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International Relations is both an academic discipline and a state of affairs among the
states of the world. IR is often seen as a branch of Political Science but with its capacity
and ability to cover the rapidly changing international trends, the subjects has gained its
own distinct recognition. The definition of International Relations is not absolute just as
its scope. It has broader perspectives and ways of interpretation than we think.
One can better define International Relations if one clarifies in which aspect it is required
to be defined. International Relations is beyond a comprehensive definition because of its
multidimensional approaches. Scholars however devised their own kinds of definitions
depicting the sense in which they take IR. As Palmer and Perkins used these words to
define IR;
This is a relatively general definition yet beyond the width of International Relations as
a discipline.
Central Point of all Efforts made to define International Relations
In nearly all definitions proposed for International Relations, scholars share one point in
common that works as the central idea behind this discipline. That idea is of 'nation states'
and the relationships between them.
IR in its very first sense name of the relationships between the nation states of the world.
The internationality is subject matter of the discipline. Modern nation state system
evolved from the Peace of Westphalia Treaty signed in 1648. Today, in the complex
structure of world states working on varying ideologies, International Relations helps to
study them in a unanimity of thought.
Another merit as well as demerit of this discipline is that it has no boundaries of its scope.
It is merit in the sense of provision of absolute opportunity to man to make research on
the daily changing international relations. It is demerit as the discipline fails to give itself
a concrete shape and outline. But still keeping in view the aspects studied in the
International Relations till now, we will try to elaborate its scope. Following points will
prove helpful in this regard;
War
Peace
Nuclear world
International political economy
Globalization
International institutions
Conflicts among states
Foreign policy and decision making
National powers and interests
Conclusion
International Relations has a wider scope. The points elaborated above as its scope are
not final. This discipline broadens its scope with the changing events of the world and
new dynamics of international relations. It is a subject along with being a practical course
adopted by nations of the world and the international institutions.
Modern world is the world hosting nation state system. This system in its very basic sense
ensures the origin of states on the world map. And the relationships among these states
are to be regulated by internationally agreed set of rules. This nation state system is child
of political and social evolution of the world that commenced with the birth of social
animal on this planet.
Population as a nation
Definite territory for that population to live in
A government to govern that population with the defined territory
Sovereignty of that nation state
Prior to signing of this treaty various religious sects of Christian Europe were at daggers
drawn at one hand and there was dreadful clash between the Church and the Throne on
the other hand.
With the Peace of Westphalia drawn in 1648, for the first time in human history,
independent sovereign territories were defined to be ruled by the nations living in them.
This was a way to end the long war and it proved quite effective.
Today, the nation state system is complex than ever. Not only the states are the
prominent actors as in the past but also the non-state actors occupy their place. Nation
state system of present day is however more concrete but still victim of various
international problems.
Further, nations have learned to govern themselves and their states. They have
established international community, international peace making institution and
international law as well. Thus, it is a relatively better system.
Conclusion
Nation state system is the framework in which modern political world acts. It has more
evolved and developed mechanisms of conduct with each other. Nation states become the
basis of studying International Relations as well both in terms of a discipline as well as in
terms of a mechanism.
Nation state system provided the fundamental unity for giving this world an international
society. This society of states faced various phases of peace and war to evolve into its
contemporary shape. Today, international society is more powerful and strong under the
shadow of international law than it was ever before in the past. Conflicts and frictions in
the relations among states however undermine the concreteness of international society at
different levels of interaction.
Nation states of the world plunged into the First World War in 1914. At the end of this
war, the first ever time came in history when the idea of an international community was
materialized. Following the proposition of the then American President Wilson, the
League of Nations was established as an apparent body of international society.
UN survives even today after having passed through the bumpy decades of the Cold War
between the US and the USSR. The organization represents an international society with
the gathering of 192 states as its members.
The UN as universal body of nation states pledges for the world peace and to avoid any
possibilities that might lead the world into another major conflict.
International society today has evolved to discuss and deal with the modern day
problems of global climate change, nuclear non-proliferation and so on. It is dealing with
the issues of regional and civil conflicts as well to prevent them from escalation. As has
been the case with Libya and Syria today where UN interfered to stop the wars.
Conclusion
From the origin of nation state system to the establishment of the League of Nations and
then its successor the United Nations, International Society is endeavoring in one way or
the other to infuse more rational ways to deal with the global problems and global crisis.
The community faces dilemmas and debacles in their efforts but overall prevent the world
system from disintegrating.
