1

Definition and Value of International Relations

What is International Relations?
Our richly connected, complex world demands professionals skilled in international relations,
an exciting field of study that presents a globally oriented perspective on issues that transcend
national boundaries. The study and practice of international relations is interdisciplinary in
nature, blending the fields of economics, history, and political science to examine topics such
as human rights, global poverty, the environment, economics, globalization, security, global
ethics, and the political environment.
What is International Relations?
There is no sweeping meaning for the term, the course will introduce you to the various
debates which will help you make your own interpretations. The term International Relations
is somewhat out-dated, and it acts under the premise that Nations and the State are one and
the same.
Contemporary IR also takes into account the relations between and amongst non-
governmental organisations (NGOs), International Organisations (the UN) and Transnational
Companies. It is concerned with relations across boundaries of nation-states. It addresses
international political economy, global governance, intercultural relations, national and ethnic
identities, foreign policy analysis, development studies, environment, international security,
diplomacy, terrorism, media, social movements and more. It is a multidisciplinary field that
approach that employs a variety of methods including discourse analysis, statistics and
comparative and historical analysis.
IRs is a branch of Political Science dealing with interactions between actors (typically states)
in the international system. Several schools of thought provide a theoretical model for IRs,
and therefore understand or even predict the behavior of actors on the world stage.
Theories of International Relations can be broadly classified into Rationalist and
Constructivist groups.
Why IR theory is unavoidable- The use of the word theory in the framework of IR is an
abstract system of thought used to simplify complicated and intricate events; however some
IR theory is quasi-scientific, but this is rare. It is impossible to avoid IR theory, as anything
you say will be under a certain school of thought, i.e. realism, liberalism, neo-liberalism,
constructivism.
IR theory describes events, explains why the world is as it is, acting in a normative function;
tells what is right and wrong, being prescriptive advises on how a situation should be, being
policy relevant offers advice on what to do, being constitutive, being an amalgamation of
various subjects and their individual needs/implications and being emotive to make us feel a
certain way.
Complexity of international relations in the twenty-first century
This is caused by the unprecedented threats to peace and security and an international focus
on human rights and environmental protection. This means the study of international relations
must focus on interdisciplinary research that addresses, anticipates, and ultimately solves
public policy problems. International relations (often referred to international affairs) has a
broad purpose in contemporary society, as it seeks to understand the;
origins of war and the maintenance of peace
2
nature and exercise of power within the global system
changing character of state and non-state actors who participate in international
decisionmaking

Public Data
 For example, some institutions may study the psychological and social-psychological
reasoning behind the actions of foreign policymakers, while others may focus their
international studies on the institutional processes that contribute to the goals and behaviors
of states. Ultimately, the area of international relations studied depends on the goals or
objectives of the organization.
The Value of International Relations in a Globalized Society
Although international relations has taken on a new significance because of our increasingly
interconnected world, it is certainly not a new concept. Historically, the establishment of
treaties between nations served as the earliest form of international relations.
The study and practice of international relations in today’s world is valuable for many
reasons:
it promotes successful trade policies between nations.
it encourages travel related to business, tourism, and immigration, providing people with
opportunities to enhance their lives.
it allows nations to cooperate with one another, pool resources, and share information as a
way to face global issues that go beyond any particular country or region. Contemporary
global issues include pandemics, terrorism, and the environment.
it advances human culture through cultural exchanges, diplomacy and policy development.
Practice of international relations is valuable in a wide array of settings. Some examples
inlcude:
Humanitarian organizations: Action Against Hunger, Oxfam International, World Food
Programme
Government agencies: Department of State, Department of Homeland Security,
Department
of Commerce
International corporations: General Electric, BP, Exxon Mobile, Toyota, Nestle, Siemens
Media outlets: BBC, Washington Post, The Guardian, Der Spiegal, New York Times,
Forbes,
Wall Street Journal
Intergovernmental organizations: World Trade Organization, United Nations, NATO
International communications: Amnesty International, Freedom House, Human Rights
Watch, Reporters Without Borders
Research centers/Think tanks: Brookings Institution, Center for International Policy,
Council on Foreign Relations, Global Public Policy Institute
Nature and Scope of International Relations:
(a) Conflict as the essential element of relations: Since politics is a necessary element of
relations, for an understanding of the nature and scope of international relations, a brief
discussion of the term "politics" is necessary.
-Everything in politics, whether domestic or international, flows from the fact that people
have needs and wants. The efforts to satisfy needs and wants bring people into contact with
one another.
This contact leads to the formation of groups. But the needs and wants of various groups are
bound to differ, though the need and wants of the members of one group are normally
supposed to be 3 common. Groups do certain actions and follow certain relations in order to
satisfy the needs and wants of their members.
(b) Conflict differentiated from Disputes: We should not, however, confuse conflict with

