What is the meaning of international relations? Do you know any examples of international organizations and what they do? Stay put as we discuss international relations in detail.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this topic, you are expected to;
Several terms that can be used in place of international relations (IR) include; global affairs (GA), international studies (IS), global studies (GS) and international affairs (IA). International relations refer to the study of the interconnectedness of law, politics, and economics on a global level. This field studies the relationships between polities (political entities) like inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), sovereign states, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and multinational corporations (MNCs), and the wider world-systems that arise from this interaction.
International relations dates back to (c. 460 – 395 BC). International relations draw from different fields such as international law, economics, politics, history, sociology, psychology, criminology, communication studies, geography, and demography. The scope of international relations checks on issues like diplomatic relations, globalization, international security, state sovereignty, ecological sustainability, economic development, nationalism, nuclear proliferation, human rights, terrorism and global finance.
LEVELS OF ANALYSIS
SYSTEMIC LEVEL CONCEPTS
International relations are mostly viewed in terms of levels of analysis. The systemic level concepts refer to broad concepts defining and shaping an international milieu that is characterized by anarchy.
SOVEREIGNTY
Preceding the concepts of dependence and interdependence, international relations relies on the idea of sovereignty. It is described as being a state, that the sovereign power(S) have absolute power over their territories, and that such power is limited by the sovereign’s own obligations towards other sovereigns and individuals.
POWER
In international relations, the concept of power can be said to be the degree of resources, influence, and capabilities in international affairs. It is mostly divided into the concepts of soft power and hard power. Hard power relates primarily to coercive power like the use of force, and soft power normally covers cultural influence, diplomacy, and economics. There is however no clear dividing line between these forms of power.
NATIONAL INTEREST
The most important concept behind that of sovereignty and power is that of national interest. It is the action of a state in relation to other states where it seeks to gain an advantage to itself. National interest whether operational or aspirational is divided by peripheral/ non-vital and core/vital. Core/vital is involved with the things which a country is willing to defend or expand by means of conflict like territory and ideology. Peripheral/non-vital is involved with the interests that a state is willing to compromise.
POWER BLOCKS
The existence of power blocks is related to polarity. Polarity refers to the power arrangement in the international system.
SYSTEMIC TOOLS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INSTITUTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
They include;
ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS
They include;
