University of Chakwal

College of Science and Arts

Department of International Relations

Notes

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATION

Meaning, Definition, Nature, and Scope of International Relations

What are International Relations?

International relations literally refer to the interrelationships of states. There is no state in the
world today that is completely self-sufficient or isolated from others. Each state is directly or
indirectly dependent on the other.
Thus, in the international arena, interdependence has been created between the states. In view
of this interdependence of states, a separate topic called ‘International Relations’ has been
created for the purpose of discussing in detail how to establish peace and prosperity in the
world through cooperation, avoiding conflicts, wars, etc.
The scope of international relations is wide and its basis is mainly interdependence. The pace
of international relations has intensified with the development of information technology.
International Relations as a separate academic discipline emerged at the beginning of the
twentieth-century basically after World War I. The decree on peace of the Soviet Union in 1917
and the 14-point principles of US President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 are known as important
documents in international relations.
The first University Chair that formally established in the discipline was the Woodrow Wilson
Chair of International Politics at the University College of Wales in 1919.
Meaning and Definition
International Relations as a separate curriculum discusses international events and world issues
between states are discussed in the context of the international system.
Its main topics are the role of the state, international organizations, non-governmental
organizations, and multinational corporations. It is both an academic and government policy
field, and it can be either empirical or normative, as this branch of knowledge is used in both
foreign policy analysis and formulation.
international relations can be defined as, “international relations is a separate curriculum that
deals with the interrelationships of the various states of the world, non-State organizations,
international organizations, war and peace, disarmament, alliance formation, terrorism and the
whole international system.”
 University of Chakwal
College of Science and Arts
Department of International Relations

International relations have a profound effect on world politics, and the research and practice
of the subject matter ranges from contemporary to modern politics, the relationship between
multiple states and political ideologies on economic and global issues, mutual exchange,
cooperation and debate.
Nature of International Relations
The nature of a subject refers to the characteristics of that subject. In that sense, the natures of
International relations are in the following –
Changing Nature of International Relations
The nature of international relations Is dynamic. International relations is a thorough analysis
of what is happening in world politics. The post-World War II period saw a huge shift in world
politics. World politics was divided into two poles, such as the NATO led by the USA and the
Warsaw Pact led by the USSR. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s led to a kind of
single polarity in world politics.
However, economically growing Asian countries such as China, India, Singapore, Vietnam and
various South American countries such as Brazil are all significantly influencing world politics.
So it is clear that international politics is moving towards multi polar again. Then growing
importance of non-state actors like NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), MNC
(Multinational Companies) etc, are also discussed in the field of International relations.
International Relations as an academic discipline discusses the changing pattern of
contemporary world.
As an Interdisciplinary Subject
All social science subjects are interdisciplinary in nature. International Relations also is an
interdisciplinary field of study in which other disciplines in social science such as history,
economics, political science, philosophy, geography, culture, etc, are interconnected.
State is the primary actor in IR
In the field of international politics State is the sole and unitary actor. The state has always
been a major player in international relations. The state’s behavior as a major driving force in
international politics is also studied in international relations.
National Interest and power are the core of IR
The protection of national interests is the main goal of the state. With this goal in mind, the
state engages in relations with other states and the national power of the state will be able to
satisfy its national interests.
 University of Chakwal
College of Science and Arts
Department of International Relations

