International vs. Transnational — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
"International" refers to relations between nations or activities spanning multiple countries. "Transnational" describes activities that transcend national boundaries but may not involve formal relations between nations.
Difference Between International and Transnational
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"International" generally pertains to activities, relations, or organizations that involve multiple nations. "Transnational," on the other hand, extends beyond the boundaries of nations and may involve non-state entities such as corporations or NGOs.
International activities often occur under formal frameworks, such as treaties or international laws, which are established between nations. Transnational activities may not necessarily be formalized or governed by such interstate agreements, and can even function independently of national governments.
In terms of corporations, "international" usually means that a company operates in multiple countries but maintains a strong connection to its home country. "Transnational" corporations often go beyond this to operate in multiple countries with no single national headquarters.
While "international" almost exclusively concerns the relationships between sovereign states, "transnational" can refer to activities that involve individuals, organizations, or other non-state actors that work across borders.
In academic contexts, "international studies" usually focus on political relations between countries, whereas "transnational studies" may include various disciplines that consider cross-border activities beyond formal state-to-state relations.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Relations between nations
Activities across nations
Formality
Often formalized
May or may not be formalized
Involvement
Mostly state actors
Includes non-state actors
Corporate Context
Operations linked to home country
No single national base
Academic Field
International Studies
Transnational Studies
Compare with Definitions
International
International relates to or involves multiple countries.
The United Nations is an international organization.
Transnational
Transnational refers to activities that go beyond national boundaries.
Transnational corporations operate globally.
International
International is anything that is not restricted to a single country.
Soccer is an international sport.
Transnational
Transnational means involving multiple countries but not restricted to formal state relations.
Transnational advocacy networks push for social change.
International
International means occurring between nations.
International trade has grown exponentially in recent years.
Transnational
Transnational involves relationships or activities not limited to a single nation-state.
Transnational friendships have become easier with the advent of the internet.
International
International pertains to activities that cross national borders.
International law governs the behavior of states.
Transnational
Transnational pertains to actions or influences that transcend individual nations.
Transnational crime is a major concern for many countries.
International
Extending across or transcending national boundaries
International fame.
Transnational
Transnational describes entities or phenomena that operate across national borders.
Transnational education programs offer cross-border studies.
International
Any of several socialist organizations of international scope formed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Transnational
Extending or operating across national boundaries
Transnational advertising agencies
International
Between or among nations
An international discussion
Transnational
Reaching beyond or transcending national boundaries
"the transnational ramifications of terror networks" (Emanuel Litvinoff).
International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people.
The atmosphere is an international resource.
The international community of scholars.
Transnational
Relating to or involving several nations or nationalities
Transnational organizations.
International
Someone who has represented their country in a particular sport.
The United team includes five England internationals.
Transnational
Involving several nations or nationalities.
International
A game or contest between two or more nations.
Transnational
Someone operating in several countries.
International
Between or among nations; pertaining to the intercourse of nations; participated in by two or more nations; common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
Transnational
Involving or operating in several nations or nationalities;
Multinational corporations
Transnational terrorist networks
International
Of or concerning the association called the International.
Transnational
A multinational company.
International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people; as, the atmosphere is an international resource; the international community of scholars.
Transnational
Between or beyond national boundaries.
International
The International; an abbreviated from of the title of the International Workingmen's Association, the name of an association, formed in London in 1864, which has for object the promotion of the interests of the industrial classes of all nations.
International
A member of the International Association.
International
International describes cooperation between countries.
International diplomacy plays a vital role in peacekeeping.
International
Of, relating to, or involving two or more nations
An international commission.
International affairs.
International
Of or having to do with more than one nation.
International
Participated in by two or more nations
An international competition
International
Common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
An international rule
International
Serving two or more nations
An international airport
International
Of or concerning the association called the International.
International
Foreign; of another nation.
An international student
International
(politics) A transnational organization of political parties of similar ideology.
International
Any of several international socialist organizations
International
Concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations;
International affairs
An international agreement
International waters
International
From or between other countries;
External commerce
International trade
Developing nations need outside help
Common Curiosities
Does Transnational always involve state actors?
No, it often includes non-state actors like corporations or NGOs.
Are International and Transnational synonymous?
No, they have different implications and focuses.
Are international organizations necessarily governmental?
Not always; some are non-governmental but still operate under international law.
What kind of studies focus on transnational topics?
Transnational Studies, often interdisciplinary in nature.
Is International only about state-to-state relations?
Mostly, but it can also include non-state entities within formal frameworks.
Can a corporation be both international and transnational?
Yes, depending on its level of operation and affiliation with a home country.
Can transnational activities happen within a single country?
No, they inherently involve crossing national borders.
Is international trade the same as transnational trade?
Not always; international often involves state agreements, while transnational might not.
Do transnational activities require a formal framework?
No, they can function independently of formal state agreements.
Do international activities always involve more than two countries?
Not necessarily; bilateral relations are also international.
What kind of studies focus on international topics?
International Studies, often related to geopolitics.
How is international crime different from transnational crime?
International crime usually involves state actors; transnational crime may not.
Do international and transnational have the same root word?
Yes, both come from the Latin word for "nation."
Is international law applicable to transnational activities?
It may be, depending on the activity and involved entities.
Can a single entity be both international and transnational?
Yes, depending on its roles and activities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
