Career Questions: How Does International Relations Overlap with Business?

In this article…

• Understanding international relations
• Why is international relations important in business?
• Benefits of studying international relations and business
• What types of jobs can I get with an international relations and business degree?
• What is studying international relations and business like at Kogod?

In today’s interconnected world, global business leaders must understand international relations to operate and grow their firms effectively. International business demands professionals with nuanced cultural and political knowledge who can lead across borders. But what exactly is international relations, and what do today’s business leaders need to know?

Understanding international relations

International relations (IR) is a multi-disciplinary field that examines the relationships between political actors and states on a global scale. It focuses on international affairs, such as trade relations and geopolitical conflicts, connected to the politics, economics, and laws of different countries.

By exploring these dynamics, future leaders gain a deeper understanding of how global events shape policies, markets, and everyday life.

Why is international relations important in business?

For global business leaders, understanding international relations is crucial for making strategic, culturally informed decisions. It provides leaders with valuable context, allowing them to manage relationships, risks, and opportunities more effectively.

Specific examples include leveraging IR knowledge and skills to:

• adapt strategies and operations to different countries’ markets
• navigate potential trade barriers or sanctions
• foster trust and cooperation with foreign stakeholders
• anticipate financial risks associated with political or economic instability

Benefits of studying international relations and business

By intertwining political insight with practical business skills, students gain a meaningful advantage in today’s global job market. Specific skill-based benefits include:

1. Stronger cross-cultural competence. Combining IR with business helps you navigate cultural differences with empathy and insight—essential skills for working with diverse teams, international clients, or in multicultural environments.
2. Better risk management. With an IR lens, you can anticipate and respond to global disruptions, such as trade wars or sanctions, helping your company stay resilient and profitable.
3. Enhanced negotiation skills. International relations sharpens your ability to think diplomatically, giving you a competitive edge when managing deals and stakeholder relationships.
4. Gain global policy and regulatory knowledge. You’ll learn the nuances of international trade laws, sanctions, and regulatory frameworks—important context for avoiding legal risks and operating effectively across borders.
5. Think strategically on a global scale. Combining political insight with business strategy equips you to think beyond the bottom line, connecting financial decisions with politics and social impact, and positioning yourself for long-term growth.

What types of jobs can I get with an international relations and business degree?

Graduates with IR and business degrees can pursue a wide variety of roles across the public and private sectors. Kogod graduates have filled positions at organizations including:

• The US Department of State
• World Bank
• Raytheon Technologies
• Schneider Electric
• Morgan Stanley

Students who study both fields are well-equipped to work in business strategy, global diplomacy and communications, consulting, and other related fields. Potential roles include:

• Global supply chain analyst
• Trade policy analyst
• Foreign service officer
• Program officer
• Global communications specialist

What is studying international relations and business like at Kogod?

Kogod’s online MS in International Relations and Business (MSIRB) program prepares students to lead in an interconnected world by blending the flexibility of online learning with a globally immersive curriculum. Offered jointly by the top-ranked School of International Service and the AACSB-accredited Kogod School of Business, the program combines deep international relations training with practical business skills in areas like strategy, finance, and data analysis.