The study of relations between states, international organisations and some subnational entities. It emerged at the beginning of the 20th century in the West as a demand for less-dangerous ways to conduct international affairs. The field has links to a range of academic disciplines including political science, geography, history and law.
A country that aims to influence the world beyond its borders by its money, diplomacy and arms. It may seek to balance its power by forging alliances or playing a self-conscious balancing game (see also soft power). Contrast with revisionist state.
When a country (or group of countries) boosts its economic or cultural influence through investing abroad, often in the form of a subsidiary of a local company. This can be controversial, especially when national companies in strategically important sectors (such as defence or energy) fall into foreign hands. See also foreign direct investment and globalisation.
The process by which countries become more closely interconnected, through the free movement of goods and people. It has occurred in waves, most notably since 1990 as China and former Communist states have joined the world trading system. Contrast with protectionism, the reversal of globalisation and slowbalisation, the pause or reversal in the rate at which countries are becoming more interconnected.
A belief that the world needs international institutions to help create and sustain a rules-based international order. Supporters are sometimes referred to as liberal internationalists. A rival school of thought is realism.