the study of how nations interact with one another, influenced by cultural and historical factors. This field is related to and draws from a wide variety of academic disciplines, including political science, sociology, history, geography, law, economics, and philosophy.
Diplomacy is the primary tool of international relations, though other tools such as sanctions, force, and adjusting trade regulations can be considered part of diplomacy too. Theories of international relations vary greatly in their explanations for why countries act the way they do, with some focusing on institutions and politics while others emphasize the importance of ideas, norms, and identity.
A belief that global institutions and states have a responsibility to intervene in other countries when they’re threatened with a humanitarian disaster, like genocide or war crimes. This theory of intervention clashes with the sovereignty principle, which holds that only a sovereign state can determine its own fate. The United Nations, NATO, and the EU have all used this theory to justify military interventions.
The United States has a huge economy and powerful military, giving it outsized influence on global affairs. Americanists believe this gives the country the right and obligation to shape world order in its own image, promoting democracy, human rights, and peace. They contrast this with realists, who argue that the country must use its power to counterbalance other regional powers or risk being bullied into submission.
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