Meaning, Nature And Scope Of

International Relations

What are International relations? This post has given all answers to your
questions regarding the meaning, nature, and scope of 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.

There is no specific definition of international relations. Experts have defined it on

their own perspectives. There is also a problem with the definition of international
relations. Many times international relations are considered synonymous with
world politics and international politics.

Definition of International Relations by Palmer and Perkins

Palmer and Perkins are the most important name in international relations
because of their relevance in terms of definition and subject matter In
International relations.

According to them, International relations discusses the forces, pressures, and

processes that control the nature of human life, activities, and thought in all
human and group relations in the world community. That is, the discussion of
international relations involves both political and non-political issues.

They defined International Relations in this way- “International Relations is the

objective and systematic study of international life in all its aspects”.

Definition of International Relations by Scholars

Many scholars define International relations differently. Here I have mentioned
most important definitions of IR (International Relations) given by three eminent
scholars.

Hans J Morgenthau
Hans J Morgenthau used the term International Politics and defined it as
“International Politics include analysis of political relations and problems of peace
among nations…it “is struggle for and use of power among nations”.

Quincy Wright
According to Quincy Wright, International Relations includes “relations between
many entities of uncertain sovereignties” and that “it is not only the nations
which international relations seek to relate. Varied types of groups-nations,
states, government, people, regions, alliances, confederations, international
organizations, even industrial organizations, cultural organizations, religious
organizations-must be dealt with in the study of international relations, if the
treatment is to be realistic”

Jackson and Sorensen

Jackson and Sorensen said that “at one extreme the scholarly focus is exclusively
on states and inter-state relations; but at another extreme IR includes almost
everything that has to do with human relations across the world. Therefore, IR
seeks to understand how people are provided or not provided, with the basic
values of security, freedom, order, justice and welfare”.

Goldstein
He opines that International Relations basically “concerns the relationship among
the world’s governments”. But he also argues that IR is not just a relationship
between governments. IR needs to be understood in terms of activities of Non-
state actors also.

Acceptable Definition
Finally, an acceptable definition of international relations is that 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.

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.
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.

Must Read- Realism Theory In International Relations In Detail

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.
In the discussion of the nature of international relations, you already get the idea
that what 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.

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.
Must Read-
1. What Is Globalization and History of Globalization [4 Phases]
2. 5 Important Types Of Globalization
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.

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.

In the past, these issues were not related to international relations. Therefore, it
can be said that the scope of international relations has expanded.

Importance or Purpose of the study of

International Relations
International relations have become an essential part of social science in every
country. The importance of international relations is growing not only as a
subject included in the political science curriculum, but also as a separate
academic discipline. Even many universities have linked it to the history
curriculum at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Reasonably, the
question arises,

• What is the reason for this growing importance of international

relations?
• what is the usefulness and purpose of the international relations
lesson?
• why study international relations?
One thing will become clear if we look at the current world map and analyze the
real situation, each country has become incomprehensible in the international
interdependence.
It is not possible to solve the problems of a country in isolation or to meet the
growing needs of different kinds. In order to meet its own economic, cultural, and
other needs, each state has to voluntarily enter into bilateral or multilateral
agreements with other states. Instead of extreme self-reliance, therefore, an
environment of interdependence and cooperation has developed.

There is currently no doubt about the usefulness of the international relations

lesson. From a broadly constructive perspective, we can gain knowledge about
how international relations will work, what issues need to be eliminated or
accepted and considered, and how friendship can be established between
different states.
International relations make people aware of important issues such as war and
peace, mutual security, disarmament, international law and trade, peaceful
resolution of inter-state disputes, imperialism, colonialism, national liberation
movement, etc.

The history of international relations has given each country a wealth of

experience in formulating and implementing its foreign policy. The breadth of its
reading has created initiative and enthusiasm about the need to build an
international community.

Just as international relations have inspired people towards the possibility of

international society, so too it has presented the nature of disunity among
different nations. International relations cannot be analyzed by mere
sentimentality. Differences in the socio-economic structure of different countries
are bound to affect their national and international policy.

Establishing the usefulness of international relations on a broad basis requires, on

the one hand, an objective review of real events, and on the other hand, one
needs to be proactive in building a proper analytical approach and theoretical
basis.

The vast potential that the advancement of science and technology has created in
other branches of sociology needs to be applied to international relations as well.

Conclusion
From the above discussion on Meaning Nature and Scope of International
Relations, it can be concluded that From the above discussion on Meaning
Nature and Scope of International Relations, it can be concluded that from the
past or the time of the ancient empires to modern times i.e. post-World War II
world politics and systems, globalization, the Soviet extinction or the famous
Cold War and the Third World system, and the international nuances that are still
constantly changing and circulating.