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 disputes. Conflict is that state of relationship among the units participating in the process of
politics which arises, and continues to exist, from the fact that the wants and desires of those
units are unlimited and from the further fact that they regard one another as their rivals.
-Disputes, on the other hand, arise from specific issues. Thus conflict is abstract and dispute
is the concrete manifestation of conflict. Disputes can be counted but conflict cannot be. It
can at best be measured in terms of degrees. Whether a group of two or more countries have a
large or small number of disputes, depends upon how acute is the state of conflict between
them.
(c) Conflict is a permanent phenomenon in relations: This state of conflict can at times be
more acute and at times less acute but can never cease to exist. Thus conflict is the permanent
phenomenon in relations.
-Conflict can never be eliminated from relations and therefore, political disputes are always
"solved" only temporarily. What is often regard as "solutions" of disputes are compromises
reached between the parties to a dispute only temporarily.
(d) Relations is a Struggle for Power:
The ability or capacity to influence or control the behaviour of others is, generally speaking,
called power. It should, however, be remembered that this definition does not exhaust either
the meaning or the content of power.
-But an essential characteristic element of relations is an effort on the part of some to control
the actions of others. And since the ability to make such efforts is power, relations also
involve power.
-It is in this sense that all relations are considered to be a struggle for power. Power becomes
a means for the fulfilment of needs and wants. Relations without power is unthinkable. Power
thus becomes the means for the achievement of our wants and desires.
=The continuity of this inter-relationship between end and means makes power the most
important element of relations. The result is that we try to acquire power not only for our
wants and desires of the present but also for those of the future. Thus, acquisition of power
becomes an end in itself and the demarcating line between end and means is often not clear.

1
Definition and Value of International Relations
What is International Relations?
Our richly connected, complex world demands professionals skilled in international relations,
an exciting field of study that presents a globally oriented perspective on issues that transcend
national
boundaries. The study and practice of international relations is interdisciplinary in nature,
blending
the fields of economics, history, and political science to examine topics such as human rights,
global poverty, the environment, economics, globalization, security, global ethics, and the
political environment.
What is International Relations?
There is no sweeping meaning for the term, the course will introduce you to the various
debates which will help you make your own interpretations. The term International Relations
is somewhat out-dated, and it acts under the premise that Nations and the State are one and
the same.
Contemporary IR also takes into account the relations between and amongst non-
governmental organisations (NGOs), International Organisations (the UN) and Transnational
Companies. It is concerned with relations across boundaries of nation-states. It addresses
international politicaleconomy, global governance, intercultural relations, national and ethnic
identities, foreign policy

Public Data
 analysis, development studies, environment, international security, diplomacy, terrorism,
media, social movements and more. It is a multidisciplinary field that approach that employs
a variety of methods including discourse analysis, statistics and comparative and historical
analysis.
IRs is a branch of Political Science dealing with interactions between actors (typically states)
in the international system. Several schools of thought provide a theoretical model for IRs,
and therefore understand or even predict the behaviour of actors on the world stage. Theories
of
International Relations can be broadly classified into Rationalist and Constructivist groups.
Why IR theory is unavoidable- The use of the word theory in the framework of IR is an
abstract system of thought used to simplify complicated and intricate events; however some
IR theory is quasi-scientific, but this is rare. It is impossible to avoid IR theory, as anything
you say will be under a certain school of thought, i.e. realism, liberalism, neo-liberalism,
constructivism.
IR theory describes events, explains why the world is as it is, acting in a normative function;
tells what is right and wrong, being prescriptive advises on how a situation should be, being
policy relevant offers advice on what to do, being constitutive, being an amalgamation of
various subjects and their individual needs/implications and being emotive to make us feel a
certain way.
Complexity of international relations in the twenty-first century
This is caused by the unprecedented threats to peace and security and an international focus
on human rights and environmental protection. This means the study of international relations
must focus on interdisciplinary research that addresses, anticipates, and ultimately solves
public policy problems. International relations (often referred to international affairs) has a
broad purpose in contemporary society, as it seeks to understand the;
origins of war and the maintenance of peace
2
nature and exercise of power within the global system
changing character of state and non-state actors who participate in international decision-
making
For example, some institutions may study the psychological and social-psychological
reasoning behind the actions of foreign policymakers, while others may focus their
international studies on
the institutional processes that contribute to the goals and behaviours of states. Ultimately,
the area of international relations studied depends on the goals or objectives of the
organization.
The Value of International Relations in a Globalized Society
Although international relations has taken on a new significance because of our increasingly
interconnected world, it is certainly not a new concept. Historically, the establishment of
treaties between nations served as the earliest form of international relations.
The study and practice of international relations in today’s world is valuable for many
reasons:
it promotes successful trade policies between nations.
it encourages travel related to business, tourism, and immigration, providing people with
opportunities to enhance their lives.
it allows nations to cooperate with one another, pool resources, and share information to
face global issues that go beyond any particular country or region. Contemporary global
issues include pandemics, terrorism, and the environment.
it advances human culture through cultural exchanges, diplomacy and policy development.

