International Relations (IR) is a field of study and practice that focuses on the relationships and interactions between states, as well as between non-state actors such as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. It encompasses the analysis of political, economic, social, and cultural exchanges on a global scale, aiming to understand how countries coexist, cooperate, and conflict with each other.
The discipline is often categorized into various theories, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism, which seek to explain international behavior and the dynamics of power. IR also examines issues such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, international law, security studies, and global governance.
In essence, International Relations is concerned with understanding how nations and global entities interact, the factors influencing these interactions, and the resulting implications for global peace, stability, and development.