The Department of Political Science and International Relations of the İstanbul University Faculty of Economics was founded in 06.07.1982. After a temporary closure from 29.04.1999, the department resumed its programme in the academic year 2004-2005.

By the end of the 20th century, the process of globalization posed new problems for entire humanity whose impact surpassed national or regional premises. This atmosphere requires a global vision and an analytic approach not only for the scholars of the field but also individuals aiming for success in a continuously universalized business life.

The goal of our department is to foster the intellectual ability of our students to grasp and interpret the events and problems occurring in a complicated world with methodical and analytical acuity, to grow into individuals who can and will take active part in the construction and direction of that very world.

Since its foundation, the Department of Political Science and International Relations has made a point of adopting and renewing its academic programme in accordance with the major transformation in the international arena, to provide the students, young scholars, the academe and the public with the knowledge that is amassed as part of social life within a society of knowledge.

Beside mainline courses in economics, the Department offers courses in such disciplines as international relations, Turkish political life, political systems, political behaviour, political history, history of political thought and public administration. Elective courses are designed to motivate students to cultivate an interest in world politics, its structures and institutions, regional political events and Turkey’s place in global affairs. The alumni of the Department seek employment in and have risen to high offices in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Labour, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the State Planning Organisation, various boards that determine policy and in banks, as well as labour unions, the media and major corporations in private business.