The study of international relations seeks to understand and explain behavior that occurs across national borders. This includes the activities of states, the broader relationships that they are a part of and the institutions that oversee them, including the international community. IR scholars seek to understand the causes of conflict and peace, the nature of globalization, and how power shapes and constrains human actions.
It’s a field that looks beyond state actors: Think of multinational companies, terrorist groups and the world’s religions. It’s also about ideas: Fascism, communism, democracy and capitalism have all had global consequences.
In a world where plenty sits alongside poverty, security for some is matched by insecurity for others, a focus on international relations offers unique insights into the complex interplay of factors that shape our global environment. And, given the scale of challenges that we face, this is an exciting time to study this field.
The best graduate programs in international relations offer a blend of theoretical and practical learning, along with a variety of study abroad and internship opportunities. They can help you develop a deep understanding of specific global regions and their underlying challenges, and give you the skills to tackle the complexities of our increasingly interconnected global society. With an interdisciplinary curriculum and an expert faculty, the graduate program at Duke prepares you to tackle today’s biggest challenges with a well-rounded, globally informed outlook. You will join a close-knit, collaborative learning community that includes a strong student-to-faculty ratio and extensive international engagements.
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