4. Introduction to IR
International Relations as a field of study covers the factors and processes
that affect the interactions among states and non-state actors across
national boundaries
International Relations is the study of conflict and cooperation by
international actors, as furthered by the development and testing of
hypotheses about international outcomes.
International relations refers to the collective interactions of the
international community, which includes individual nations and states,
inter-governmental organizations such as the United Nations, non-
governmental organizations like Doctors Without Borders, multinational
corporations like Coca Cola and so forth.
5. Introduction to IR(cont)
International relations (IR) is the study of relationships between countries,
including the roles of States, Inter- governmental Organization (IGOs),
International Non- governmental Organization (INGOs), Non-
governmental Organization (NGOs) and Multinational Corporations
(MNCs).
A strict definition of International Relations would confine itself to the
relationships between the worlds national governments, conducted by
politicians at the highest level. However, this is a far too simplistic and
narrow perspective of international relations.
6. Beginning of IR
Historical starting point of modern IR—Treaty of Westphalia, 1648.
Established the principle of sovereignty as the foundation for relations among
states
Up to the late 19th century—limited focus on the study of IR in academic
institutions and scholarly literature
Most political theorists dealt with IR as a side-kick of domestic politics, or as an
appendix of other disciplines
Practice of principal aspects of IR (war, diplomacy,, international trade) was
widespread, but the scientific study of these matters was disconnected and relied
on different disciplinary aspects and methodologies
7. Importance of International Relation
To avoid world wars- The 20 century witnessed two world
war which was very danger in their destruction of man and
material. It is feared that a third world war would wipe out
the human race on earth if it comes. The study of IRS helps
us to analyze and aims of the states in the world affairs, the
methods adopted for that attainment of these objects and the
factors which ultimately lead to their success or failure. The
international understanding helps us to analyze helps the all
states to live boldly and confidently in the world of diversity
with peacefully.
8. Scope or Sbject matter of INTERNATIONAL
POLITICS
The scope of international Politics is not yet well settle. It is
continuously expending. H. Morgenthau holds that struggle
for power among Nations forms the scope of international
Politics whereas Burton holds that besides other things, the
study of International Relations includes all conditions and
factors which influence the behaviour more than one state.
These views highlight the diversity that prevails among
scholars regarding the scope of International Politics.
9. IR and International Politics (IP)
IP is not IR- different
International politics is the way in which sovereign states interact with
each other on political level
According to H.J. Morgenthau, “International Politics include analysis
of political relations and problems of peace among nations. Further he
writes, It “is struggle for and use of power among nations.”
According to Charles Schleicher, “ All interstate relations are
included in international politics, through all the inter-state relations are
not political
His famous book is Politics among nations
10. IR is broader and includes a wide variety of political, non-political, official
and unofficial, formal and informal activities and relations (Palmer &
Perkins)
11. Summary
Meaning of IR
Definition and Two views about IR
Scope of IR: Diplomatic, international law, International Organizations,
Post World War II- Decline of Europe, independence of colonies,
armament, bi-polar world, nuclear proliferation, rise of representative
government, concept of welfare state
Importance of IR: understanding the present world, understanding the
problems, international cooperation, encouraging peaceful relations,
proper economic relations, human culture.