PSC201 Short Notes

PSC201 Short Notes

International Relations (Mid Term) (Virtual University of Pakistan)

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PSC201 Short Notes

International Relations (Mid Term) (Virtual University of Pakistan)

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

What is International Relations and what is its relevance?

Definitions of IR

International Relations (IR) encompasses the interactions between nation-states. Originally coined by Jeromy Bentham in the 18th century, IR initially focused solely on official relations between countries. However, it has evolved to include all interactions, whether government-sponsored or not, among members of separate societies. This includes foreign policies, political processes, international trade, and civil society interactions. In essence, IR examines how countries relate to each other and why it matters in our increasingly interconnected world.

Ingredients of IR

International Relations (IR) studies the organization and dynamics of global politics. It examines the political, social, and economic aspects of international life. IR explores national power, including its limitations and methods of control. Additionally, it analyzes how countries promote their interests through foreign policies. Historical contexts are also crucial for understanding current events in IR.

International Politics vs. International Relations

International Relations (IR) is broader than international politics. While international politics looks at various political styles, IR encompasses all global relations, including socio-cultural and economic aspects. It studies the full scope of interactions in the global community.

League of Nations

WWI resulted in 20 million deaths in four years, prompting a global consensus on the need for collective security and preventing war. The League of Nations was formed, focusing on public voting, the rule of law, disarmament, and diplomatic foreign policies. However, it failed to prevent WWII and dissolved in 1946. The United Nations took over its responsibilities and continues its work today.

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy

Foreign policies are shaped by various factors and theories on how to pursue a state's interests in dealings with others. Diplomacy deals with the tools and structures of diplomacy and how interactions with international actors evolve.

International Institutions

International institutions, such as NGOs and the UN system, offer platforms for states and other actors to engage globally. Regional groupings like the EU, NATO, ASEAN, and SAARC serve various functions as well.

Approaches to International Relations: Theories in IR (Continued from Lecture 1)

Political Realism

Political Realism holds that nation-states are primarily motivated by self-interest, often disguised as moral concerns. It emphasizes preserving political autonomy and territorial integrity. National interests are defined in terms of power, encompassing military, economic, political, diplomatic, and cultural resources. Realists see the international system as anarchical, with states relying on their own resources to secure interests. Realism rejects the idea of a higher authority over nation-states and views politics rationally, not morally. Conflict and competition are seen as inevitable due to incompatible goals, with decision-makers competing for security, status, and wealth in the absence of enforceable international rules. Famous realists include Hans Morgenthau and Henry Kissinger.

Tenets of Liberalism

Liberalism emphasizes international cooperation and involves various actors like states, multinational corporations (MNCs), and NGOs. These actors are driven by economic, social, and military goals and use diverse means to achieve them. Liberals believe that despite the anarchic nature of the international system, cooperation is possible due to potential benefits like economic, technological, and cultural gains. They highlight the importance of norms and rules of international law and trade in mitigating conflicts. Liberals advocate for governance without government and oppose government interference in economic processes.

Idealism

Idealists regard realism as a passing phase of history. They envision a world free of power politics and violence. Idealists have great faith in international organizations and universal education in achieving this end. But crushing totalitarianism with democratic principles is not easy. Idealism can be frustrating given the lingering turmoil evident in the world. Rousseau, Kant and Woodrow Wilson were famous idealists.