/r/IRstudies

Photograph via snooOG

IRStudies seeks to discuss and highlight the academic study of international relations. This subreddit is for IR Studies in all its forms, but not meant for news or politics. Keep it topical and informed.

Memes should go in text-only posts that are for posting multiple memes and not be standalone posts for one image macro.

This is a subreddit for discussing international relations. What does that mean? It means that you can feel free to discuss any of the following and much more:

  • international political economy
  • globalization
  • state sovereignty
  • ecological sustainability
  • nuclear proliferation
  • nationalism
  • economic development
  • global finance
  • terrorism
  • organized crime
  • human security
  • foreign interventionism
  • human rights
  • nonviolence

These discussions should be academic in nature and we encourage them to also be inter-disciplinary. That means you should definitely not just be raving about Walt and Mearsheimer but maybe a little Nietzsche or Wendt too! From psychology to gender studies, all discussions are welcome.

Resources for IR students.

IR Twitter feed

Related and relevant subreddits:

What makes this subreddit distinct from others like /r/worldevents? First of all, this subreddit will be whatever the community decides it to be. However, it was intended not just to be about stories relating to international relations, but to be about the very discipline of international relations itself. This can mean discussing notable authors and texts but also applying them to the status quo as we find it now. While worldevents might be about the latest breaking news, IRstudies will be more about global trends and big meta-issues. If that's not completely clear, just stick around for the discussions we'll be having.

/r/IRstudies

36,744 Subscribers

1

BA in International Relations and languages. What can I do my masters in?

Next year I will graduate in International Relations and French at a UK university. I can speak four languages fluently (Italian, polish, English, french). I am currently pursuing a stage with an NGO in France.

I read that a masters in IR can be quite useless and make it hard to find a job if you are lacking connections.

I am not familiar with the job market and ignore what fields are the most profitable/ easier to find jobs in. I am not too picky when it comes to what study (apart economics and statistics) and I am accepting of every subject as long as it soothes my future job anxiety. Please let me know what master path could conjugate the best with my portfolio/cv.

1 Comment
2024/12/01
11:33 UTC

1

John Mearsheimer: The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001) — An online philosophy group discussion on Thursday December 5 (EST)

0 Comments
2024/12/01
08:19 UTC

1

Confused

Hi! I’m an international student studying a mix of PPE as an undergrad in Canada. I have decent grades and decent extracurriculars with excellent recommendations by professors and employers. I’ve spent enough money on my undergraduate studies but I still don’t feel like going into the work force. I’m highly inclined to get into diplomacy and lobbying. I really really want to move to the states but only on one condition that I don’t want to spend more money on my degree.

I had a study abroad in UK for an IR course and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to go to UK (not London) for my studies too but it won’t be my first choices.

I have an Indian passport and won’t mind sitting for IFS exam for my country sometime in the future. I’m in the middle of preparing for GRE and DELF A1 as well am writing my final year uni exams.

I’m highly stressed as all of this coincides with the same time when the masters applications are also due.

The school I have in my mind: Fletcher Tufts Elliot GWU American University UC Berkeley Boston University

Far reach - Georgetown Columbia Science Po

It’s a very big decision and I could hear my stomach growling just thinking about it. It’s making me really really anxious. I have two excel sheet named: Masters and Jobs which is why I’m unable to focus on any one. It feels like I’m in two boats and both are sinking with approaching deadlines as well as I have my exams gosh🥲

If anyone have some kind words to help me understand what should I do or how to get clarity, I’ll be very grateful.

0 Comments
2024/12/01
08:08 UTC

2

What are good places to read about IR from a leftist/anti-imperialist perspective?

Pretty much what the post says. I can't stand the pro-US stance that pervades media outlets like the Economist.

25 Comments
2024/12/01
04:31 UTC

29

John Mearsheimer: The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001) — An online reading group discussion on Thursday December 5, open to everyone

33 Comments
2024/11/30
06:48 UTC

0

How does liberal economic theory's promotion of global market integration influence exploitative development practices in developing countries?

I wonder if anyone here has studied this topic and if they would like to refer me to any relevant sources.

2 Comments
2024/11/29
11:15 UTC

2

Is there a place to find all or most of a scholars works?

For example I want to read Kenneth Waltz, and know where to get his major works, such as online or buy them form amazon. But what about his extensive number of smaller essays he wrote. I can find some of them in places but was wondering if there was a place where all or most his works are organized. This isn't just for Waltz specifically, and not just IR, but just uses as an example. Thanks.

2 Comments
2024/11/29
02:50 UTC

14

Interested in majoring in IR, what should I know prior before committing?

I was planning to do computer science, but honestly IR sounds like something I would really enjoy studying and being in a career in, even if it is just a typical office setting with no travel. What should I know before switching?

20 Comments
2024/11/28
16:48 UTC

16

Is reading EH Carr's "Twenty years crisis" and Morgenthau's "Politics among nations" a good place to start?

I have done my bachelor's in engineering and am looking to shift towards International Relations

Should I pick up a textbook or read the classics?

14 Comments
2024/11/28
06:33 UTC

2

What does "international" means within the context of article 62 of ICESCR ?

ICESCR article 62 states that the ecosoc can initiate studies on international economic , social and related matters but when does a matter become an "international" economic , social and cultural matter ?

0 Comments
2024/11/28
05:19 UTC

1

Why is OAS not as effective in comparison to EU ?

The organizational structure of OAS seems much more democratic than even the EU yet it still seems to not be able to accomplish many of the goals stated in the OAS charter. Why is that ?

