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　　　As early as the 1980s BBI has set up a course on Marxism to promote students’ interests in politics and world affairs.In 1985 BBI launched an MA degree program in Politics (International Communist Movements). In 1992, as the nation was deepening its market reforms, the program was renamed as Politics (International Relations) and a corresponding research institute was set up. The program is characterized by its studies on international relations and mass communication.

　　 In an age of globalization, mass media play an active rolein the shaping of contemporary international relations. New communication technologies like the satellite TV, multimedia and the Internet inventions have helped open international relations. Mass communication and international　relations have become increasingly interactive. The presence and influence of mass communication can be found in expressing state policies, channeling nongovernmental　views, enhancing cultural exchanges, resolvingculture conflicts and in international strategic competitions and the changing concept of power.

　　 In fall of 2001 the Department of International Relations was set up on the basis of the former research institute. There are currently 7 professors, 5 associate professors , 5 doctors and 12 Master’s program advisors. Department of International Relations also invites senior researchers from the China Academy of Social Sciences and Xinhua News Agency to lecture as visiting professors. Department of International Relations together with neighboring Asian Media Research Center, Research Center for Contemporary World Affairs, and Sino-Canadian Information Communication　Research Center creates a dynamic researching culture in the college.Department of International Relations’ research interests cover history of international relations, international relations　and mass communication, international relations and China’s foreign affairs, international relations and cross-culture communication, contemporary internationalissues, with a characteristic of BBU, and with stress on future development and academic level.

　　 Since 1999 Department of International Relations faculty have published 30 academic books, among them 14 are books listed in the program developing plan. At present, there are more than ten research projects on provincial and ministry levels, 6 in international co-operations, 2 of State social science foundations and 3 from The International Communications College.

　　 In the recent years, graduates of Department of International　Relations are well received and very active in the field of international issues and international communication. The department’s MA degree program receives a growing number of applications every year. We enrolled more than 50 graduate students for master’s degree in 2004. China’s entry to the WTO and the 2008 Olympics have increased job opportunities for international relations majors. With the support of the leadership of The International Communications College, Department of International Relations is trying hard to further raise its teaching level and academic level.