That is why the nature of international relations, like economics, political science
and sociology, is changing. This issue needs to be considered in the light of this
variability.
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Theories of international relations help us better comprehend how international systems

function and also how states interact with one another and perceive global aspects.
Diplomatic officials and international relations scholars frequently employ international
relations theories, which range from liberal, justice-based approaches to simple realist
notions, to determine the path that a nation should take concerning an international political
issue or situation. Professionals in the discipline could further understand the motives and
aims that underlie policy choices around the planet by examining the relevant major
international theories. The theories discussed ahead are the major theories of international
relations and that form the foundation of many other theories in this discipline such as the
bargain theory, feminist theory, and balance of power theory. Each of the following major
theories includes different parts of international relations, unlike the derived theories which
are specific to the sub-fields like international trade, law among others.

1. Realism

Developed in the early 20th century, Realism is a simple perspective of state-

centred international affairs, which claims that all states are attempting to enhance
their power and that those governments who can efficiently accumulate such
strength will prosper, quickly transcending the accomplishments of comparatively
less compelling states. According to this theory’s assumption, a nation’s primary
goal ought to be self-preservation, and increasing power has to be a socioeconomic
and political requisite. Based on different assumptions, realism has evolved and
diversified in the realm of international relations as structural defensive realism,
offensive realism, and many others. Glenn H Snyder remarked on this diversity: “the
field of international relations now has at least two varieties of structural realism,
probably three kinds of offensive realism and several types of defensive realism; in
addition to neoclassical, contingent, specific and generalist realism” (as cited in
Chatterjee, 2011).

• Defensive Realism

Kenneth Waltz’s defensive realism bases the struggle for power as a defensive
strategy in the anarchy structure of the international system. Waltz states,
“Internationally, the environment of states’ actions, or the structure of their system, is
set by the fact that some states prefer survival over other ends obtainable in the
short run and act with relative efficiency to achieve that end” (Waltz, 1979).
According to this, states tend to act in favour of a balance of power instead of letting
other states develop economically, military strengths, and political power because it
is perceived as a threat to their security and interests. According to defensive
realism, nations should obtain the proper measure of power to enable them to
survive. They should not, nevertheless, use their comparative power to try to
become hegemonic powers.

Example: During the Cold war, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R were in a nuclear arms race
which was the result of the nations’ attempting to secure their own nation against
the other. As seen in the Cuban missile crisis, the U.S. was involved in a blockade of
Cuba as it was seeking to ensure the survival of its territories against the Soviet
missile and, similarly, the Soviet Union was in an attempt to secure itself against the
U.S. missiles in Turkey. Therefore, both parties were engaged in a struggle to defend
themselves while hindering the military progress of their counterparts

• Offensive Realism

Offensive realism, on the other hand, is more convinced by anarchy’s structural

potential for creating conflict. With no authority to impose accords, proponents of
this perspective maintain that governments can never be sure that whatever peace-
making conditions in existence currently will be in effect in the future too. Given
such ambiguity, nations may seldom be convinced of their security and must
continually be suspicious of other states’ growing strength. According to offensive
realism, nations are prone to rivalry and conflict because they are self-interested,
power-maximizing, and frightened of other states. Furthermore, it contends that
nations are obligated to behave in this manner in order to survive in the international
system. John Mearsheimer argues that the international system requires that states
maximize their offensive power to be secure and keep rivals from gaining power at
their expense. (Mearsheimer, 2001).

Example: Historically, there have been multiple attempts by nations to become a

hegemon through aggressive strategies. One of the major reasons for World War II
was Nazi Germany’s venture to establish absolute post-war continental hegemony
of Nazi Germany. And it was supposed to be accomplished by expanding the
German state’s geographical territory by aggressive action, along with the political
and economic subordination of the European countries to Germany. The underlying
objective of this was to secure the interests of German Nazis against others.

Liberalism

Liberalism is centred on the premise that the existing international system is

competent in establishing a harmonious global order. Instead of depending on
aggressive force, such as military conflict, liberalism encourages global cooperation
as a tool of advancing every state’s individual goals. Liberalists think that the
negative repercussions of using warfare, such as economic damage and civilian
fatalities, considerably outweigh the possible gains. As a result, liberal political
leaders normally like to use economic and political power to realize national
objectives. In the current, globally connected world, economic techniques such as
bilateral agreements and international political diplomacy might be more efficient
than using force in achieving political objectives. Realism might have begun to fade
as a credible political approach as liberalism has grown to be more established in
international collaboration via the formation of organisations such as the United
Nations. It may also be suggested that the liberalist tradition, as sustained by the US,
is becoming the predominant framework in international relations, with defined
principles and international bodies in place to govern this system. Supranational
governance research, particularly on the link between democracy and global
collaboration, is prospering, and it supports liberal studies on democratic peace-
making.

Example: The SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) represented the Member
States’ intention to enhance and sustain mutual trade and economic cooperation within the
SAARC area via the exchanging of tariff concessions (Dep of Commerce, Sri Lanka). The
notion of liberalising commerce among SAARC states led to the conception of SAPTA as the
first step toward the establishment of a South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), which would
eventually lead to a Customs Union. This encourages economic cooperation among
governments rather than war.