The study of how nations interact with one another and deal with issues that transcend borders. It draws on theories of power, diplomacy and international institutions to understand and explain global political and economic dynamics. International relations often intersects with other academic fields, including political science, history, geography, economics and law.

A school of thought that advocates active foreign policy, seeking to shape global politics in the hope of a more peaceful world. Contrasted with realism, idealists believe that countries should actively pursue their ethical and political values in international politics, such as promoting democracy and human rights.

Attempting to change a state’s behaviour by publicly exposing its misdeeds, typically through large international NGOs such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch. It is an alternative to military and economic coercion. A popular variant is the ‘name and shame’ policy that has been used by the EU against Russia for alleged violations of the bloc’s rules on human rights.

A theory that suggests that democracies will not go to war with each other, as they externalize their norms and only fight for just causes. This is contrasted with the ‘balance of powers’ theory, where allies try to prevent one country from becoming a hegemon and maintain equilibrium through a network of alliances.