International vs. Transnational: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
"International" pertains to relations or activities involving two or more countries. "Transnational" refers to actions or entities that transcend national boundaries and may operate independently of national governments.
Difference Between International and Transnational
Both "international" and "transnational" are adjectives used to describe activities, organizations, or phenomena that go beyond the borders of a single nation. However, they are not synonyms and emphasize different aspects of cross-border interactions. "International" is most often used to describe things that are between or among different nations, such as international trade agreements or international law. Typically, "international" involves the interaction of sovereign states and operates within the framework of established national governance. "Transnational," on the other hand, focuses on activities or organizations that exist beyond national borders and are not necessarily tied to the laws or practices of any single nation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
"International" is generally associated with formal relationships governed by treaties, laws, or international bodies like the United Nations. When we refer to something as "international," we usually imply that it is subject to the governance structures or regulations put in place by the participating nations. For instance, international diplomacy seeks to resolve issues between nations through negotiation and formal agreements. "Transnational," however, often indicates a higher degree of fluidity and less formal governance. Transnational corporations, for example, operate in multiple countries but may not be governed by a single international treaty or body.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
The term "international" is often used in the context of governance, diplomacy, and formal interactions between countries. This includes international law, international relations, and international organizations. "Transnational" is more frequently used to describe phenomena like culture, corporations, or social movements that are not governed by or limited to the policies of individual nations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
In the language of everyday use, "international" is more common and broadly understood, often used to describe anything involving more than one country. "Transnational" is a more specialized term, usually employed in academic or corporate settings to describe complex relationships or structures that go beyond national concerns.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
International vs. Transnational Comparison Chart
International vs. Transnational Definitions
◉International
International relates to or involves two or more nations.
International trade is crucial for many economies.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Transnational
Transnational describes activities that operate across national boundaries.
Transnational corporations have offices in multiple countries.
Jonathan
Sep 22, 2023
◉International
International can describe an organization with a presence in multiple countries.
The World Health Organization is an international entity.
Olivia
Sep 22, 2023
◉Transnational
Transnational signifies the crossing or transcending of national jurisdictions.
Transnational issues require complex solutions.
Kaitlyn
Sep 22, 2023
◉International
International refers to activities between different countries.
The international conference drew experts from around the world.
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Sep 22, 2023
◉Transnational
Transnational pertains to phenomena not restricted by national borders.
Transnational cultural exchanges enrich societies.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
◉International
International can pertain to laws or agreements governing relationships between countries.
International law prohibits certain forms of warfare.
Nolan
Sep 22, 2023
◉Transnational
Transnational refers to actions or organizations not governed by a single nation.
Transnational crime networks can be difficult to prosecute.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
◉International
International signifies being known or recognized in multiple countries.
The artist gained international fame.
Olivia
Sep 22, 2023
◉Transnational
Transnational can describe migration that spans multiple countries.
Transnational families maintain connections across continents.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉International
Of, relating to, or involving two or more nations
an international commission.
international affairs.
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May 03, 2023
◉Transnational
Reaching beyond or transcending national boundaries
"the transnational ramifications of terror networks" (Emanuel Litvinoff).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
Extending across or transcending national boundaries
international fame.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Transnational
Relating to or involving several nations or nationalities
transnational organizations.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
Any of several socialist organizations of international scope formed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
participated in by two or more nations
an international competition
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May 03, 2023
◉Transnational
involving or operating in several nations or nationalities;
multinational corporations
transnational terrorist networks
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May 03, 2023
◉International
common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
an international rule
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people.
the atmosphere is an international resource.
the international community of scholars.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
Someone who has represented their country in a particular sport.
The United team includes five England internationals.
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May 03, 2023
◉International
(politics) A transnational organization of political parties of similar ideology.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people; as, the atmosphere is an international resource; the international community of scholars.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉International
concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations;
international affairs
an international agreement
international waters
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May 03, 2023
◉International
from or between other countries;
external commerce
international trade
developing nations need outside help
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
International vs. Transnational Frequently Asked Questions
What does transnational mean?
Transnational refers to activities, organizations, or phenomena that go beyond national boundaries and are not confined to any one country.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
What does international mean?
International refers to activities, organizations, or phenomena that involve two or more countries.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is transnational always informal?
Transnational can include both formal and informal arrangements and organizations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Are international and transnational synonyms?
While they both pertain to cross-border activities, they are not synonyms and emphasize different aspects of those activities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is international always formal?
International often implies formality, such as in treaties or laws, but it's not strictly limited to formal contexts.
Nolan
Sep 22, 2023
Is international more common than transnational?
Yes, international is more commonly used and understood than transnational.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is transnational often used in academic contexts?
Yes, transnational is more likely to be used in specialized or academic contexts.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
