Nomenclature of IR

Summary

This lecture delves into the nomenclature of the field of international studies, exploring why various terms like 'International Politics', 'International Relations', 'International Studies', and 'Global Politics' are used. It discusses the contested nature of the discipline's name, the historical development of these terms, and their implications on the focus of study, ranging from state-centric views to broader global perspectives. The lecturer emphasizes the importance of incorporating a global viewpoint while acknowledging the enduring relevance of state-centric theories in understanding international dynamics.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the nomenclature of the discipline of International Relations, addressing why there are multiple terms and the reasons for their use.
• 🌐 It differentiates between 'International Politics', 'International Relations', 'International Studies', and 'Global Politics', explaining the nuances and historical context of each term.
• 🏛 The term 'International' was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780 to encapsulate relations among nations, emphasizing the state-centric nature of the system.
• 🏙️ 'International Politics' is often associated with post-World War II scholars and focuses on the political interactions between sovereign states, particularly the power dynamics and the struggle for power.
• 🎲 The Billard Ball model illustrates the anarchical state-centric approach of international politics, where states are viewed as independent and autonomous entities.
• 🕊️ 'International Relations' is a broader term that includes not only political but also economic, social, cultural, and scientific interactions between states and other actors.
• 🌟 'International Studies' broadens the scope further to include societies, cultures, languages, and systems of government, focusing on a planetary perspective and humanity issues.
• 🌍 'Global Politics' emerged with the recognition of increased globalization and interdependence, challenging the state-centric approach and incorporating non-state actors.
• 🔄 The script highlights the importance of incorporating a global perspective in International Relations to account for the influence of global issues and actors.
• 🏛️ Despite debates, the state remains a primary actor in international engagement, providing security, representation, and facilitating globalization.
• 🌏 The discipline of International Relations is still evolving and needs to include non-western forms of knowledge to become a truly global discipline.

Q & A

Why are there multiple nomenclatures for the discipline of international relations?

There are multiple nomenclatures for the discipline of international relations because scholars and academics use terms like 'International Politics', 'International Relations', 'International Studies', and 'World Politics' to describe different aspects and focuses within the field. Each term emphasizes different elements, such as political, economic, social, or cultural interactions among nations.

What does the term 'International' originally mean and who coined it?

The term 'International' was coined by the British political philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1780 to capture relations among nations in a single word. It was used in his book 'The Principles of Morals and Legislation' to describe interstate or international politics.

What is the difference between a nation and a state?

A nation may have a common history, culture, language, and geography, but it is not a state unless it has five elements: geography, population, government, sovereignty, and international recognition. Sovereignty is considered the most important element as it gives the status of a state.

Why is the term 'International Politics' often associated with the post-Cold War period?

The term 'International Politics' was used mostly in the post-Cold War period because it emphasizes the politics between and among sovereign nation-states. Scholars like Morgenthau, known as the father of modern realism, focused on power as a key element in international politics, describing it as a struggle for power in an anarchic system.

What is the Billard Ball model and how does it illustrate the concept of international politics?

The Billard Ball model is a visual representation of international politics where sovereign states are compared to billiard balls. They are independent, autonomous entities that operate under the condition of anarchy, colliding with each other due to their independent and sovereign nature. This model illustrates the anarchical state-centric approach in international politics.

How does the concept of 'Anarchy' in realism differ from the common understanding of chaos or disorder?

In realism, 'Anarchy' does not mean chaos or disorder. Instead, it refers to the absence of any international authority that could control sovereign states. This anarchical state-centric approach is a key feature of the international system as understood by realist scholars.

What is the difference between 'International Politics' and 'International Relations' in terms of their scope?

International Politics focuses mainly on the political aspects of interstate relations, emphasizing power, self-help, and survival. In contrast, International Relations is broader, encompassing all kinds of interactions between and among sovereign states, including political, economic, social, cultural, and scientific interactions.

What is the significance of the term 'International Studies' in the context of the discipline?

International Studies focuses on a wider scope that includes societies, cultures, languages, and systems of government. It goes beyond state interactions to consider global and humanity issues, emphasizing a planetary perspective and the impact on the globe.

How does the concept of 'Global Politics' challenge the state-centric approach?

Global Politics, as identified with the works of Joseph Nye and Robert Cohen, challenges the state-centric approach due to increased globalization and global interdependence. It argues for a borderless and transplanetary approach, recognizing the influence of transnational corporations and non-governmental organizations on international politics.

What are the key implications of the Billard Ball model for understanding international politics?

The Billard Ball model implies a clear distinction between domestic politics (order) and international politics (anarchy). It also acknowledges that not all states are of the same size, reflecting the uneven distribution of power in international politics, which leads to political conflicts and resolutions within the purview of international politics.

Why is the term 'International Relations' still considered appropriate despite the debates and disputes?

Despite the debates and disputes, the term 'International Relations' is still considered appropriate because it incorporates a global perspective and acknowledges the importance of states in the international system. It also recognizes the emerging issues and actors that influence international politics, making it a more comprehensive term for the discipline.