The field of international relations (IR) examines the behavior and interactions among states and other global actors. It is a broad area of study that includes diplomacy, security, peace, trade, development, and global governance. It also covers a variety of subfields, including international political economy, comparative politics, and history.
The idea that a country’s foreign policy should reflect its moral and ethical beliefs, such as promoting democracy and human rights. Idealism is usually contrasted with realism, which believes that countries’ interests, such as security and economic prosperity, drive their international policies.
A pause in hostilities, typically limited to a specified time and place and supervised by the UN. The onset of a ceasefire is usually signaled by a formal declaration, such as a letter of intent or a unilateral declaration. It is distinct from a truce, which goes further and involves the agreement to restore all treaty obligations.
An international organization, such as a regional bloc or the World Bank, designed to promote economic cooperation among members. Examples include the European Union, BRICS, and the African Union.
An argument that a state’s citizens must be protected abroad, even when the citizen is outside the country’s borders. The concept of extraterritorial jurisdiction is sometimes invoked in efforts to enforce domestic law against individuals and corporations that violate U.S. laws, for example by imposing sanctions against third parties that do business with Iran or Cuba. It is also used to justify severing diplomatic relations with a country in response to hostility or a violation of diplomats’ safety.
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