Political science is the study of governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and political behavior. Political science subfields include comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy, and country-specific politics.
Political science generally falls into one of three subfields: comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Comparative politics focuses on the internal politics of countries, including their governments, political parties, and interest groups. International relations examine the process and outcomes of interactions between different countries, including both cooperation and conflict. Political theory is primarily concerned with the study of normative questions, such as the proper function of government and the justification for different political arrangements.
While each of these subfields employs different methods and approaches, all share a common concern with understanding how power is exercised and contested in the political realm. As such, political science offers a valuable perspective for those interested in pursuing careers in government, public policy, or international affairs.