International Studies
International Studies tests how states, institutions, and markets interact across borders. Expect sovereignty, diplomacy, alliances, international organizations, trade theory, globalization, and foreign-policy analysis.
Core rules
- Sovereignty means a state has supreme authority within its territory; international politics is often described as anarchic because no central authority sits above states.
- IGOs such as the UN, WTO, and IMF are created by states; NGOs are non-governmental. Do not merge the two categories.
- Comparative advantage explains trade by opportunity cost, not absolute productivity. A country gains by specializing where its opportunity cost is lower.
- Balance of power describes countervailing capabilities; alliances formalize cooperation, but interests can shift.
- Soft power works through attraction and legitimacy; hard power uses coercion or payment.
Worked example
Country A can produce 10 textiles or 5 electronics; Country B can produce 6 textiles or 6 electronics. For 1 electronics, A gives up 2 textiles; B gives up 1 textile. B has the lower opportunity cost in electronics, so B should specialize there. For 1 textile, A gives up 0.5 electronics; B gives up 1 electronics, so A should specialize in textiles. Trade can raise total output even though B is more productive in electronics in absolute terms.
Traps
Confusing absolute and comparative advantage; calling the WTO an NGO; treating sovereignty as unlimited power in practice; and mixing tariffs with quotas. A tariff is a tax on imports; a quota is a quantity limit. Also avoid assuming trade blocs always create trade, because diversion can occur.