Title: Significance of International Relations

Session: Fall 2019

Class: B.A.(Hons) International Relations
Submitted to Ms. Arifa Kiyani
Submitted by Mahnoor Umar Khan
Registration Number:F19BAIR016
Department of International Relations
Date: 5th of September,2019
Introduction to International Relations
The person who termed the world a global village must have been on to something. The world,
affluently coalesced, demands virtuosos skilled in international relations, an exciting field of
study that presents a perspective that conforms globally on issues that outvie national boundaries.
Which brings us to the question, what exactly is international relations?
international relations pertains to the study of relations between different countries. It is
interdisciplinary in nature, encompassing the vast fields of economics, history, and political
science to appraise human rights, global poverty, the environment, globalization, economics,
security, global ethics, and the political environment.
International relations has a broad purpose in contemporary society as it seeks to understand the
very origins of war and the maintenance of peace, the nature of power and the mode it is
exercised in and the changing character of state and non-state actors who play an integral role in
decision making.
When one institution is studying the psychological and social-psychological reasoning behind
the actions of foreign policymakers, others are tasked with focusing their international studies on
the institutional processes that contribute to the goals and behaviours of states.
Although International Relations has been propelled to a new apogee by our increasingly
connected world, it is certainly not a new concept. If we crack open the history books, we are
greeted with the knowledge that the establishment of treaties between nations saved as the
earliest form of international relations.
International relations is concerned with the relationship among the various governments of the
world.
In the words of Karl Deutsch, “International relations is that area of human action where
inescapable independence meet with inadequate control.”
Quiet often, International Relations scholars view international relations as a mélange of conflict
and cooperation in relationships among nature. There is no escape from world affairs. However,
we cannot shape them completely to our will.
It was said a few years ago that if the human race is wiped out in the next 50 years, it will not be
because of disease or a meteor hitting the earth, but because of foreign policy and international
relations.
International relations consists of a wide range of theories which deals with a variety of issues
occurring in the politics of the world. The complex nature of these issues forced scholars to
develop different types of theories, each of which gives a unique explanation of world politics on
the basis of various assumptions .
International relations is a study with infinite scope. It contains the very essence of the
governance of the countries in this vast world, having roots in a paraphernalia of departments ;
military, law, and foreign policies to name a few.
It encompasses the diplomatic relations and strategies between countries working towards the
state of nations, be it peace or war.

Theories of International Relations

International Relations consist of a wide range of theories which deals with a variety of issues
occurring in the politics of the world. The complexity of these issues forced the hand of scholars
to develop different types of theories, each of which gives a unique explanation of world politics
on the basis of various assumptions. Two major theories purposed by theorists are: Realism and
Liberalism.

Realism
Realism is one of the major theories which govern or dictates the behaviour of states on an
international platform. Realists believe that all states working on their own national interests are
in endless conflict among others to attain more power and position in the world. For realists, the
main areas of interests are: state, Anarchy system, and balance of power and alliances.
Realism gives supreme importance to power in international relations. Most of people think that
realism gained limelight in 20th century. However, it has its roots are linked to ancient history.
The realistic theories can be easily found in Arthashastra, an Indian treaty written by Kautaliya
in fourth century BC to teach politics of power and also in Chinese scriptures written by Han Fei
and Shang Yang. In realism state is considered as the most important actor on the world stage as
state doesn't answers to any supreme power. State has supreme power over its territory and
people. As per realists states are in endless struggle of gaining power to achieve supremacy in
world and protect national security.

Another key assumption of realists is that anarchy system is prevalent strongly in the world
politics. In anarchy the states work on increasing their military power to prevent any attack on
their territory.
The realists also have the belief that world politics is a war of all against all.
The primary beliefs of relists are that the cardinal objective of all the states is to acquire power
and to promote power and national interest. Another cardinal rule is that the state should always
be ready to use arms to maintain peace, law and order. Realism contains the beliefs that the state
should never be hesitant to maintain and use power to deter attack by enemies and to assert
influence their contemporaries. Military growth has a prime importance in maintaining national
security; Economic growth is required just to maintain State power.

