Guide Questions

1. What does it mean when Newton said that he could see further than others because he is
standing on the shoulders of giants?

The expression occurs in a 1675 letter by Isaac Newton, he said that he could see further than others
because he is standing on the shoulders of giants. This means, by utilizing the knowledge achieved by
the major thinker (which was pertaining to the giant) who have gone through a lot of things in life in
order to make intellectual and a massive progress deed.

Also, it is an image of a man standing on the shoulder of a giant man that expresses the meaning of
discovering truth by building on previous discoveries.

In a simple explanation base on Newton’s annotation, we can rely and may ask advise or question to
someone who experienced and study things beforehand because they are already aware about it.
Therefore, we can get better explanations and answers to those giant people who have gone through a
lot before.

2. What is IR? Cite at least 5 definitions and clearly explain each with relevant illustrations.

The following are the definitions of IR and explanation;

 The study of the interaction of nation-states and non-governmental organizations in various

fields such as politics, economics, and security and the relation among states.
-This means that the government and the NGOs organization are working and helping each
other to address the societal issues through international relations. Also, this means that public
and private organization are both have access to each other.
 The study and practice of IR is interdisciplinary – human rights, global poverty, environment,
economics, global ethics, security, political environment.
-It means that IR is the way to create a convention discussing the global issues to identify the
methods on how to address those problems that are currently occurring in the world.
 A system of peaceful communication whereby states consciously and in their own interest
would like to avoid conflict.
-Through IR, Comprehensive Agreement exist. It is by peacefully communicating with other
states that discuss different interests and issues leading to avoid any conflict and war.
 Focused upon the process by which states adjust their national interests to those of other
states.
-This means that sharing “power with others” rather than using “power over others”. The
intuitivism of all states is tested and revealed on this IR’s definition. By implementing IR, it gives
better understanding to every nation’s state interests to another.
 The interaction of individual nation states in their pursuit of their perceived national interests
and goals.
-It means that IR is the right arena to collaborate every state conferring about the
interdisciplinary research that addresses, anticipates and ultimately solves public policy
 issues. This also means interacting to one another to discuss individual nation states interest
and to achieve its goals through the help of other states.

3. What are the factors that make IR complex in the 21st century?

Based on the discussion the factors that make IR complex in the 21st century are the following. First, is
the arrangement among nations to reduce or eliminate trade barriers and coordinate monetary and
fiscal policies this is to advance or protect a set of economic goals, which in the lesson it mentioned as
the Economic Integration. Second, is the Unprecedented Threats to Peace and Security. It pertains to
reducing or eradicating war between states and organize peaceful convention through international
organizations. Third or last, an International Focus on Human Rights and Environmental Protection. IR
believes that a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is vital in the enjoyment of our human rights
otherwise unhealthy environments possibly violate our human rights. Every element in the nation states
should protect and promote Human Rights and Environmental Protection if we wish to tackle economic
changes.

4. Why is it that studying IR is important? Write at least 5 reasons and critique each clearly.

The following are the reasons why it is imperative to study IR;

 A great way to gain a deeper understanding of global issues with emphasis on economics,
culture, education, and political science and examines the impact they have on society.

-That means the economics, culture, education, political science and other aspects definitely give
contribution to global issues that states need to address and therefore people should have better
understanding to those existing issues globally.

 To develop the ability to understand the effects of globalization and other forces like populism
and how they impact regions, and thus the decision of policy makers and leaders.

-By studying IR we will encounter different global issues and other important elements that are existed
in every states. With that being said we can attain better understanding and develop our ability to deal
on how to surpass those negative effects of globalization through educating ourselves about IR.

 To have a cross-cultural understanding and awareness of what’s happening beyond borders.

-It is essential for us to have knowledge about cross-cultural because people should know and practice
how to value other cultures and respect their views. And, so people should be mindful about the events
happening in different states for we believe that our goals is to help and uplift one other just in case
other state experience difficulties.

 To develop skills and knowledge on how to implement positive change.

Because learning IR we are obligated to come up with ideas on how we can make changes that can
benefit both people and environment, these are the ways to improve and uplift all aspects of the states.
On this lesson we can learn what are the contribution that we can provide in order to create positive
relationship to other nation states and positive impact to the world.

 Identifies the theories on how resolution and cooperation can be realized

IR is indeed helpful in providing resolutions to address the issues by discussing peace agreement and
implementing relevant policies that can lead to the cooperation and unity of every state in the world.