The document discusses various definitions and theories of international relations. It notes that IR can refer to diplomatic relations between states, cross-border economic and social transactions, or the study of globalization. There is no single agreed upon definition because the subject matter is complex and definitions reflect scholars' interests. Common elements in definitions include state sovereignty and the anarchic international system. Theories help explain phenomena like war and provide normative guidance. The scope of IR includes international political economy, organizations, foreign policy, and conflict studies.
2. Defining International Relations
IR means the diplomatic-strategic relations of
states
Focus of study are issues of war and peace
IR is the study of cross-broader transactions of
all kinds, political, economic and social
Focus is on trade negotiations and operations of non-
state institutions
IR is the study of globalization.
Focus of study is on World communication, transport
and financial system.
3. Why IR has no single definition?
Interplay between real world and the world of
knowledge
IR subject matter is not self defining
Nature of politics is also contested
Definitions reflect the interests of scholars.
Definitions are not politically neutral
4. Features of Conventional Definitions
State sovereignty
Anarchy- No centralized authority at global level
Study issues of war, peace and security
Main focus is on International Politics
5. Assessment
Each definition has its particular take
Limiting principle: IR is the study of cross-border
transactions in general
The nature of these transactions to be interpreted by
scholars
6. Summarized Definition
Study of foreign affairs and global issues among
states within the international system, including the
roles of States, Inter-governmental Organizations
(IGO’s), Non-governmental Organizations
(NGO’s), and Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
7. Role of Theory
Theory: Thinking in-depth in an abstract way to
express reflective thought.
Questions for theory
How things work?
Why things happen?
What something or other mean?
What we should do?
8. How Theory Helps?
Obvious/unobvious phenomena
People run out of a burning building
Why people run into burning building?
Wars are fought on the basis of cost-benefit analysis
(self defence, security)
Why wars are fought when costs are more than
benefits?
9. Kinds of Theories
Explanatory theories
Why and under what circumstances wars happen?
Normative/Prescriptive theories
Whether we should participate or not in a conflict?
Interpretative theories
What is the meaning of the events?
10. Plurality of the Versions of Theory
Theories are based on ideas and concepts, which
have political implications
Every version of theory is contestable.
Definition of power is either relational or structural
IR produces theories on widest canvas ( theories of
global relations)
Difference of politics of different regions
11. How to Study IR
To resist defining IR in single models
Live with quite high levels of ambiguity
Not commit to one particular way of looking at world
To explore the world from different perspectives.
Then identify oneself with particular theory or
paradigm
This decision ought to be come not at the beginning
but at the end of study.
12. Scope of IR
International Political Economy
International Organizations
Foreign Policy-making
Strategic Studies
Peace & Conflict Studies
13. Historical Development
“international relations”
Traced back to the peace of Westphalia of 1648
Development of Modern State system
Institution of legal concept of Sovereignty
Rise of independent Nation States
Institutionalization of Diplomacy and Army
Exported to Africa, Americas and Asia via Colonialism &
“Standards of Civilizations”
14. Theoretical Development
“International Relations-IR”
IR as distinct field of study is entirely British-
centered
IR theorizing begins in early 20th century
The great Illusion by Norman Angell (1909)
1919: Chair in International Politics at the
University of Wales
1920’s: First IR department established at the
London School of Economics