Whether it’s the world of business, government or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), an international relations degree will help you develop the skills you need to deal with global issues. You’ll study diplomacy, international security, political theory, comparative politics and world history as part of a multidisciplinary program, which may also include courses in law or economics.

Term used to describe a system of power sharing in which no country predominates and balance is achieved through alliances. Examples include the United Nations and NATO. Alternatively, this could mean a bipolar system, where one superpower dominates and balance is achieved through an equal partnership of countries.

An international organisation that sets out minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners of war and civilians in armed conflict. It consists of four conventions and three protocols, and is the cornerstone of international humanitarian law.

A state dissatisfied with the existing world order and wanting to revise it. Examples include Russia and China. Contrast with status-quo state.

The process of a state reshaping its domestic and international affairs in response to popular overthrow of the ruling regime, or as a result of rival efforts to crush it. It is a key driver of instability and often leads to civil war and foreign intervention.

The international relations faculty at GU is a diverse group of scholars who teach and research a wide range of topics in the field, from the consequences of the information revolution to the causes of the Arab Spring. Their work is published in leading journals and they regularly present at international conferences. Their expertise is invaluable to students, as well as the wider academic community.