Theories are the academic basis of any discipline of social science. International
Relations being a discipline is studied in different theoretical approaches. It has varying
approaches because of different perspectives in which its subject matter is studied by the
scholars. All interpret the postulates of International Relations mostly not in a common
way. Among the theoretical approaches of the IR:
Liberalism or Idealism
Liberalism or Idealism comes first in terms of its formal origin.
Realism
Realism comes first in terms of its strong realistic postulates.
Neo-Realism
Neo-Realism comes as a refined form of the aboriginal Realism.
Neo - Liberalism
Neo - Liberalism takes re-birth years after the failure of idealism.
Feminist Theory
Feminist Theory brings forth the new and utopian ideas related to suppressed role of
women in International Relations.
What is Idealism?
Idealism is nothing different from liberalism. It is part of the Liberal Approach which
denotes a specific period of time in the world history following the First World War when
the Liberals made an abortive effort to give this world an ideal system regulating the
international relations. Idealism is also called 'Utopianism'.
Immanuel Kant
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Locke
These above mentioned names were of classic scholars. The modern scholars included;
Alferd Zimmern
Norman Angell
Woodrow Wilson
States in a similar context tend to cooperate in international affairs as they are governed
by rational men.
War cannot be eradicated however with mutual cooperation it can be reduced to the
minimum possible level.
There shall be promoted international harmony with the help of a global institute working
to maintain the world peace.
Origin of Liberalism
Liberalism was actually founded after the chaotic World War One. It was the wish
of the nation states to cooperate in order to eliminate war of this destructive level.
Former American President Woodrow Wilson gave his historic 14 points to bring
peace into the post - war world. He in the last of his points gave the idea of
establishing an international organization that was materialized in the form of the
'League of Nations'.
Failure of Liberalism?
Liberalism if not utterly failed then at least received a blow when the League met
failure and world plunged into World War Two. The utopian scheme could not
prevent the nationalistic tendencies of the League's former members from disrupting
the world order.
Conclusion
Liberalism is among the classic theoretical approaches of the International Relations.
The theory carries massive support for its liberal and peaceful modes of regulating
the international relations. However, it is criticized for its failure to prevent the world
from another great war with its utopian schemes.
Realism
Realism is the approach of International Relations that works as anti - thesis to Liberalism.
Realism focuses on the more realistic, power oriented and state centric principles that
play important role in international relations. Realism lays emphasis upon gaining
national power to pursue national interests at all costs.
Nicolo Machiavelli
Thomas Hobbes
Clausewitz
Modern scholars that favor Realism as a better approach in International Relations are;
Hans Morgenthau
George F. Kenan
E. H. Carr
National power
State centrism
National interests
Autonomy
Survival
Beyond morality approach of state
Conclusion
International Relations seeks Realism as among the influential classical approaches.
Realism talks about the aboriginal and realistic basis of international relations. It is
criticized for its extreme version but the theory completely rejects the utopian postulates
of idealism. Realism does not take cooperation as an option because according to its
proponents, world is anarchic where intense competition is inevitable to maintain national
power.
Neo-Realism
'Neo' means new or the latest. Neo-Realism is more refined and advanced strand of
Realism. Neo-Realism unlike the original Realism is more moderate form in International
Relations.
Origin of Neo-Realism
Neo-Realism originated in latter part of 1970s. It was the reactionary product of
Neo-Liberalism which once again posed serious threat to the Realist idea of state
centrism. It was the work of Kenneth Waltz with the title of 'Theory of International
Politics' which gave birth to neo-realism.
Exponent of Neo-Realism
Among the modern exponents of neo-realism the name of Kenneth Waltz echoes. He is
regarded as founder of this theoretical approach in the International Relations. Waltz
sticking to the traditional ideas of Realism, infuses a new spirit in this approach by not
utterly rejecting the possibilities of cooperation among the states of the world.
Postulates of Neo-Realism
Postulates of new-realism are the same as that of realism. They differ in a few points
which are explained as following;
There exists international anarchy which serves as basis of international relations rather
than the Human nature of violence.
World states follow the idea of self - help to empower themselves and act in international
relations.
There exists Security Dilemma in international relations. States accumulate power for
their security and survival which leads most of them into a race of armament and
militarization.
Possibilities of cooperation between the states need not to be overlooked when they are
serving the interests of a state.
It is not the cooperation however but the 'Balance of Power' that actually prevent the
states from large scale war.
Still the theory is extreme and regards state as the sole actors of international relations.
It admits cooperation now but it has not yet rejected war as an option.
Focuses on national power and national interests of a state which actually undermine the
possibilities for cooperation.
The theory of Neo-Realism gives a mixed vision not a clear cut one. It is not inclined on a
single side.
