Introduction to International Relations
(IR): Study Guide
Summary Table
Topic Key Points
1. Definition of IR Study of interactions among states and
global actors.
2. Main Actors States, IGOs (e.g., UN), NGOs, MNCs,
terrorist groups.
3. Core Theories Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism,
Marxism, Feminism.
4. Key Concepts Sovereignty, power, security, anarchy,
diplomacy.
5. Major Issues War, peace, trade, development, climate
change, migration.
6. Importance of IR Explains global conflict, promotes
cooperation, shapes policy.
7. Levels of Analysis Individual, state, and
international/systemic.
8. Historical Context Peace of Westphalia, World Wars, Cold
War, globalization.
9. International Organizations UN, WTO, AU, IMF—promote cooperation
and rule-based order.
10. Global Challenges Terrorism, climate change, cyber threats,
pandemics.
11. Diplomacy Peaceful negotiation and communication
between actors.
12. Foreign Policy A state's strategies in international affairs.
13. International Law Legal rules governing international actors
and behavior.
14. Globalization Growing interconnectedness affecting all
global sectors.
15. Non-State Actors NGOs, MNCs, media, terrorist groups,
religious movements.
Quick Review Quiz
1. 1. What theory in IR focuses on power and state survival in an anarchic system?
a) Liberalism
b) Realism
c) Constructivism
d) Feminism
Answer: b) Realism
2. 2. Which international organization aims to maintain international peace and security?
a) IMF
b) WTO
c) UN
d) NATO
Answer: c) UN
3. 3. Which level of analysis focuses on the influence of individual leaders or personalities?
a) State level
b) Domestic level
c) Individual level
d) Systemic level
Answer: c) Individual level
4. 4. What term describes the absence of a central authority in international relations?
a) Sovereignty
b) Globalization
c) Anarchy
d) Diplomacy
Answer: c) Anarchy
5. 5. Which actor is not typically considered a non-state actor in IR?
a) Microsoft
b) Red Cross
c) France
d) Amnesty International
Answer: c) France
