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International Relations

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School of Humanities and Sciences

Explore how global, regional and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage.

What You'll Study

The undergraduate program in International Relations is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major allowing students to explore how global, regional and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze choices and challenges that arise in this arena. IR majors pursue study in world politics, including courses in political science, economics, history, and language, focusing on issues such as international security, political economy, economic development, and democratization. Students must spend at least one quarter overseas. The major prepares students for careers in government and the corporate sector, and for admission into graduate programs in law, business, economics, and political science.

Degrees Offered

  • BA
  • Minor
  • Honors

More Information

Learn more about International Relations in the Stanford Bulletin

Exploratory Courses

INTNLREL 101

Introduction to International Relations

INTNLREL 102

History of the International System since 1914

INTNLREL 103F

Introduction to Modern Military History

INTNLREL 105C

Human Trafficking: Historical, Legal, and Medical Perspectives

INTNLREL 110C

America and the World Economy

INTNLREL 110D

War and Peace in American Foreign Policy

INTNLREL 114D

Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law

INTNLREL 122

Introduction to European Studies

INTNLREL 123

The Future of the European Union: Challenges and Opportunities

INTNLREL 136R

Introduction to Global Justice

INTNLREL 140A

International Law and International Relations

INTNLREL 140C

The U.S., U.N. Peacekeeping, and Humanitarian War

INTNLREL 141A

Camera as Witness: International Human Rights Documentaries

INTNLREL 142

Challenging the Status Quo: Social Entrepreneurs Advancing Democracy, Development and Justice

INTNLREL 147

Political Economy of the Southern Cone Countries of South America

INTNLREL 173

Presidents and Foreign Policy in Modern History

INTNLREL 174

Diplomacy on the Ground: Case Studies in the Challenges of Representing Your Country

INTNLREL 180A

Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and International Criminal Tribunals

INTNLREL 33SI

Myths and Realities of U.S.-China Relations

INTNLREL 35SI

Frontiers of International Security: Policy, Research, and Innovation

INTNLREL 60Q

United Nations Peacekeeping

INTNLREL 62Q

Mass Atrocities: Reckoning and Reconciliation

INTNLREL 63Q

International Organizations and Accountability

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