Non-state actors

International governmental organizations (IGOs)

Formed by states
Treaty/ agreement
Formal values
States as members
International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)
Privately, Individuals/groups
Treaty/agreement
Formal values
States (2 or more)
Consent
Example: WWF, International Red cresent
Multinational cooperation (MNG)
Privately, Individuals/groups
Treaty/agreement
Formal values
States (2 or more)
Consent
For profit
Example: Microsoft, Apple, McDonalds
Terrorist Organization (TOs)
2 or more states
Against the will of state
Challenge the writ of the state
To achieve certain objectives

Transnational interest groups

2 or more states
Vested interests
 No found structure/ rules
Religious groups/ ethnic
For protection of rights
Freedom movement based on right of self determination
Promote the teachings

IR :
International Relations (IR) is the study of relationships and interactions
between countries.
It helps us understand how nations communicate, cooperate, and sometimes
come into conflict with one another.
Generally, international relations and politics are seen as a collection of
actions, reactions, and interactions that happen between independent
(sovereign) states. These occur through their foreign policies, which are the
official ways a country deals with others — such as through diplomacy, trade,
treaties, or defense.
It also includes the study of global events, issues, and organizations (like the
UN or WTO), as well as the structures, conflicts, and cooperation that exist
beyond national boundaries.
In short:
International Relations is the study of how countries behave and interact on
the global stage, focusing on peace, conflict, power, and cooperation in the
world.

Understanding the Broader Contours and Core Concepts of

International Relations (IR)
International Relations (IR) is the study of how countries, organizations, and
individuals interact in the global system. It focuses on understanding power,
conflict, cooperation, and diplomacy between nations. The broader contours of
IR cover the political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of global
affairs.

1. Broader Contours of IR
The broader contours refer to the overall framework or main areas of study
within IR. These include:
 Foreign Policy: How states plan and conduct relations with other countries.
 International Organizations: The role of institutions like the UN, WTO,
and WHO in promoting cooperation.
 Globalization: Increasing interdependence among nations through trade,
communication, and culture.
 Security and Peace: Managing conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping efforts.
 Human Rights and Development: Ensuring global justice, equality, and
progress.
2. Core Concepts of IR
The core concepts are the fundamental ideas that shape the study of IR:
 State Sovereignty: Each nation is independent and governs itself.
 Power: The ability of a state to influence others (military, economic, or
diplomatic).
 National Interest: Actions taken by states to protect their goals and
security.
 Anarchy: The absence of a central authority in the international system.
 Interdependence: Mutual reliance among nations for trade, security, and
resources.
 Diplomacy: Peaceful negotiation and communication between states.

Example:
The Russia–Ukraine conflict reflects the core IR concepts — power struggle
(Realism), violation of sovereignty, and the role of international
organizations (UN, NATO) in managing global security.

✅ In short:
IR helps us understand how the world works — why states cooperate or
conflict, and how global issues like war, trade, and climate change are
interconnected.

Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy refers to the set of strategies and decisions made by a country
to manage its relations with other states and international organizations.
It guides how a nation pursues its national interests, such as security, trade,
peace, and development, in the global arena.
In simple words, foreign policy is how a country behaves toward the rest of
the world.
Example: Pakistan’s foreign policy focuses on maintaining friendly relations with
neighboring countries, promoting peace, and strengthening ties with Muslim and
Western nations.

Determinants of Foreign Policy

Determinants are the factors that shape or influence a country’s foreign policy.
They are generally divided into Internal and External determinants.

1. Internal Determinants
These are factors within the country that affect foreign policy decisions:
 a. Geography:
A country’s location, borders, and climate influence its relations.
Example: Pakistan’s location between India, China, and Afghanistan affects its
strategic policies.
 b. Economic Conditions:
Strong economies have more influence internationally.
Example: The U.S. uses its economic power to shape global policies.
 c. Political System and Leadership:
The type of government and its leaders’ vision matter.
Example: Democratic and military governments may adopt different foreign
policies.
 d. Military Strength:
A powerful army increases a country’s confidence in international affairs.
Example: China’s growing military affects its regional influence.
 e. Public Opinion and National Interest:
People’s views and the nation’s goals (like security or prosperity) guide policy
choices.

2. External Determinants
These are factors outside the country that influence foreign policy:
 a. International Environment:
The global political climate, like peace or conflict, affects policy direction.
 b. Relations with Other States:
Friendly or hostile relations determine cooperation or competition.
  c. Role of International Organizations:
Bodies like the UN, IMF, and WTO influence countries through rules and aid.
 d. Global Economic and Strategic Trends:
Changes in trade, technology, and global power balance impact foreign
policy.

In Summary:

Aspect Description

Definition Strategy for managing international relations.

Internal
Geography, economy, politics, military, public opinion.
Determinants

External
Global environment, relations, organizations, global trends.
Determinants

Pakistan balancing relations with the U.S., China, and Muslim

Example
countries.

Elements of International Relations (IR )

International Relations (IR) is built upon certain key elements that shape
interactions among states and other actors in the global system. These elements
help us understand how countries cooperate, compete, and manage global issues.

1. States (Nation-States)
The state is the primary actor in IR. Each state has its own government, territory,
population, and sovereignty.
Example: The United States, China, and Pakistan are sovereign states that make
independent decisions in world politics.

2. Sovereignty
Sovereignty means a state’s supreme authority over its territory and freedom
from external control.
It allows states to make their own laws and foreign policies.
Example: Pakistan’s right to decide its defense or trade policies independently.
3. National Interest
Every country acts to protect its national interests such as security, economic
growth, and political stability.
Example: India’s foreign policy focuses on regional stability and economic
development.

4. Power
Power is the ability of one state to influence or control the actions of others. It
can be military, economic, or diplomatic.
Example: The USA uses its military and economic power to shape global politics.

5. Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art of negotiation and communication between countries to
resolve conflicts peacefully.
Example: Peace talks between North and South Korea show the use of diplomacy.

6. International Law
International Law provides rules and guidelines that govern relations between
states.
It promotes justice, order, and cooperation.
Example: The United Nations Charter sets principles for maintaining
international peace and security.

7. International Organizations
Organizations like the UN, WTO, IMF, and WHO promote cooperation and help
solve global problems like poverty, health, and conflict.
Example: The UN works for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.

8. Globalization
Globalization increases interdependence among nations through trade,
communication, and technology.
Example: International trade agreements connect economies around the world.

In Summary:
Element Description

State Main actor in IR

Sovereignty Independence of states

Goals and priorities of

National Interest
states

Power Ability to influence others

Diplomacy Peaceful negotiation

Rules governing state

International Law
relations

International
Promote cooperation
Organizations

Interconnectedness of
Globalization
nations

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