CH 1
Q1.
Emergence of International Relations as a Separate Discipline
1. Understanding the Causes of War
WWI caused huge destruction and loss of life.
Scholars wanted to know why wars happen.
Focus on political, economic, and social reasons for conflict.
2. Desire to Prevent Future Conflicts and Promote Peace
The world wanted to avoid another global war.
Studying IR helped in creating strategies for peace.
Promoted conflict resolution and stability between nations.
3. Growth of International Organizations and Diplomacy
Institutions like the League of Nations were formed.
Needed experts to analyze diplomacy and international policies.
Encouraged cooperation and negotiation between states.
4. Need for Systematic Study of Relations Between States
Modern states became more interconnected through trade and alliances.
Required structured analysis of interactions and policies.
Helped in predicting outcomes and guiding foreign policy.
Q2
Problems with the national-territorial totality definition of the state
1. Ignores Internal Diversity
This definition assumes a state is uniform within its borders.
It overlooks ethnic, cultural, and social differences that exist inside states.
Real-world states often have multiple identities and groups, making this
view too simplistic.
2. Overlooks Non-State Actors
Focuses only on the state as the main actor.
Ignores the growing role of NGOs, multinational corporations, and
international organizations.
These actors can influence policies and societies beyond the state’s control.
3. Does Not Account for Globalization and Cross-Border Influences
Modern states are affected by trade, technology, migration, and global
media.
National borders do not fully contain these cross-border effects.
The definition fails to recognize that states are interconnected and
influenced externally.
4. Assumes All States Have Full Control Over Their Territory
It presumes states have complete sovereignty within their borders.
In reality, many states face internal conflicts, weak governance, or external
interventions.
So, the idea of total control is often unrealistic.
Q3
Difference between Inter-state and Transnational Relations Inter-
state relations:
1. Inter-State Relations
Definition:
Inter-state relations refer to the interactions that take place between sovereign states
or their governments. These relations are the foundation of traditional International
Relations theory.
Key Features:
Actors: The main actors are states with recognized sovereignty.
Nature: Includes diplomacy, political agreements, alliances, and conflicts.
Goal: Primarily aims to manage relations, resolve disputes, and protect
national interests.
Examples:
Diplomacy: Meetings between the USA and China to discuss trade or
security.
Treaties: The Paris Climate Agreement signed by multiple states.
Defense Alliances: NATO agreements for collective security.
Explanation:
Inter-state relations assume that states are the central actors in international affairs.
They deal with issues such as territorial disputes, economic agreements, or military
strategies, and are often regulated by international law.
2. Transnational Relations
Definition:
Transnational relations refer to interactions that cross national borders and involve
non-state actors in addition to, or sometimes instead of, governments.
Key Features:
Actors: Include NGOs, multinational corporations, terrorist organizations,
global social movements, and sometimes individuals.
Nature: Deals with economic, social, cultural, environmental, or humanitarian
issues.
Goal: To influence policies, create change, or provide services across
borders without relying solely on governments.
Examples:
NGOs: Greenpeace campaigns globally to protect the environment.
Corporations: Apple or Coca-Cola operate in multiple countries affecting
economies and cultures.
Global Movements: #MeToo movement spreads awareness across nations,
influencing laws and society.
Explanation:
Transnational relations reflect the modern interconnected world where states are not
the only actors. Globalization, technology, trade, and social media have empowered
non-state actors to operate internationally, often independently of governments.
CH 2
Q1
Difference Between International System and International Society
1. International System
Definition
The international system refers to the pattern of interactions among
independent states, mainly driven by power, security, and survival.
Nature
It is anarchic, meaning there is no central global authority to control or
enforce rules over states.
Key Features
States act according to their national interests and prioritize survival.
Emphasis on power politics, military strength, and alliances.
Relationships are often marked by competition, conflict, and balance of
power.
Cooperation may exist, but it is usually temporary and interest-based.
2. International Society
Definition
International society exists when states not only interact but also recognize
shared interests, values, rules, and institutions that guide their behavior.
Nature
It is more orderly and cooperative, as states accept certain common norms
and laws.
Key Features
States follow international law, treaties, and diplomatic practices.
There is mutual recognition of sovereignty and legitimacy.
Emphasis on cooperation, stability, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Institutions help maintain order and reduce chaos in global relations.
3. Key Differences
Basis of Interaction
International System: Based on power, survival, and self-interest.
International Society: Based on shared norms, rules, and cooperation.
