The Department of Government and Politics offers an exciting array of international politics courses, taught by leading scholars of international and comparative politics. Studying international relations at Maryland means exploring the politics and political economy of cross-border interactions, including the determinants of foreign policy behavior.  Students in the International Relations concentration will learn about topics such as the causes of war, the workings of international organizations, the complexities of international negotiations, and the politics of foreign economic policy and economic development.  They will also have the opportunity to study the international relations of particular countries (such as China) or regions (such as the Middle East).  And because international and domestic politics are closely related, students will learn as well about comparative politics, and will have the opportunity to enroll in classes that explore the politics and political institutions of different countries and regions.