Thus, it is seen that the issues of national interest and the role of national power in fulfilling
those interests are considered as the core of IR.
Struggle for Power
According to Morgenthau, International politics is the struggle for power. I have already said
that power is the means of national interest. So power politics is the key theme of IR.
Continuous Interaction among Nation States
No state in the present world is self-sufficient. Every state is dependent on each other. Hence
the need for interconnectedness and that is possible only because of the interaction among
different states. International Relations also discuss the foreign policies of different states and
how they behave each other.
Analytical and Empirical Study for Theory Building
International Relations uses analytical and empirical method as well for the theory building.
There are several theories in IR. For example, Idealism and Neo-Liberalism is the result of the
analytical study, and Realism and Neo-Realism are the result of an empirical study.
Scope of International Relations
The international community is the instrument of international relations. The unimaginable
changes in the international community over the past seventy years have drastically changed
inter-state relations. International relations as a distinct curriculum has followed that trend in
international society since the 1930s. For this reason, it is not possible to draw a permanent line
on the scope of international relations.
The scope of international relations are mentioned below:
Study of the behavior of States in International Politics
Just as when a nation builds good relations for the sake of its overall development, it becomes
the subject of international relations, just as when there is a conflict of interest, bitterness
develops among itself and that too becomes part of international relations. Thus, international
relations consist of both cooperation and conflict. International relations are also a matter of
forming alliances and dealing with the crisis.
Role of Non-State Actors in International Field
The content of international relations does not revolve only around the activities of the state
and its formal institutions. The state is not the only active actor in the international community.
There are many non-state actors whose activities affect international relations.
 University of Chakwal
College of Science and Arts
Department of International Relations

Multinational Corporations (MNCs), European Economic Community, Council for Mutual

Economic Assistance, NATO, SEATO, WARSAW PACT, ASEAN, Organization of
American States, different terrorist organizations, Religious Organizations are the examples of
the non-state elements in international relations.
Question of War and Peace
Today, international relations are not free from the discussion of the determination to save
mankind from war. What was utopian in the past is becoming more and more realistic today.
The main purpose of establishing the United Nations is to ensure world peace and security.
Large, and regional powers are often exchanging views to create an atmosphere of peace and
security. All kinds of contacts for the welfare of various exchanges and globalization process
in cultural and other fields are Gradually increasing. All this has become the subject of
international relations.
Study of Foreign Policy
Another important issue in international relations is foreign policy. In the past, kings or prime
ministers or a few individuals played an active role in determining foreign policy. Today, not
only statesmen but also the legislature and many citizens are involved in the formulation of
foreign policy. The state of affairs or ideology in foreign policy and the ideological issues of
the respective regimes are important parts of international relations.
Study of Nation States
The ethnic composition, geographical location, historical background, religion or ideologies of
different states are not the same at all. And because of all these differences, the relationship
between different states is different. So, international relations need to discuss all these
differences in detail. When the social environment is different, his reaction falls on
international relations.
International Organizations
The role of national and international organizations in international relations is no less
important. People from different countries are involved with the US Congress of Industrial
Organizations, the US Federation of Labor, the French Labor Organization, and the Women’s
International Democratic Federation Engagement Organization. The non-governmental
organizations are also involved in the activities of the Coalition and its various expert
organizations, such as UNESCO, the International Labor Organization and the World Health
Organization. Therefore, international relations also discusses all national and international
organizations.
 University of Chakwal
College of Science and Arts
Department of International Relations

Global Environmental Issues

Issues of the environment are one of the key matters of international relations now. During the
1970s the environmental politics only focused on the question of resource issues. But from the
1990s the environmental politics focused on the issue of ‘Climate change’ brought about
through global warming. To overcome this issue, the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (FCCC), Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the Paris Agreement on climate change, etc, have
initiated.
So, global environmental issues affect every state in the world. For the protection of this
beautiful world all the states are trying their best by reduction of the usage of greenhouse gasses
and that is why it is considered as the most important part of international relations.
Role of People in International politics
The importance of public and public opinion in the international arena is also expanding
rapidly. The end of imperialism, from international, disarmament, political and economic, has
inspired movements and protests by the people of different countries. U.S. scientists,
intellectuals-people from different societies have demonstrated against the Vietnam War. So
what do people think about the international situation or their views also come under
international relations.
Role of the Third World
The third emergence in recent world politics has brought about qualitative change. Most people
in the world are third generation. In 1986, 101 countries participated in the Eighth Non-
Alignment Conference. The growing role of non-aligned countries in building new
international systems, easing tensions between the East and the West, disarmament, ending
colonial rule, etc. is significant. Therefore, the role of the third world in world politics is also
the relevant point of discussion in international relations.
The scope of international relations is becoming wider as it discusses various issues of dynamic
nature. All the domestic policies that affect or are likely to affect other countries are now being
covered by international relations. International relations currently discuss various decision-
making processes.