International relations is the study of nation-state interactions in a globalising world. It explores complex issues involving intergovernmental and transnational organisations (such as the EU, NATO, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation) that cannot be addressed by a single state in isolation. The discipline uses various theoretical lenses to analyse patterns of state behaviour and global phenomena, such as conflict, cooperation, and governance. These include realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
A belief that the interests of a state should be advanced by military actions abroad, even if they violate the principles of sovereignty. The term is often applied to policies that seek to appease aggressive states, such as Winston Churchill’s Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler in 1938.
An international system of balances of power where no country predominates. It is maintained through alliances and a self-conscious effort by some countries to keep balance by switching sides to prevent hegemony. It may also refer to regional and local balances of power.
The popular overthrow of a government. Besides reshaping domestic politics, as in the French, Russian and Iranian revolutions, such events can have profound repercussions on global or regional affairs, as seen in Libya, Syria and Venezuela.
An international body of law that allows for outsiders to intervene in a state if it is violating human rights, such as genocide or war crimes. It is sometimes called humanitarian intervention or liberal intervention, but is opposed by some states and groups. It is based on the principle that states have sovereign equality.
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