international

International is an adjective describing relations, activities, or entities that involve or occur between two or more nations. It contrasts with domestic or national, which pertain to a single country. The term is widely used across politics, law, trade, culture, and science to signal cross-border scope or involvement of multiple states.

International law consists of rules binding states and other actors in the international system. It develops through treaties, customary practice, and general principles recognized by nations. Key areas include diplomacy, armed conflict, trade, human rights, and the protection of civilians in times of war.

In international relations, scholars analyze how states interact, form alliances, negotiate, and address collective security, development, and global governance. International organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank coordinate cooperation and set norms and standards.

International economics covers cross-border trade, investment, and finance. International trade agreements, tariffs, standards, and exchange-rate regimes shape how goods and capital move between countries. Globalization has increased interdependence and complexity in policy-making.

In culture and travel, international denotes exchanges across borders, including education, media, migration, and tourism. The term also appears in phrases such as international airports, international schools, and international events that draw participants from many nations.

Etymology and nuances: international derives from Latin inter nationes (between nations). It emphasizes relations between sovereign states or major actors in world affairs; contexts may distinguish international from transnational or global depending on the emphasis on borders, governance, or participants.