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IR Detailed Module Notes

The document provides an overview of International Relations (IR), covering its evolution, key concepts like sovereignty and national power, and the role of various actors including states and non-state entities. It discusses the Westphalian system, principles of state interaction, and the impact of globalization on sovereignty and international governance. Additionally, it highlights the functions of states, types of diplomacy, and the influence of multinational corporations and non-state actors in global affairs.

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3 views3 pages

IR Detailed Module Notes

The document provides an overview of International Relations (IR), covering its evolution, key concepts like sovereignty and national power, and the role of various actors including states and non-state entities. It discusses the Westphalian system, principles of state interaction, and the impact of globalization on sovereignty and international governance. Additionally, it highlights the functions of states, types of diplomacy, and the influence of multinational corporations and non-state actors in global affairs.

Uploaded by

nityamehta4322
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO IR

IR studies interactions among states and non-state actors. Focus areas: power, peace, conflict,
cooperation, global issues like climate change and terrorism.

Evolution of IR

Diplomatic History (pre-1919): descriptive, historical. Current Events (1919–1945): focus on


ongoing events. Law & Organisation: League of Nations, idealism. Scientific Stage (Cold War):
Realism, Neo-realism. Post-Cold War: Globalisation, Feminism, Constructivism, Postmodernism.

Westphalian System

Peace of Westphalia (1648) established sovereignty, non-intervention, territorial integrity. Basis of


modern state system.

Elements of State

Population, Territory, Government, Sovereignty (internal control + external independence).

Sovereignty

Types: Territorial, Legal, Political, Popular. Challenges: globalisation, international law, non-state
actors.

Principles

Sovereign Equality, Territorial Integrity, Non-Intervention (UN Charter).

National Power

Definition: Ability to influence others. Elements: Geography, resources, population, economy,


military, technology, morale. Limitations: international law, balance of power, collective security.

Polarity

Bipolar: US vs USSR (Cold War). Unipolar: US dominance (1991–2001). Multipolar: Present


system (China, Russia, India, etc).
Globalisation & R2P

Globalisation weakens sovereignty via economic and digital flows. R2P allows intervention to
prevent genocide, war crimes—challenges sovereignty.

World Governance

Institutions like UN, IMF, World Bank. Challenges: lack of enforcement, sovereignty concerns,
inequality among states.

MODULE 2: ACTORS IN IR

Primary actor: Sovereign State. Other actors: NGOs, MNCs, terrorist groups, international
organisations.

State Functions

Treaty-making, diplomacy, war declaration, peace agreements. Governed by UN Charter and


international law.

Diplomacy

Official communication between states. Types: Track I (official), Track II (informal), Public
diplomacy (soft power), Para diplomacy (subnational).

Non-State Actors (NSAs)

Entities without sovereignty but global influence. Examples: NGOs, MNCs, media, terrorist
organisations.

Classification of NSAs

Non-violent: NGOs, civil society. Violent: terrorist groups, insurgents, criminal networks.

Role of NSAs

Influence policies, provide humanitarian aid, challenge state authority, shape global governance.

MNCs
Global corporations operating across countries. Concepts: Home state vs Host state. Issues:
environmental pollution, labour exploitation, lobbying influence.

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