International Relations Theory and Global Politics

International Relations (IR) theory seeks to explain the behaviour of states and non-state actors within a complex global system. Classical and neorealist approaches emphasise power dynamics, the security dilemma and the enduring centrality of the sovereign state. Liberal institutionalism highlights the role of international organisations, economic interdependence and norms in mitigating conflict and fostering cooperation. Constructivist and critical schools examine how identities, ideas and discourse shape interests and alter patterns of global governance. Recent scholarship has extended IR enquiry beyond traditional Westphalian frameworks to consider transnational challenges such as climate change, global health, cyber risks and inequality. These studies underscore the interaction between domestic politics and world affairs, revealing how non-state actors, multilevel governance and emerging technologies transform the boundaries of sovereignty. The field also grapples with debates over universalism versus plurality, questioning whether IR theories developed in Western contexts can adequately capture diverse historical experiences and political cultures. Together, these strands illuminate the evolving architecture of global politics and its practical implications for diplomacy, conflict management and collective action.

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International Relations Theory and Global Politics publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in international relations theory and global politics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Neorealism: A theoretical perspective emphasising the anarchic structure of the international system and the pursuit of power and security by states.

Liberal institutionalism: An approach that stresses the capacity of international organisations, regimes and norms to facilitate cooperation and reduce conflict.

Constructivism: A school of thought asserting that state interests and identities are socially constructed through discourse, norms and shared ideas.

Sovereignty: The principle that a state has supreme authority within its territorial borders and is equal to other states under international law.

Global governance: The constellation of institutions, rules and processes—formal and informal—through which collective issues are managed at the international level.

References

1. Problematising the Global in Global IR. Millennium Journal of International Studies (2020).
2. Relational revolution and relationality in IR: New conversations. Review of International Studies (2021).
3. Global international relations and the essentialism trap. International Theory (2023).