The field of international relations, which combines the study of global politics with the study of political science, history, economics and law, emerged in Europe after World War I. Until then, academics had largely focused on the causes of past wars.
The belief that a group of people has inherent political sovereignty. This idea is usually a key element in the formation of nation states and the establishment of racial and ethnic categories of citizenship. It also underpins policies aimed at preserving or expanding the political dominance of such groups, such as affirmative action in universities and business.
A network of countries that maintains contact and communication with one another through a variety of channels, including bilateral agreements. Often, these are multilateral organisations such as the European Union and the World Trade Organisation, but may include regional groups such as ASEAN. The emergence of such networks is generally seen as an important development in the evolution of a more internationalised society.
An idea based on the belief that certain states have a moral duty to act to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. It is the basis for a number of humanitarian interventions, such as those undertaken by NATO in Bosnia and Kosovo. It is in direct conflict with the principle of state sovereignty and is a major source of controversy.
The study of international relations, and in particular the relationship between states, has a long history. It was traditionally the domain of rulers and their aristocracies, but the rise of democracy and mass media has shifted public concern for foreign affairs from being a matter for a few to being an issue that is the responsibility and right of all citizens. This change has led to the growth of international organisations, such as the United Nations and its Commissions, and an expansion in the number of NGOs that have consultative status.