International Relations (IR) is the academic discipline that studies the interactions between sovereign states and non-state actors in the global system. It encompasses the analysis of foreign policies, diplomatic relations, conflict, cooperation, international organizations, and the impact of global issues such as trade, human rights, and environmental challenges. IR examines both the theoretical frameworks that explain how states and institutions operate in the international arena, and the practical implications of these interactions on global peace, security, and development. The field draws from various disciplines including political science, law, history, economics, and sociology, making it interdisciplinary in nature. It also involves understanding the roles of international law, power dynamics, and international governance structures. Overall, International Relations aims to explain how the world functions in terms of political and economic relationships across borders.