Structure
International System: Anarchic, no central authority.
International Society: Still anarchic, but regulated by accepted norms and
institutions.
State Behavior
International System: States act independently and competitively.
International Society: States act with a sense of responsibility and
cooperation.
Level of Order
International System: More unstable and conflict-prone.
International Society: More stable due to rules and institutions.
Q2
Balance of Power and Greek City-States
1. Balance of Power
Definition
Balance of Power is a concept where states try to maintain stability by
ensuring that no single state becomes too powerful.
Purpose
To prevent domination by any one state.
To maintain peace and stability through equal distribution of power.
2. Balance of Power in Greek City-States
Nature of Greek Politics
Ancient Greece consisted of independent city-states (polis) such as Athens
and Sparta.
Each city-state had its own government, army, and interests.
Shifting Alliances
Alliances were not permanent; they changed according to threats.
Smaller city-states often joined stronger ones to protect themselves.
When one state (like Athens) became too powerful, others (like Sparta and its
allies) formed counter-alliances.
3. Role in Wars and Stability
Cause of Conflicts
Fear of growing power led to wars, such as the Peloponnesian War between
Athens and Sparta.
Maintaining Equilibrium
Weaker states cooperated to balance stronger states.
This constant adjustment helped maintain a relative balance, even though
conflicts occurred.
4. Overall Explanation
The Greek city-states system clearly shows how balance of power works in
practice.
Alliances and rivalries were driven by the need for security and survival.
This concept remains important in modern international relations as well.
Q3
Long-term and Immediate Causes of World War I
1. Long-term Causes
These were the underlying tensions that made Europe unstable even before the war
began.
Militarism
European powers like Germany, Britain, and France rapidly increased their
armies and navies.
There was a belief in military strength as a way to gain power and security.
This created an atmosphere where war was seen as acceptable and even
necessary.
Alliances
Countries formed military alliances for protection.
Two main groups emerged:
o Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia
o Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
These alliances created a chain reaction effect, where a conflict involving one
country could quickly involve many others.
Nationalism
Strong love and pride for one’s nation led to competition and hostility.
In the Balkan region, many ethnic groups wanted independence from Austria-
Hungary.
Nationalism also made countries more aggressive and less willing to
compromise.
Imperialism
European nations competed to expand their empires and colonies.
This led to rivalries over land, resources, and economic dominance.
Conflicts in colonies increased tension between major powers in Europe.
2. Immediate Cause
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was
assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist.
Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible and declared war.
Due to alliances, other countries were quickly drawn in, turning a regional
conflict into a world war.
3. Overall Explanation
The long-term causes (Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism)
created a highly tense and fragile environment in Europe.
The assassination acted as the trigger or spark that set off this tension.
Because of alliances and mutual suspicions, the conflict spread rapidly,
leading to World War I.
Q4
Why the United States and Soviet Union Became Rivals After World
War II
1. Ideological Differences
Nature of Ideology
The United States supported capitalism and democracy, promoting free
markets and political freedom.
The Soviet Union followed communism, where the state controlled the
economy and politics.
Impact
Both systems were completely opposite, leading to conflict in ideas and
policies.
Each superpower wanted to spread its ideology worldwide, increasing rivalry.
2. Power Vacuum After WWII
Collapse of European Powers
After the war, countries like Britain, France, and Germany were weakened.
This created a power vacuum in global politics.
Rise of Superpowers
The USA and USSR emerged as the two strongest nations.
Both tried to expand their influence in Europe and other regions.
3. Conflicting Interests
Different Plans for Europe
The USA introduced the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe through economic
aid and promote capitalism.
The USSR aimed to expand its influence by establishing communist
governments in Eastern Europe.
Result
This led to the division of Europe into Western (capitalist) and Eastern
(communist) blocs.
4. Mutual Suspicion and Distrust
Lack of Trust
The USA feared the spread of communism, while the USSR feared capitalist
domination.
Both suspected each other’s intentions and policies.
Arms and Influence
Competition in military strength, nuclear weapons, and global influence
increased tensions.
5. Outcome: Cold War Rivalry
Nature of Conflict
The rivalry did not lead to direct war but resulted in the Cold War.
It involved political, economic, and military competition.
Global Impact
Led to proxy wars, arms race, and division of the world into two blocs.
Overall Explanation
Ideological conflict, power competition, opposing interests, and mutual
distrust together caused the USA and USSR to become rivals, shaping global
politics for decades.