Critical thinking: Key to success in an MA International Relations

Critical thinking is a crucial skill for students pursuing an MA in International Relations. This blog post explores why it's important and how to develop it. 

Introduction 

When it comes to pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations, academic excellence and a passion for the subject matter are undoubtedly essential. However, there is another vital skillset that is often overlooked: critical thinking. 

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse information objectively, assess its credibility and reliability, and evaluate it based on its relevance to the topic at hand. In the context of international relations, this skillset is essential for interpreting complex issues, examining different perspectives, and ultimately formulating informed opinions and strategies. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of critical thinking in international relations, how to develop these skills, and why they are so crucial to your success. 

Why critical thinking is crucial for an MA in International Relations 

Interpreting complex issues 

International relations is a complex and ever-evolving field, with myriad factors at play. Critical thinking skills are crucial for students to navigate and interpret the vast amount of information and perspectives presented to them. Without the ability to think critically, students risk missing key insights, drawing incorrect conclusions, and failing to fully understand the complexities of the issues they are studying. 

Examining different perspectives 

International relations is a field that is influenced by diverse cultural, political, and economic perspectives. Critical thinking skills are essential for students to evaluate these perspectives and understand their impact on the issues at hand. Without the ability to think critically, students risk overlooking important viewpoints, making incorrect assumptions, and failing to appreciate the nuances of the issues they are studying. 

Formulating informed opinions and strategies 

In the field of international relations, the ability to formulate informed opinions and strategies is crucial. Critical thinking skills enable students to evaluate information objectively, identify key factors and potential outcomes, and develop well-reasoned positions and strategies. Without the ability to think critically, students risk forming opinions and strategies based on incomplete or biased information, which can lead to ineffective or even harmful outcomes. 

Soft skills are also crucial for international relations students, but what do they include?

How to develop critical thinking skills 

Question everything 

To develop critical thinking skills, it's essential to start by questioning everything. Don't take information at face value, but instead, ask yourself what the source is, how credible it is, and what biases might be present. By questioning everything, you'll develop a more objective and nuanced perspective that will enable you to evaluate information more effectively. 

Seek out diverse perspectives 

To develop critical thinking skills, it's important to seek out diverse perspectives. This might involve reading articles or books written from different cultural, political, or economic viewpoints, attending lectures or seminars that feature speakers with differing opinions, or engaging in conversations with people who have different backgrounds or beliefs. By seeking out diverse perspectives, you'll develop a broader understanding of the issues you are studying and be better equipped to evaluate information objectively. 

Practice active listening 

To develop critical thinking skills, it's important to practice active listening. This means listening to others with an open mind, asking questions to clarify their perspective, and avoiding making assumptions or jumping to conclusions. By practicing active listening, you'll develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the issues you are studying and be better equipped to evaluate information effectively. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, critical thinking skills are a crucial component of success in an MA in International Relations. As the world becomes increasingly complex, the ability to analyse and interpret information is more important than ever before.  

Developing these skills takes time and practice, but the payoff is immense. Graduates with strong critical thinking abilities will have a competitive edge in the job market and be better equipped to tackle global issues.  

By learning to read between the lines, students can deepen their understanding of the world and make a positive impact on society. So, if you're considering pursuing an MA in International Relations, remember to prioritise the development of your critical thinking skills. 

Want to know about other international relations skills that can help you succeed?