3 Events That International Relations Master Students Should Watch for in 2018

The world of international relations is often driven by global events and summits

 The world of international relations has seen some shifts lately, with the emergence of new priorities and a waxing and waning of traditional powers. If you are intrigued by recent developments, one way to keep track of how things progress is to watch out for prominent political events throughout the year.

Ranging from small gatherings of the most influential world leaders to larger assemblies, and covering topics from security to climate change, major summits and conferences present moments that can result in significant leaps forward in international governance. To find out which events in 2018 you should take note of, keep reading.

The G7 Will Be Taking on Ambitious Themes for Its 2018 Summit

International Relations Masters students should keep an eye out for this year's G7 Summit coming up in early June in Charlevoix, Canada. The summit, which used to be the G8 before Russia was suspended in 2014, is a group of leaders from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada, that meets each year to discuss and seek consensus on the most challenging global issues.

This year Canada holds the G7 presidency, and has identified the following themes as key points for the agenda:

• Investing in inclusive economic growth
• Addressing climate change
• Strengthening peace and security
• Advancing gender equality
• Helping people prepare for the jobs of the future

Inclusive economic growth and security have always been traditional topics at these high profile meetings, but some additional points, such as climate change and gender equality, are relatively new additions. It will be interesting to see if world leaders will be able to reach unilateral consensus on any of the themes, all of which are relevant the globe over.

The NATO Summit is a Perfect Learning Supplement to International Relations Courses on Security

The summer will be a busy time for some world leaders, with the NATO Summit coming up in early July in Brussels. A meeting between the most influential players in transatlantic security, students on international relations courses with a particular interest in that area will surely want to stay informed about the proceedings.

 NATO is one of the biggest global actors when it comes to security

Last year, U.S. President Trump criticised fellow NATO members over their lack of defence spending and efforts to combat terrorism. Since then, NATO has ramped up its security efforts, namely in its eastern neighbourhood and cyberspace. Given these developments, and NATO's general aim to adapt the alliance for the security demands of the 21st century, it will be noteworthy to take stock of how the event unfolds this year.

The 73rd UN General Assembly: A Melting Pot of Global Leadership

The UN General Assembly, one of the biggest diplomatic events of the year, always takes place at the end of September in New York. It may be the only annual occasion where nearly 200 heads of government converge in one city, and the initial general debate, known for moving speeches delivered by world leaders, can last for over a week!

 Nearly 200 heads of government come together during the UN General Assembly

The opening of the UN General Assembly was once dubbed by former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as "diplomatic speed dating". With so many diplomats in one space, the possibilities for diplomatic foray and mingling are indeed endless, and both high and low level meetings may have ramifications for the progression of international relations.

One topic to watch out for this year will be the opening session's focus on the humane treatment of migrants and refugees. For students with ambitions of working in international aid organisations or advocating for human rights, this event will certainly be one to follow.

Are you looking to become well-versed in the world of international relations?

Explore the online Postgraduate Diploma and MA in International Relations offered by QMUL!