5 Comments
2024/11/28
02:31 UTC

3

Looking for an authoritative book on the Syrian Civil War

Hey all, I am looking for an authoritative, comprehensive book on the Syrian Civil war, preferably published relatively recently to cover the so called stalemate and the current situation. I would love to hear your suggestions.

1 Comment
2024/11/28
01:38 UTC

9

In Case You've Been Living Under a Rock....Ceasefire Reached Involving U.N. Peacekeepers

I didn't see a parent post to discuss for anyone with that weird, academic "almost bursting out" sense about stuff, so I figured I'd post this. I also participated in a Discord/Youtube livestream which is truly cringeworthy, and it was me and a bunch of other folks interested in philosophy, without as much I.R. focus, I can share the link! A few ideas:

- I believe defining milestones will keep pushing the ball up the hill. Maybe this is essentially already done with involving the formal Lebanese military and UN, but I think there's more to it than that. 60 days isn't long, enough to work.

- My own personal vent, I have a 75% confident level that the paper that was pushed out, is it. It's done, complete, and I'm trying to temper my ability to really only have 75% knowledge of Lebanese politics to say more.

- I think this is actually really good, and it's fruitful, and I'm glad the US decided to get involved and do it. I think more talk which appears multi-lateral and involves formal systems is getting the right idea across, at the right time, and - it should ideally open more avenues for cooperation and co-originated strategy versus not.

IDK I'm trying to temper my animal brain more often and more holistically without making stuff up, and yes sorry this is also cringeworthy, but it's on the internet now.

edit: Also, like normal human stuff, I haven't seen any coverage about like PTSD and really the human impact people are expecting either, like....another vent, I don't know what people do all day, how they spend their time, how they do whatever, whatever whatever. But like, my god. Use the word apartheid, genocide, or "authoritarian dictator" five more times, and see if it sweetens the pot.

0 Comments
2024/11/28
01:11 UTC

51

Is H. Kissingers "Diplomacy" a must-read? What should I consider?

This book is on the list of recommended literature for at least 1 of my classes (1st semester of IR). It's also been mentioned a couple of times during classes. Due to this I have been planning on reading it soon.

However, due to the controversial nature of Henry Kissinger, I have been wondering about what biases and prejudices I should take into account while reading his work. Is it considered as vital to understanding modern international relations, history, and diplomacy as I have been led to believe? Could anyone provide me with some context, so that my reading may be more fruitful and efficient?

Thanks in advance!

48 Comments
2024/11/27
16:46 UTC

1

King's College London MA in International Affairs (Online)

Hello everyone! I'm a returned Peace Corps Volunteer looking to pursue a masters in International Affairs/International Relations. I found out about this program and was wondering if anybody could give me more insight on how their experience has been so far. My undergraduate GPA wasn't the best (less than a 3.3) and do not have much experience in the field besides Peace Corps. I'm seeking a career in the foreign service and would love to hear more about other programs (either within the U.S. or abroad).

4 Comments
2024/11/26
20:12 UTC

3

Christopher Lynch talks about his book 'Machiavelli on War' (Cornell 2023)

1 Comment
2024/11/26
17:59 UTC

1

How should the EU deal with armed non-states actors in the Middle East

I need some ideas for my paper. My main idea was to divide between 3 ways the EU could deal with them. 1) with the NSA directly 2) with the country they are operating in 3) with the state that is sponsoring them

1 Comment
2024/11/26
01:49 UTC

3

Request for Insight on BRICS for Academic Project

Hello members of this Reddit community, I hope this message finds you well.

I'm a high school student from Portugal. I am currently working on a geography project about the BRICS nations, which is due in the first week of December and will constitute half of my final grade. As part of the project, we are encouraged to approach our topic creatively, so i thought it would be a good idea to get the public's general opinion about the BRICS and have them answer some questions, then compile the information into a small video or infographic to present in class. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate it if some of you could kindly respond to a few questions I’ve included below. I've also sent emails to Jim O'Neill and other people/institutions affiliated with the BRICS, but I've yet to receive a response. Here are the questions:

  • Since South Africa joined BRICS in 2010, there have been questions regarding its role within the group, particularly concerning the tangible benefits for the country. From your perspective, would another African nation have been a more strategic addition?

  • The BRICS nations seem to face challenges such as declining influence due to internal differences and the global focus on technology-driven economies. What strategies could the group adopt to regain relevance? Alternatively, do you see disbandment as a realistic possibility?

  • Despite the considerable power of its member states, BRICS often appears undervalued in the international community. What factors contribute to this perception? Do you believe the recent expansion of BRICS membership will enhance its global standing?

  • The recent expansion of BRICS has sparked debate. Do you view this enlargement as a solution to current challenges, or could it create further complications within the group?

  • How has the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine impacted the internal dynamics and collaborative efforts of the BRICS nations?

  • The BRICS have made efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, with discussions about a common currency. Do you believe this is achievable in the foreseeable future, or is it a long-term ambition fraught with challenges?

Your insights would not only enrich my project but also serve as inspiration, as I plan to pursue a degree in political science and international relations. Please let me know if these post violates any community guidelines, as I'm new to this app and don't really know all the rules(I've never posted on reddit, but I see content related to it like the Smosh podcast). Also don't hesitate to correct any grammar mistakes or ask for clarification about sentences you don't understand; since english is not my first question, I could really benefit from any advice related to it. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response and appreciate your time and attention.

Best regards. 

7 Comments
2024/11/26
00:48 UTC

Back To Top