The study of Government and International Relations is a dynamic area, responding to contemporary developments affecting the governance of societies, from terrorism to public sector reform. The relentless globalisation of business and society means that no politics is purely local any more, since so many international events have domestic ramifications. So Australians are also affected by economic and political changes in Asia and Eastern Europe, and are facing similar policy challenges as those in Western Europe and North America. Government and International Relations offers a range of units of study in areas such as the state and governance of economic activity, communist and post-communist systems, Asia and the Pacific, Australian politics, Australian foreign and defence policy, American politics, public policy and public management, international security, human rights, environmental politics, globalisation, the media and democratisation.

The program in International Studies develops analytical skills for the study of critical, current global issues. Graduates of the program have built successful careers in the Australian diplomatic corps, international organisations, media, consulting firms and the public service.