International Relations: An Introduction

Summary

The video script delves into the origins and complexities of international relations (IR), a field that emerged post-World War I and gained academic prominence post-World War II. It discusses the unique approach IR takes in studying global politics beyond state-centric views, encompassing transnational issues like multinational corporations, migration, and pollution. The script highlights the balance between understanding the world 'as it is' and the world 'as it should be,' emphasizing IR's role in identifying causes behind global events and fostering cooperation amidst conflicts. It also touches on the diversity of approaches within the field and the importance of intellectual inquiry and practical application in shaping future diplomats and decision-makers.

Takeaways

• 📚 International Relations (IR) is a relatively new field of study, primarily emerging in the early 20th century and becoming more established post-World War II.
• 🏛️ IR is often distinguished from politics and history by focusing on the application of concepts, theories, and methods to international politics.
• 🌐 The field emphasizes the study of interactions beyond domestic contexts, examining how territories connect globally with the international community.
• 🔍 IR has broadened its scope to include transnational issues such as multinational companies, smuggling, and international migration, which affect states beyond their own jurisdiction.
• 🛡️ Central to IR are the study of war, conflict, and violence, including the decision-making processes behind these actions and their broader implications.
• 🌟 IR scholars also explore cooperation and integration, such as the transformation of relations between historical enemies like France and Germany through European integration.
• 🤔 The discipline involves a balance between understanding the world 'as it is' and 'as it should be,' incorporating both empirical study and normative considerations.
• 📊 There's a noted tension between domestic political objectives and the need for international cooperation for a stable global economy.
• 🌱 The field has evolved to question the state-centric view of IR, considering the roles and impacts of non-state actors and global dynamics.
• 🌟 IR scholars aim to identify the causes of global events and trends, offering deeper insights than what can be gleaned from media reports.
• 🎓 Students in IR are driven by both intellectual curiosity to understand global politics and the desire to become effective decision-makers in diplomacy and international relations.

Q & A

When did the field of international relations begin to be studied in universities?

International relations began to be studied in universities after World War II, although the field itself emerged around the early 20th century.

Why is international relations considered a separate field from politics or history?

International relations is considered a separate field because it focuses on the application of concepts, theories, and methods specific to the study of international politics, rather than solely on domestic contexts or historical events.

What is the significance of the diversity of approaches in international relations?

The diversity of approaches in international relations is significant as it allows for a broader and more nuanced understanding of global politics, accommodating different perspectives and methods to analyze international phenomena.

How does international relations differ from focusing solely on domestic contexts?

International relations differs by examining how territories, whether states or regions, interact and link with each other on a global scale, considering transnational relations involving multinational companies, smugglers, refugees, and more.

What are some examples of issues that international relations focuses on that are above the state level?

Examples include international migration, pollution that crosses borders, and war, which are issues that affect states but do not stem from them and require a broader, international perspective.

Why is the study of war considered important in international relations?

The study of war is important in international relations because it is a critical aspect of state interactions, involving crucial decisions on when to go to war, how wars are waged, and the reasons behind these conflicts.

What is the broader concept of 'violence' in the context of international relations?

In international relations, 'violence' is a broader concept that includes not only wars between states but also conflict within a state, transnational conflicts, and non-state wars such as terrorism.

How does the tension between domestic political objectives and international cooperation manifest in foreign policy?

The tension manifests when politicians focus on local interests for re-election or maintaining power, potentially neglecting broader international cooperation necessary for a stable global economy.

What has been the shift in the perception of international relations over the past 30 years?

Over the past 30 years, there has been a shift away from the state-centric notion of international relations, with scholars now considering the impact of non-state actors and the reactions of those left out of traditional foreign policy studies.

How does the study of international relations contribute to understanding and improving journalistic debates and societal discussions?

The study of international relations contributes by providing a deep, scholarly foundation that can inform and advance debates, encouraging a clear understanding of one's own biases and promoting a detached, yet comprehensive analysis of global issues.

What are the two main groups of students interested in studying international relations, and what motivates them?

The two main groups are those driven by intellectual curiosity to understand the causes of global political events, and those who wish to enter diplomacy or international relations fields to become better decision-makers informed by a deeper understanding of state relations.

What is the division in international relations between realists and idealists, and what do they believe?

Realists are pessimists who believe in the inevitability of state conflict and focus on managing it, while idealists are optimists who believe in the potential for greater democracy, education, and cooperation between states, moving towards a better world.

What is the significance of the tension between the 'world as it is' and the 'world as it should be' in international relations?

This tension reflects the challenge of balancing the study of international relations as a mechanical study, devoid of normative approaches, while also acknowledging the necessity to consider moral and behavioral dynamics that influence global interactions.