Scope of International Relations

As a subject of study, International Relations is a relatively new and developing

subject. Its scope has continuously expanded and developed. The scope of study of
International Relations includes this following major areas or topics:

1. State System: This refers to how countries organise themselves into sovereign states
and interact with each other. The state system has shaped international relations for
centuries, influencing conflicts and alliances based on factors like geography, military
strength, and cultural ties.

2. Relations in Conflict and Cooperation: IR examines the complex relationships

between states, which can involve cooperation or conflict. Cooperation and conflict
often go hand in hand, with history showing periods of both. Understanding these
dynamics is crucial in studying international relations.

3. General and Diplomatic History: Initially, IR was closely tied to diplomatic

history, focusing on major historical events and their impact on international relations.
While newer approaches have emerged, historical context remains important,
providing insights into present-day issues and relationships.

4. Power: Post-World War II, power became a central theme in IR. Scholars like
Morgenthau emphasised power politics as a key aspect of international relations.
Studying power involves understanding its nature, measurement, and how it
influences state behaviour and relationships.

5. International Law and Organizations: International law acts as a framework

regulating state behaviour and interactions. Organisations like the United Nations play
a significant role in promoting cooperation and resolving conflicts. Knowledge of
international law is essential for understanding IR dynamics.

6. War and Peace: It is the problem of war and peace around which almost all the
studies of international relations revolve. It is no less a problem than of human
survival. Conflict of interests and struggle supremacy among nations often lead to
warfare between two or more nations or their groups. War is as old a phenomenon as
the state itself and its essentially followed by some sort of peace activity and
settlement. War and peace activities are now studied more systematically in this
sphere, the study of international relations is of great importance for all mankind and
requires interdisciplinary approach and analysis.

7. National Interest: States pursue their national interests through foreign policies,
which shape their interactions with other countries. Analysing national interests helps
understand state behaviour and foreign policy decisions.

8. Ideologies: The rise of ideologies such as communism, capitalism, and fascism has
influenced international relations, adding complexity to state interactions. While the
prominence of ideologies may have waned, their impact on IR cannot be ignored.

9. Foreign Policy: Foreign policies outline a state's goals and strategies in its dealings
with other nations. While not the sole focus of IR, foreign policies are significant in
understanding state behaviour and international politics.

10. Alliances and Groupings: Military alliances and other groupings play a crucial
role in shaping international relations. Understanding factors contributing to the
formation of alliances, their unity, and their impact on the balance of power is
important in IR analysis.

In summary, international relations is a multifaceted field encompassing various

dimensions of state interactions, power dynamics, historical context, and efforts
towards cooperation and conflict resolution. Each of these areas contributes to a
deeper understanding of the complexities of global politics and diplomacy.