Global politics, also referred to as world political economy, refers to the field which studies the economic and political patterns of the world together with its internal political structures. The subject is extremely important and influential to our daily lives. In the core of this subject are the various processes of socio-economic globalization in reference to issues of social class. It also includes political organization and the global association of states. Since it covers such a vast region, politics of the world covers a wide range of topics and issues, from international trade, sustainable development, international terrorism and the Middle East peace process, human rights, and global health and medical problems to energy and climate change.
There are numerous methods or means through which you can study world politics. You can either major in a subject like international relations, political science, or economics. Alternatively, you can choose electives in the areas of history, journalism, sociology, political science, and communications. All these electives will help you enhance your foundational knowledge on the global political economy. However, for the sake of convenience, it is best to stick to the most relevant topics and shareable topics which you think you would enjoy studying. For instance, it would be easier for you to study world politics as it relates to the Middle East Peace process if you understand how and why the peace process faltered and why it has now largely collapsed.
A prerequisite for entering into any of the concentrations which are available within the major field of world politics is a fundamental understanding of both world politics itself as well as the various methods and instruments through which world politics is made and exercised. Furthermore, it is essential that you possess an understanding of the theories that are interdisciplinary in nature. This includes theories of international political economy, comparative political economy, and the political science of diplomacy. In fact, there are some interdisciplinary programs that demand that you take specific courses that focus on some aspect of each of these theories. Therefore, before you enter into any concentration, it is important that you make sure that you have a strong foundation and understanding of these theories.
The program that you are entering into should offer a course centered on world politics. This will ensure that you understand the theories that have been developed within world politics and the various theories which underpin international relations. Furthermore, courses which are focused on global politics and global economics should also encompass courses which focus on political science. Therefore, it is important that your course curriculum offers a strong grounding in political science in order to excel in the subject matter.
Students who hope to become career politicians should learn to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of world politics. After all, politicians from different countries come together to solve problems. Therefore, they should have an appreciation for politics and world politics as it relates to international relations. With this said, students who have interests in economics should consider economics as a concentration. Students who study international relations or global economics will be well prepared for careers involving diplomacy, and trade.
It should be clear by now that world politics and international relations are interdisciplinary in nature. That is why it is important that students who wish to major in political science, economics, or international relations choose a program which offers them a strong foundation in theory and which has interdisciplinary courses and activities. By choosing to major in a program which offers a strong emphasis on theory, students will be able to maximize the use of their time while gaining the most knowledge possible. Furthermore, by taking interdisciplinary classes, students will be better prepared for careers which involve diplomacy, and international relations.