theory and basic principles of international relation

                                International relations

International relations is an old concept dating to the time of the Greek historian Thucydides (c. 460–395 BC). But There is no single and clear definition to this day. Because international relation is in transition following emerging realities in the international system, it has become complex and even more difficult arriving at a more universally acceptable definition of the subject. But different scholars have given it different definition based on their time and there on view. Some are

Trevor Taylor (1979) defines International Relations as “a discipline, which tries to explain political activities across state boundaries.”

Ola, Joseph (1999), "International relations are the study of all forms of interactions that exist between members of separate entities or nations within the international system.”

Seymon Brown (1988) thus defines international relations as “the investigating and study of patterns of action and reactions among sovereign states as represented by their governing elites.”

In general, the term International Relations can be defined as the study and practice of all forms of relations among the world’s nations, particularly their governments politics, economic, social, cultural and other forms of relations. it also includes interactions between nongovernmental groups like multinational corporations, individuals, and international organizations.

The scope of international relations comprehends on globalization, diplomatic relation, ecological sustainability, nationalism, economic development, global finance, human security, foreign interventionism, comparative religion, state sovereignty, international security and nuclear proliferation

     

Theory of International relation

When we see international relations (IR) from a theoretical perspective. It attempts to provide a conceptual framework upon which international relations can be analyzed.  And some scholar described international relations theories. an example is.

Ole Holti described international relations theories as “acting like pairs of colored sunglasses that allow the wearer to see only salient events relevant to the theory.”

Scholars have developed several approaches to study of international relation. These approaches include: - realism, neo-realism, idealism/liberalism, neo-liberalism, and Marxism.

Realism:  - is a tradition of international theory centered upon four propositions. One The international system is anarchic. In which The international system exists in a state of constant antagonism. Second States are the most important actors. Third All states within the system are unitary, rational actors. States tend to pursue self-interest. Fourth The primary concern of all states is survival. States build up military to survive, which may lead to a dilemma. IN summary, realists think that Mankind is not inherently benevolent but rather self-centered and competitive.

Liberalism(Idealism): - Liberalism is one of the main schools of international relations theory. Liberalism considers human nature as essentially good and the goodness of human nature will help to prevail a new world order marked by the absence of war, inequality and tyranny. The theory of liberalism in international relations therefore involves the decreased use of military power. Liberals also argue that international diplomacy can be a very effective way to get states to interact with each other honestly and support nonviolent solutions to problems. With the proper institutions and diplomacy, Liberals believe that states can work together to maximize prosperity and minimize conflict. The central issues that it seeks to address are the problems of achieving lasting peace and cooperation in international relations.

Neorealism: - is an ideological departure from classical realism. Neorealism derives all from classical realism except that instead of human nature, its focus is predominantly on the anarchic structure of the international system. States are primary actors because there is no political monopoly on force existing above any sovereign.

Neoliberalism: -  is an advancement of liberal thinking. It argues that international institutions can allow nations to successfully cooperate in the international system. And it also seeks to update liberalism by accepting the neorealist presumption that states are the key actors in international relations, but still maintains that non-state actors (NSAs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) matter. 

Marxist View of International Relations: -Marxist and Neo-Marxist theories of IR reject the realist/liberal view of state conflict or cooperation; instead focusing on the economic and material aspects. It makes the assumption that the economy trumps other concerns like They mainly focus on imperialism i.e. the practice of stronger nations to control or influence weaker ones. They look at the unfair and exploitative aspects of relationships between the world’s rich and poor states. Marxists tend to see economic relationships as both the cause of and potential solution to the problem of war. And to this end, their slogan for the new system is “proletariat of the world unite” to assert communism by overthrowing imperialism in general Marxists view the international system as an integrated capitalist system in pursuit of capital accumulation.

     Basic Principles and Concepts of International Relations

National Interest is a key concept in International Relations. Which is defined as the claims, objectives, goals, demands and interests which a nation always tries to preserve, protect, defend and secure in relations with other nations. All the nations are always engaged in the process of fulfilling or securing the goals of their national interests. The foreign policy of each nation is formulated on the basis of its national interest and it is always at work for securing its goals. It is a universally accepted right of each state to secure its national interests. A state always tries to justify its actions on the basis of its national interest. The behavior of a state is always conditioned and governed by its national interests. Hence it is essential for us to know the meaning and content of National Interest. National interest which a nation seeks to secure can be generally categorized into this two parts

     Necessary or Vital Components: - the vital components of the national interests that a foreign policy seeks to secure are survival or identity. And identity is sub-divides into three parts: Physical identity (territorial identity), Political identity (politico- economic system) and Cultural identity (historical values, cultural heritage). These are called vital components because these are essential for the survival of the nation and can be easily identified and examined. A nation even decides to go to war for securing or protecting her vital interests.

