International Relations (IR) is a subdiscipline under the broader field of the Political Science and it is the study of the interactions of actors in the international system. Traditionally the discipline of IR analyzes the nature of violent conflict, interstate war, deterrence, cooperation, alliances, political power, the balance of power, economic sanctions, economic growth and stability, international institutions, human rights, NGOs and other transnational actors and globalization. In light of most recent global trends the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul Medipol University has established its program to equip its students with necessary skills and abilities to be ready for global realities and changing conditions in the new millennium.

Courses offered cover issues like security studies, international relations theories, foreign policy, comparative cultural studies, international political economy, international law, international organizations, transnational civil society and migration as well as area studies such as European Union, Eurasia, Balkans, Middle East, Latin America, Central Asia studies, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach of the Department.

The graduates of the program will be able to explain the dynamics of the international system and its transformation and they will be able to answer the core questions of Political Science and IR along the new ones in the field:

• Why do states choose to cooperate and obey the international law?
• Why, on the other hand, some of them go to war?
• How do we explain the emergence of regional organizations such as European Union or Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization?
• What are the current issues in IR? Why are they so?
• How do states cope with transnational issues such as international migration, terrorism or environmental degradation?

The department recognizes that language and computer skills are vital in a field characterized by increasing global interaction; thus, it facilitates the development of language and computer skills by students. Political Science and International Relations program of Istanbul Medipol University prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities. Our graduates will be able to work in local and national governments, multilateral and intergovernmental organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), banking and accounting sector, media and publishing sector and academia.