Lesson 1: Introduction to Prepared by: Dayanara A.
International Relations Daynata, MAFS
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What is
International
Relations?
• Refers to the study of
interaction of states in the
global interstate system
(security, economy, foreign
policy, human rights, global
governance, environmental
issues).
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HISTORY OF IR
- International relations was
born after WWI in Europe.
- was conducted primarily in
two loosely organized
branches of
learning: diplomatic
history and international law.
- Realism and internationalism
became the dominant modes
of American thinking about
international affairs by the
1940s.
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Importance of
International
Relations?
• Allows nations to cooperate
with one another.
• Avoids international conflicts
and ensures international
peace.
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International relations and its
subfields:
Diplomacy: The study of negotiations, treaties, and agreements between states.
Foreign Policy: The analysis of a state’s actions and decisions regarding its relations with other
states.
Conflict Resolution: The study of methods and strategies for resolving conflicts between states
and non-state actors.
Globalization: The study of the impact of global economic, technological, and cultural trends on
international relations.
International Law: The study of rules and norms that regulate the behavior of states and non-
state actors.
Source: O.P. Jindal Global University
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Features of IR
International relations has several distinct features that set it apart from other
academic disciplines.
It is concerned with the study of interactions between sovereign entities, making it
inherently complex and diverse.
International Relations is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, drawing
on insights from economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, and
history.
It involves the analysis of both state and non-state actors, recognizing the
increasing importance of non-governmental organizations, transnational
networks, and individuals in international relations.
Source: O.P. Jindal Global University
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Actors of International Relations
State Non-state actor
An institution that creates warfare Includes international
and sets economic policies for a organizations, multinational
country.
corporations, non-
In layman’s terms, state refers to a
governmental organizations
country and its government.
(NGOs)
4 attributes:
A state exercises authority over a specific
population
Governs a specific territory
Has a structure of government that crafts
various rules that people (society) follow.
Has sovereignty over its territory
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International Organizations
• Institutions with formal membership
and procedures
• Membership can be limited or
universal
• Purpose may be broad or narrow
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Power of IOs
International Relations scholars; Michael N. Barnett and Martha listed
the following powers of IOs:
have the power of classification
Have the power to fix meanings
Have the power to diffuse norms
Because of these immense powers, IOs can be a sources of
great good and great harm.
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International Organization
o refers to "an association or union of nations established or
recognized by them for the purpose of realizing a common end”.
o sometimes referred to as intergovernmental
organizations (IGOs).
o IGOs are established by a treaty. Treaties are formed when lawful
representatives (governments) of several states go through a
ratification process, providing the IGO with an international legal
personality.
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Examples:
Monday, February 1, 20XX
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MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS
Can be viewed either as independent actors operating
between state-to-state relations or as an instrument of
foreign policy of states within which the parent companies
are located.
These are corporate organizations that operate in more
than one country other than home country.
Could pose a threat to the sovereignty of states, and
international organizations have been employed to deal
with these challenges.
Examples:
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NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs)
voluntary group of individuals or
organizations, usually not affiliated with any
government.
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Thank You
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