Liberalism
"Liberalism is a paradigm predicated on the hope that the application of reason and universal
ethics to international relations can lead to a more orderly, just, and cooperative world.
Liberalism assumes that anarchy and war can be policed by institutional reforms that empower
international organization and law. Liberalism theory was developed to cope with the problems
that were shoved under the rug by realism. As per liberalists' economic interdependence,
international institutions and global norms play a special role in international relations. At the
core, liberals believe in progress.
The liberalism consists of different set of assumptions. One of the main assumptions of Liberals
is that the non state actors cannot be ignored in international relations. They are important
entities in global affairs. In liberalism individuals, NGOs and IGOs are considered equally
important as state actors. Liberals stress that MNCs also cannot to be overlooked as world
economy is becoming interdependent day by day. Liberalists also believe that behaviour of state
is regulated by its decision makers, bureaucrats and various other interest groups with divergent
interests and goals.
Another important assumption of liberals gives priority to economic prosperity over national
security. Liberals believe in collective gain of all. Liberals promote free trade or open markets
with vision that economic interdependence creates incentive to resolve the disputes peacefully.
Liberals think that military intervention in international affairs reduces profit for the states as
economic stability is hampered.
Third assumption of liberals focuses on importance of individuals in state. Liberals promote
thought that the human beings should be treated as ends rather than means. It was also once said
by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice "Fundamental character of regimes matters more
today than the international distribution of power."
Liberals also assumed that improving the conditions in which people live can also work towards
establishment of peace. In order to achieve this liberals promote establishment of democratic
government. This thought was also bought forward by Woodrow Wilson when he said
"democratic government will make war less likely." Most theorists agree that democratic
governments also work more towards peaceful resolution of issues instead of following
ideologies of military use.

Differences between Realism and Liberalism

Liberal school of thought originated to overcome the issues of the realism. Hence, there are
several points of disinterest between these two schools. Liberalists strongly criticise some of the
assumptions of realists. There are five major differences between these two schools of thoughts.
First, core concern for both schools of thoughts is greatly different. The realists are primarily
concerned with war and security. Realists focus on survival of the vulnerable, self-interested
states in the environment where there are uncertainties about intentions and capabilities of other
states. The liberals have motives of institutionalized peace. They focus primarily on achieving
peace and harmony though rules and organizations which ultimately paves way for collective
gains.
Second, as per realists state is the only key actor in world politics. Realists consider state as the
most important actor on the world stage as state doesn't answers to any supreme power. On the
other hand liberalists believe that the states, international institutions and global corporations all
play a critical role in international politics. Liberals criticize the role of state as a unitary actor.
Third, realists have a strong belief in the anarchy system. In anarchy system, there is no higher
controlling power over and above the state. In contrast to this liberals emphasize on complex
interdependence among states. As per realists state should be self-dependent and always believe
in self-gains which receive an extensive criticism from liberals as it doesn't satisfy their thoughts
of togetherness and collective security.
Fourth, both schools of thought have different approach towards the peace. The realism is
primarily focused on the military preparedness and alliances where as liberalism stresses on
maintaining peace and harmony. Liberals don't give military a much importance in resolving the
issues between states. Liberals believe that military is costly substitute of dealing with problems.
Liberals focus on facilitating dialogue, diplomacy, peace keeping, conflict resolution and other
non military means. As per liberal school of thought international organizations, laws, and non
state actors create stable environment for bargaining and increase effectiveness of non military
methods of problem solving in international relations. Liberals are also supportive of open
markets. Critics of liberalism contend that power hungry states are unlikely to see
accomplishment of their national interests through international organizations. The followers of
realist school of thought conclude that in case of security threats states will have a trust in their
own power not in the promises of global institutions. This is illuminated by words of former U.S
president Jimmy Carter- "It's important that we take a hard clear look...not at some simple world,
either of universal goodwill or of universal hostility, but the complex, changing and sometimes
dangerous world that really exists".
Final, the realists and liberals are also differentiated on the basis of approach they have towards
world affairs. Realists are known for their pessimism towards global affairs. Realists believe that
each and every state of the world is participating in stern security competition. States are striving
for power monopoly over the other in relentless manner. Contrary to this liberals are famous for
their optimism. Liberals are worshippers of cooperation among humans. They advocate progress
through cooperatives measures.