Public Data
 Practice of international relations is valuable in a wide array of settings. Some examples
include:
Humanitarian organizations: Action Against Hunger, Oxfam International, World Food
Programme
Government agencies: Department of State, Department of Homeland Security,
Department
of Commerce
International corporations: General Electric, BP, Exxon Mobile, Toyota, Nestle, Siemens
Media outlets: BBC, Washington Post, The Guardian, Der Spiegal, New York Times,
Forbes,
Wall Street Journal
Intergovernmental organizations: World Trade Organization, United Nations, NATO
International communications: Amnesty International, Freedom House, Human Rights
Watch, Reporters Without Borders
Research centers/Think tanks: Brookings Institution, Center for International Policy,
Council
on Foreign Relations, Global Public Policy Institute
Nature and Scope of International Relations:
(a) Conflict as the essential element of relations: Since politics is a necessary element of
relations, for an understanding of the nature and scope of international relations, a brief
discussion
of the term "politics" is necessary.
-Everything in politics, whether domestic or international, flows from the fact that people
have
needs and wants. The efforts to satisfy needs and wants bring people into contact with one
another.
This contact leads to the formation of groups. But the needs and wants of various groups are
bound to differ, though the need and wants of the members of one group are normally
supposed to be
3
common. Groups do certain actions and follow certain relations in order to satisfy the needs
and wants of their members.
(b) Conflict differentiated from Disputes: We should not, however, confuse conflict with
disputes. Conflict is that state of relationship among the units participating in the process of
politics which arises, and continues to exist, from the fact that the wants and desires of those
units are unlimited and from the further fact that they regard one another as their rivals.
-Disputes, on the other hand, arise from specific issues. Thus conflict is abstract and dispute
is the concrete manifestation of conflict. Disputes can be counted but conflict cannot be. It
can at best be measured in terms of degrees. Whether a group of two or more countries have a
large or small number of disputes, depends upon how acute is the state of conflict between
them.
(c) Conflict is a permanent phenomenon in relations: This state of conflict can at times be
more
acute and at times less acute but can never cease to exist. Thus conflict is the permanent
phenomenon in relations.
-Conflict can never be eliminated from relations and therefore, political disputes are always
"solved" only temporarily. What is often regard as "solutions" of disputes are compromises
reached between the parties to a dispute only temporarily.
(d) Relations is a Struggle for Power:

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 The ability or capacity to influence or control the behaviour of others is, generally speaking,
called power. It should, however, be remembered that this definition does not exhaust either
the meaningor the content of power.
-But an essential characteristic element of relations is an effort on the part of some to control
the
actions of others. And since the ability to make such efforts is power, relations also involve
power.
-It is in this sense that all relations are considered to be a struggle for power. Power becomes
a means for the fulfilment of needs and wants. Relations without power is unthinkable. Power
thus becomes the means for the achievement of our wants and desires.
=The continuity of this inter-relationship between end and means makes power the most
important
element of relations. The result is that we try to acquire power not only for our wants and
desires of the present but also for those of the future. Thus, acquisition of power becomes an
end in itself and the demarcating line between end and means is often not clear.

1
Levels of State Behavior
3 Levels of international relations in analyzing the behavior state:
System Level Analysis: System level analysis looks at the international system; more
specifically, how the international system affects the behavior of nations/states, with the key
variable being that the international system includes the power of each state rather than being
independent of them.
State Level Analysis: State level analysis examines how a state’s characteristics determine
its
foreign policy behaviour. This type of analysis often views states as having cultural
characteristics based on their religious or social traditions and their historical legacy and
includes an analysis.
of economic and geographic factors.
Organizational Level Analysis: Organizational level analysis examines how organizations
within a state influence the state’s foreign policy behavior. In other words, organizational
level
analysis views that organizations—not states—make the decisions that create a state’s foreign
policy.
Individual Level Analysis: Individual level analysis views the leaders of states as being the
largest influencers of foreign policy.

