In international relations, it's very common for two countries to be partners in some areas but rivals in others.

The Historical Dictionary of International Relations provides a comprehensive guide to the discipline and practice of international relations, exploring the ideas, institutions, events and individuals that have shaped both scholarly analysis and global affairs. It examines the structures, conflicts, technologies, and infrastructures-both longstanding and contemporary-through which states and non-state actors wield influence, embedding contemporary developments in historical context. It offers a range of perspectives and viewpoints, demonstrating the multifaceted and contested nature of international relations.

This second edition revises and expands the first. Core entries have been updated, while new ones reflect recent transformations such as the growing importance of the Asia–Pacific region, the return of great-power rivalry, the rise of populism and the impact of global crises and conflicts, notably in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza. Further additions address technological change, including artificial intelligence, drones, and the cyber domain, as well as reflecting the growing awareness of the role of infrastructure in state power. The new material reinforces the dictionary's role as a reliable and informative guide for anyone interested in international relations.