Paramountcy of International Relations

Peace
Historically one of the oldest expressions of international relations was the establishment of
treaties and agreements between nations. Maintenance of these treaties ensured that the common
man could go about their everyday tasks of earning a living and raising their families rather than
dedicating themselves to armed conflict with neighbours. The function of international relations
is just as relevant today.
Economy
Positive international relations also promotes effective trade policies between nations, both in
terms of importing national resources and finished products not available in one country and in
terms of gaining access to a behemoth market afforded by exports to foreign countries.
International relations define the requirements and limitations of cross-border trade.

Immigration
Other than the transport of goods over international borders, people also frequently migrate
between countries, in search for opportunities to enhance their lives. This travel may be of
temporary or permanent nature but in either case it must be regulated to ensure the rule of law;
criminals must be kept out of country while legitimate business, tourist and immigrant travel is
preserved. International relations plays a key role in the determination of border control policies.

Global concerns
Nations often face global issues that are larger than any specific country or even continent, for
example concerns over the environment, pandemics and terrorism. Sound international relations
are required for nations to cooperate effectively to meet these challenges, allowing nations to
share relevant information quickly and pool resources.

Culture
International relations not only encompass the regulation and controlling of the flow of goods
and information, but are also advantageous for promoting the advancement of human culture in a
general way. The diversity of world cultures can be promoted and shared through enlightening
international relations policies. This gives way to programs such as student exchanges and
cultural exhibitions to enhance our understanding of the variety of human expression worldwide.

Scope of International Relations

The study of IR involves mastering some basic concepts. Some of these concepts are in
international politics, international system, foreign policy, domestic politics, defense policy,
national interest, sovereignty, diplomacy, international law, international order, security, conflict
and conflict resolution and so forth. As a field of study, IR has elastic boundaries. The sub-fields
that IR encompasses defines its scope. Since it contains a vast number of disciplines, attempts to
intellectualize it have often been thematically and analytically confined to boundaries determined
by the available data and facts. The basic concepts of international relations are foreign policy,
international law, international organization, international conflicts, international economic
relations, military thought and strategy. IR also covers such areas as state sovereignty,
Ecological sustainability, biodiversity, nuclear proliferation, nationalism, terrorism. Economic
development, organized crime, foreign interventionism, human security and human rights.
Similarly, IR covers other areas like gender studies, peace studies, postmodernism, globalization,
feminism, collective security, diplomacy, crisis management, democracy, integration,
international development, and interdependence.

Concepts in International Relations

Sovereignty
Preceding the concepts of interdependence and dependence, International Relations relies on the
idea of sovereignty. Sovereignty i.e. being a state that the sovereign powers have absolute power
over and that such a power is only limited by the sovereign’s “own obligations towards other
sovereigns and individuals.”

Power
The concept of power in international relations can be described the as the degree of resources,
capabilities, and influence in international affairs. It is often divided up into the concepts of hard
power and soft power.
Hard power primarily relates to coercive power, such as the use of force, and soft power
commonly covering economics, diplomacy and cultural influence. However, there is no clear
dividing line between the two forces of power.

Analysis
The world we live in is large and complex. International Relations is an interesting topic because
it environs people and cultures all over the world. The scope and complexity of the interactions
among these groups makes international relations a challenging subject to master. Indeed, there
is always more to learn. If one were to say that the fate of the earth depends on international
relations, one would not be bluffing.