MAJOR THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The Theories and Principles of International Relations- Traditional dimensions of
international
relations related to international peace and prosperity include topics such as international
diplomacy, arms control, and alliance politics. Contemporary studies in international
relations, on other hand, include topics such as international political economics,
environmental politics,
refugee and migration issues, and human rights.
1. Realism- The theory of realism in international relations generally assumes that the
international

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 system is inherently disorderly, and relations are anarchic because primary actors are
perpetually locked against a struggle for power and security.
Realism- Realism focuses on the notion that states work to increase their own power relative
toother states. The theory of realism states that the only certainty in the world is power;
therefore, a powerful state—via military power (the most important and reliable form of
power)—will always be able to outlast its weaker competitors. Self-preservation is a major
theme in realism, as states must always seek power to protect themselves.
-International system drives states to use military force. Although leaders may be moral, they
must not let morality guide their foreign policy. Furthermore, realism recognizes that
international organizations and law have no power and force and that their existence relies
solely on being recognized and accepted by select states.
Another general assumption of this theory is that states are the primary actors in the
international politics. The reason why international relations is anarchic, is that, there is no
supranational authority that would govern the conduct of these states by enforcing rules.
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States desire power to ensure self-preservation nonetheless. The behaviors and actions of
these states are directed toward promotion of their self-interest. There can be no middle
ground or moderation with regard to the scope of power accumulation. A state either has
power or none.
a). “The state is the most important actor in international relations”. The political state is the
most powerful actor, realists in turn also give little weight to non-state actors. They view
individual and non-government organizations as lacking the military power needed to
compete with states in the international system.
b). A second assumption of realism that many realists (at least traditional realists) believe is
that “The state is a unitary and rational actor” . While realists know many actors
technically exist, “all of these differing views are ultimately integrated through state
structures so that the state speaks with one voice (Pease, 2012: 48). Pease (2012) goes on to
explain that “…that single voice speaks for a rational state–a single actor capable of
identifying goals and preferences and
determining their relative importance. The state is also capable of engaging in a cost-benefit
analysis and choosing optimal strategies for achieving its goals” (48). And because of the
belief that states are unitary, internal differences are not nearly as important as the state. This
is why foreign policy is given significant attention in realist political thought. They argue that
regardless of any internal differences, the unified position will be one that is of the interest of
the state.
c). The third assumption Pease cites for realism/political realism is the idea that “international
relations are essentially conflictual” (49). All realists seem to say that the international system
is one of tension and conflict. Now, the reasons as to why this is vary; some think it is due to
the “pessimistic” view of human nature, whereas others think it has to do more with the
structure of the international system. Nevertheless, various positions congregate on this point
of conflict in international relations.
d). Realists thus view the system as one that leads to a competition for power, where a state’s
objective is security and power.
And as Pease (2012) explains, “Anarchy compels sates to arm themselves to self-defense.
However, the acquisition of arms is itself a provocative act. Other states must respond in kind
or risk attack or destruction. This response leaves the first state no better off than it was
before, so it must acquire even better weapons to counter the threat. Then the other states
must respond in kind.
And so on. Anarchy leads to arms-racing and arms-balancing behavior on the part of states.
States with good and kind leaders will engage in the same kind of behavior as selfish and evil

