International relations is the study of how countries interact with each other, whether it’s through diplomatic envoys or multinational corporations that operate in global markets. The field encompasses the policies and actions that are taken to protect a country’s citizens, advance trade, foster peace, respond to natural disasters, and promote human rights around the world.
A country’s national interests are often served through a network of alliances, including NATO, which was built up after World War II with America as the “hub” and Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand as the “spokes.” This system of collective security, enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which states that any attack on one member is considered an attack on all, was supplanted by a system of bilateral relationships in East Asia that is based on economic cooperation and the principle of reciprocity.
The idea that international political and military affairs should be a concern of all citizens, rather than the exclusive preserve of the ruling elite. This was a major change that came with the expansion of globalisation, and was reinforced by a growing belief that foreign policy should be transparent to voters, in the interest of democracy.