Conclusion
Neo-Realism is actually the reaction to the action posed by Neo-Liberalism. The theory
has not given up the basic postulates of Realism but it is still moderate as compared to its
original version. Neo-Realism is brainchild of Kenneth Waltz who believed neither in
extreme liberalism not in extreme realism. As a consequence, he devised a middle way to
meet the ideals in international relations.
Neo-Liberalism
It was 1960s which is seen as the decade when neo-liberalism took birth. Its origin was
catalyzed by the declining oomph of realism.
Since after the collapse of liberalism as first hand approach of international relations,
realism was holding firm grip on the world order. Neo-Liberalism defied the system of
state centrism and intense competition bringing forth cooperation as the best option in
economic and political terms.
Various Aspects of Neo - Liberalism
Neo-Liberalism can be understood in various aspects it brought. These are explained
below;
B. Neo-Liberal Institutionalism
This strand of neo-liberal institutionalism though believes in cooperation but in one
aspect it shares commonality with the Realism. It concurs to the point of realism that
states are the principal actors and institutions in the international relations.
But instead of seeing this thing in terms of competition in anarchic world, neo-liberal
institutionalism focuses on ensuring prospects of cooperation.
Neo-Liberalism does not represent utopian and impracticable schemes. It accepts the
primary role of states in world affairs but suggests them to work with cooperation.
Criticism on Neo-Liberalism
Realists attack neo-liberalism again with the traditional mantra of not being a realistic
approach in understanding the global affairs. For the proponents of Feminism this is again
among the theories that carry nothing remarkable to ensure women empowerment.
Marxists consider it as a tool of the Western powers being exploited to deal both the
developing and the developed states under the same but unfair mechanisms.
World System Theory, unlike the classic theories of Realism and Liberalism, is one
dimensional approach to study the situation of dependency of a part of the world upon the
other. The central point of the theory emphasizes on the point that the unhealthy
economic condition of the developing countries is due to continuous dependence on and
unending exploitation by the developed states of the world.
Origin of World System Theory
World System Theory is believed to have its root in the works of Lenin - the
revolutionary founder of the communist USSR. Lenin wrote 'Imperialism - The Highest
Stage of Capitalism'. In this book he blamed capitalistic developed states responsible for
exploitation and backwardness of the developing states.
The theory propounds that the Periphery world is dependent upon the Core world. This
dependence can be interpreted in terms of economy, politics and technological
advancement. The reasons behind the dependence are not only backwardness and
depravity of the Periphery but also continuous exploitation of these states by the Core
states. This exploitation is carried out by various tools that can be laws, institutions or any
other form.
The situation worsened when the Core states reached high levels of industrialization and
technology but they did not share this advancement with the periphery states.
Conclusion
The approach of World System is criticized for being not a theory in real sense. It is
single dimensional perspective that explains how developing states are dependent upon
the developed states. The theory did not carry enough weightage in the theoretical realm
of International Relations.
Feminist Theory
These conferences highlighted the rights of women along with the need to empower them
and give them a share in deciding international affairs.
Efficacy of Feminism
Feminism is right in its reservations but it is utopian scheme. It is not practicable to
secure the share for women in international relations in a way as demanded. Feminism
just like World System Theory explains one dimensional aspect of international relations.
Though there is a vast change observable today in the status of women in world. They
have been empowered greatly. But there are cultural, social and historical barriers to
enhance their role in international relations that are difficult to overcome.
Another point which proves that women are now more active in international relations
more than they were in the past is that they can be seen as heads of the states, chief
diplomats, ambassadors, head of delegations at UN.
Conclusion
Feminist theory is more a reservation than an explanation how international relations are
regulated. It rarely gives any clear cut mechanism to regulate international relations. It
has however helped in empowering women.
National Power is fundamentally a mantra given by and believed in by the Realist school
of thought in International Relations. Having assumed this world as anarchic, the realists
emphasize upon accumulation of power by a state as inevitable. As far as the parameters
of measuring the national power is concerned, realists do measure it in relative terms. The
criterion set to determine national power is a collection of different elements that
collectively assess it.
What is Power?
In simplest terms of understanding, power is the capacity to get a thing done from
someone who would not have done this otherwise.
A. Geography
Geography does not only include the size and location of a state which determine
national power but also strategic position, climate, topography etc. Role of geography can
be seen in terms that the USSR and the USA had been super powers of the world and both
carried vast territories. But that is not always the case. Britain has small territory of its
own but its control on seas empowered it to rule over the world.
B. Economy
In the contemporary world order, the thing which matters the most is the powerful and
stable economy of a state. China is a clear example which due to its economy emerges out
to be the next world super power. Even the USA which is super power now has a vibrant
economy.