    Non-vital or Variable Components: -The non-vital components are those parts of national interest which are determined either by circumstances or by the necessity of securing the vital components. These are determined by a host of factors—the decision-makers, public opinion and party politics. These objectives have been listed as: Prosperity, Peace, Ideology, Justice, Prestige and Power. Though each state defines these objectives in a manner which suits its interests in changing circumstances, yet these objectives can be described as common to almost all states.

National interest can be classified into the following categories.

1.Primary Interests: are core interests of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state. In genera it includes security issues.

2.Secondary Interests: include protecting citizens who live abroad and maintaining the diplomatic immunity.

3.Permanent Interests: are constant interests that are not changing frequently like ensuring self-reliant economy and increasing the prestige of a country.

4.Variable Interests: denote vital interests of a state in times of certain conditions. Such interests can be influenced by leaders, institutions, political parties, etc.

5.General Interests: are common interests shared by various states, like promoting trade, diplomatic relations, etc.

6.specific interest are the logical outgrowths of the general interests and these are defined in terms of time and space. To secure the economic rights

of the Third World countries through the securing of a New International Economic Order is a specific interest of developing countries.

  Foreign Policy 

foreign policy is plan of action adopted by one nation in regards to its diplomatic dealings with other countries. Foreign policy is established as a systemic way to deal with issues that may arise with other countries. A country’s foreign policy also sets forth its positions on a wide range of international issues. Foreign policy is taken as a guiding document of a state of external affairs. The foreign policy of a given state may reflect broad national objectives or represent a narrow and specific response to a particular situation. However, the basis of any state’s foreign policy is national interest. Formulation of foreign policy starts with identifying the state’s vital national interests.

A country’s foreign policy is influenced by many variables. These factors can be broadly categorized in to: internal and external factors.

The internal factors include

a)    Geographic-strategic factors (natural resources)

b)   Historical traditions (culture and history) 

c)    National capacity (power, level of technology, economic development, population)

d)   Public opinion (beliefs, views, and attitudes of the people towards the state institutions)

The external factors include:

a)    International organizations

b)   World public opinion

c)    Relations with friendly states

d)   The nature of neighboring states and major power

A state can achieve its foreign policy goals in several ways. Some are beneficial for both state those are: Diplomacy, Economic instruments, Propaganda or subversion while there also some that harm one state while benefiting the other like Terrorism and War.

Function of diplomacy

Diplomacy is the art of conducting negotiations between representatives of states. It is the conduct of international relations through the intercession of professional diplomats with regard to issues of peace-making, trade, war, economics, culture, 

environment, and human rights. And is use full for

1)     Representing State Interests This is done by ambassadors. By the communication between the countries that send them and the host states

2)    Symbolic Representation: The diplomacy of nations is the symbolic representation of the state in official ceremonies as well as non-official ceremonies and social and cultural functions.

3)    Negotiation: To conduct negotiations with other states in a substantive functions of diplomat. It is mainly about seeking secure agreements and compromises about conflict issues.

4)    Reporting: Reporting involves the observation of the status of the hosting country political, economic, military and social conditions and accurate transmission of the observation to his/her home country.

5)    Protection of interests: Is the bed rock practice of diplomacy, so diplomats are always at work for promoting and protecting the interest their home nation and its people living in the host nation

Contemporary global issues

Culture domination through globalization: globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. An because of this people are culturally, materially, and psychologically engaged with the lives of other people in other countries as never before. Distant events often have an immediate and significant impact in which cultures in developing countries are being undermined and dominated by that of the ones that are developed

Terrorism: is an act done by a group or an individual to get something from the government, groups or individual by threating the life innocent people.

Conclusion

International Relations is a wide concept because it includes the totality of all forms of relations (economic, social, cultural, etc.) apart from politics. As we all know No nation is an island. Because domestic affairs are constantly being affected by developments occurring outside of the nation. So nations are compelled to make International relations with other nation to increase their power, survival chance and peace and stability of their nation in the international system. And The relationship between states are conducted by four primary participants. which are influenced by various elements which include economic, political, and cultural and amongst others. These are:

    Intergovernmental organizations: - are also called Non-State Actors. IGOs are international institutions founded by states for different purposes like for economic and political nature. They have states as their members. Some Examples are NATO, WB, IMF, AU, WTO and UN

   Non-governmental organizations: - Are organized interest groups that operate privately or in combination with others to promote their causes.

   Individuals with influential personalities: - are actively participated in the affairs of the world.     

      State: - States interact among themselves for various reasons. And it necessary so that the world well functions and go orderly. Despite all the all the other actor of the international system and their influences. the principal concern of International Relations is on the interactions between states.