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 leaders because they exist in the same international environment” (49). Thus, to realists, or
more
specifically, neo-realists, the anarchical system forces states to be concerned with issues of
power in order to survive.
However, this idea of power imbalance is not merely limited to military power; economic
power also enters into the equation. States whose economies is growing are also gaining
power, since
economic strength often translates to power in the international system. Thus, realists, and in
particular neo-realists, also pay attention to a state’s economy as it relates to power.
3
-Given these points, for realists, states will try to accumulate power. And when there is a
power imbalance, the likelihood of war is more possible, since the power powerful state can
attack a weaker state, without much penalty, if any at all. Thus, for realists, it is the balance
of power as a
system that will prevent wars; states that are balanced would be less likely to attack and fight
one another. Realism in international relations is in fact centered on this importance of power.
2. Liberalism- The theory of liberalism in international relations directly contradicts the
theory of realism. Remember that realism is about the individuality of states while liberalism
is about the necessity of interdependence and cooperation.
Liberalism (Idealism)- Liberalism recognizes that states share broad ties, thus making it
difficult to define singular independent national interests. The theory of liberalism in
international relations therefore involves the decreased use of military power.
Liberal approaches to the study of international relations, also referred to as theories of
complex interdependence, claim that the consequences of military power outweigh the
benefits and that international cooperation is in the interest of every state. It also claims that
exercising economic power over military power has proven more effective.
-General assumptions of liberalism center on the notion that the rejection of power politics is
the only possible outcome of international relations. Thus, instead of perceiving the
international system as inherently anarchic, liberalism assumes that there are plenty of
opportunities for cooperation.
-States are not the only primary actors in the international politics according to liberalism.
International organizations such as supranational authorities and non-government
organizations to
include business organizations and non-profit organizations play critical roles in shaping
international relations.
Liberal Approach in International Politics: Liberal approach to the study of international
relations has its roots in the development of liberal political theory that took place in the 17th
Century. The liberal tradition always takes a positive view of human nature. It had its origin
and massive popularity in Political Theory and it entered the realm of international relations
only in the second half of the 20th century.
Liberal Approach: Basic assumptions of the Liberal Approach in International Politics
can
be described as follows:
i. Individual are the Primary International Actors: Liberals put the individual at the centre
of
the universe. All progress is measured in terms of the interests of the individuals in the
universe. John Locke, for example, is credited with the creation of a constitutional state
through a social contract to protect the natural rights of the individual. Such a state enables
and establishes the rule of law that respects the rights of the citizens, particularly the rights to
life, liberty and property.

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 This does not mean that states are relegated to marginal status in the liberal perspective. Far
from it, the modern liberals view states as the most important collective actors of our present
time. They are, however, seen as pluralistic actors whose interests and policies are
determined by bargaining among groups and elections.
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ii. State’s interests are dynamic and are both self-regarding and other-regarding:
Liberals are of the view that the interests of the states are not static but dynamic. Interests of
states keep on changing with time because individual’s values and power relations among
interest groups keep on evolving over time. Also, most liberals believe that states do not only
have certain self-interests to preserve but also regard state’s policies as other- regarding to
some extent since they believe that the growth of liberal democracy increases people’s
concern for other humans.
iii. Both individual and state interests are shaped by a wide variety of domestic and
international conditions and situations: Liberals are of the view that the interests of both
individuals and states are affected by a host of factors at the domestic and international levels.
While conceding that eventually such interests are determined by the bargaining power that
they possess, the manner in which they define their interests are shaped by a number of
factors both within the state and outside the state i.e. the international arena.
-At the domestic level, factors like the nature of economic and political systems, patterns of
economic interactions and personal values may play decisive role. At the international level,
presence of factors like technological capabilities, patterns of interactions and
interdependencies.
-Transactional sociological patterns, knowledge and international institutions allow states to
affect each other in different ways. States, the predominant collective actors, are viewed by
the liberals as entities that are embedded in both their own societies and the international
system, and their interests and policies are affected by conditions in both arenas.
iv. Mutual interests can sustain cooperation in the International System: With the
growth of liberal democracies, interdependencies, knowledge, international social ties and
international institutions, the liberals have come to believe that cooperation can be possible
among states without resorting to coercive means.
-Unlike the Realists who believed that existence of a hegemonic (dominant) power as a
prerequisite to cooperation, the liberals are of the view that cooperation can be achieved
through on-coercive bargaining based on identification of mutual interests. Thus the Liberal
Approach seeks to analyse international politics on the basis of these four basic assumptions.
3. Constructivism- The theory of constructivism is a delineation from both realism and
liberalism. It does not merely perceive international relations as the sole product of the
behaviors and actions of primary actors. Instead, this theory underscores the notion that
international relations is a social
construction.
-One specific assumption of constructivism considers international politics as a real of
interaction influenced by the identities and practices of actors and directed further by the
incessantly changing norms. The motivation behind the behaviors and actions of a state is
shaped by their interactions with other states and actors.
Both realism and liberalism consider states or other actors as inherently egoists whose
identities and interests have already been in place prior to interaction with other states or
actors. However, constructionism perceives these actors as social beings whose identities and
interests are the
product of social structures.

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 Constructivism (International Relations)
Constructivism in international relations is one of the more recent theories in the field, and
comes at the heels of existing international relations theories of realism, liberalism, and
Marxism(economic structuralism). Constructivism takes issue with realist and liberal
assumptions about anarchy and the international system. Constructivism focuses on ideas of
norms, the development of structures, the relationship between actors and said structures, as
well as how identity influences actions and behaviour amongst and between actors (Reus-
Smit, 2005: 188), as well as how norms themselves shape an actor’s character.

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