International law is an important introduction to international relations. International law determines interactions between countries and the rules and channels used by diplomats and laws regarding international space, war, terrorism and human rights. International legal issues are increasingly important as currencies begin to blend, such as the Euro in Europe, and as world trade increases.
Courses in international political economy examine issues such as international debt and international financial institutions such as the World Bank. Other institutions such as the World Trade Organization and international businesses and their role in the political and economic environment are also studied. Issues such as international aid and security are also covered.
Terrorism is a growing issue throughout the world. Americans are especially aware of terrorism and its implications since the events of 9/11. Courses in international terrorism cover the history of terrorism and how it relates to international policy and economics.
There are also courses such as War and Society from the University of California San Diego that similarly discuss the history of war and how war has evolved and what effects it has had on societies and relationships between countries.
Courses in international trade cover the globalization of trade and business and how trade laws and policies affect the economy and public policy. It also covers information about the World Trade Organization and the history of trade agreements between various countries.
Courses are also available that cover the political and economic attributes of certain regions or countries. For example, the University of Massachusetts Boston offers a course called Political Economy of Regional Systems, which examines regions such as the Middle East and studies how the countries in this region interact with each other and the rest of the world.
Some schools offer their students the opportunity to study abroad. Stanford University offers courses overseas such as China's Economic Development in Beijing and Economic Reform and Economic Policy in Modern Russia in Moscow.