C. Military
With economy, military might be also essential to enhance national power. China might
be an economic giant but it has limited military capacity as compared to the US. Thus the
USA surpasses it in national power.
D. Technology
Technological advancement emerges out to be another modern element of national
power. Technology is something that is shared in every field whether it is military,
science, agriculture or another department of state. A state technologically advance shares
superiority over the other. For instance, during the Cold War, the USA shared
technological superiority over the USSR.
E. Natural Resources
Natural resources are another element of national power. What matters in real is not the
presence of natural resources but it is their exploitation. If exploited to the maximum
benefit, natural resources can be helpful in enhancing national power.
G. Ideology
Ideology is traditional element of national power. It matters less but still matters to
determine national power. This is because of the reason that ideology plays role in
determining structure of state.
National Interest
But in a very safe and simplest attempt to define national interest following words can
be used; "National Interest is the name of those goals and objectives of a state which are
pursued to seek the maximum benefit in a given set of circumstances".
Varying circumstances
Different state ideologies
Major changes in the World Order
These variables make states to review their national interests from time to time and alter
their course of action then.
Ways to pursue other than diplomacy can be use of influence, making alliances,
concluding agreements and treaties. Illegitimate ways might include the use of force
against the other state or interfering in its internal matters with the help of non - state
actors.
Conclusion
National interest is understood in wider sense. It is mostly long term policy. The reason
behind the presence of complexity in understanding national interest is also that we take it
in shorter term as something imminently achievable and based on unchangeable
principles. But in fact it is contrary to that.
Sovereignty
Defining Sovereignty
Sovereignty is defined in terms of 'unrestricted and unlimited authority of a state within
its territory and on its population'. In another meaning of sovereignty, it is taken as the
supremacy of state. This supremacy is meant to control and command everything inferior
to it.
Population
Territory
Government
Sovereignty
Sovereignty as an element of state is the most important one in abstract sense. Without
sovereignty the idea of population and territory can be perceived but the idea of
government control on both these things remains impossible. So, sovereignty is actually
the name of that control as well which government being the working agency of state
exercise over its people.
A. Domestic Sovereignty
Domestic sovereignty means that the state is sovereign to rule over and decide for all the
internal matters within its territory or related to its population.
B. Interdependence Sovereignty
Interdependence sovereignty means that state shall have control the international
boundaries it shares with the neighboring states. No one is permitted to cross the borders
of the state without due permission.
Absoluteness of sovereignty of state means that the supremacy and authority of state is
absolute and final. It will govern not only all the geographical parts of the country but
also decide for the people. This feature makes the modern nation state as central institute
of power.
External sovereignty is the name of maintaining relations of a sovereign power with the
other states of the world. It is not the supremacy of one state over another but the way in
which relations between states are to be maintained on equal footing.
Conclusion
Sovereignty is an abstract element of state which is also the most important one.
Sovereignty is the actual thing which works as the soul of modern nation state
Balance of Power
Balance of power is the classical realist concept that preserved peace of the pre - world
wars world. It is concept that marks its practical implementation in 18th century. In the
contemporary world, balance of power theory has little role to play but it cannot be
ignored utterly due to its historic role. Even during the Cold War, a balance of power was
present between the two Super Powers which prevented from escalation of any conflict to
the total war.
B. Buffer States
These are the states which geographically work as barrier between two or more rivals.
For instance, Afghanistan has been a buffer state between British held Indian colony and
the Soviet Union. Similarly, Tibet served as buffer states between India and China.
C. Armament and Militarization
Armament and militarization by one nation leads the rival states to do the same. This
maintains balance of power between them. India and Pakistan present this type of case.
Both the states maintain a level of deterrence through militarization and nuclear
armament.
D. Disarmament
During Cold War, particularly in its later part, rapid disarmament agreements were
concluded between the US and the USSR. These agreements were like SALT, NPT at
global level, etc. These helped to restore balance of power by reducing dreadful arms.
E. Intervention
Intervention is also an option to bring balance of power. The US & USSR' interventions
in Korean war, Vietnam war are its examples. Both the powers maintained balance of
power between them by fighting proxy wars at foreign lands.
Balance of Power is anachronism in the 21st century which is dominated by the nation
states that see their national interests and national powers as chief aims. Thus, intense
competition exists in anarchic world. Balance of power was not appropriate to bring
peace to the 21st century world. Due to its inadequacy and uncertainty it was needed to
be replaced by something more reliable.
Conclusion
Collective Security is the idea that works as the concept of security in 21st century. This
concept is working contemporarily along with several flaws it carries.