Introduction to International Relations Lecture # 1

Introduction International relations refers to the collective interactions of the international community, which includes individual nations and states, inter- governmental organizations such as the United Nations, non-governmental organizations like Doctors Without Borders, multinational corporations, and so forth.

States & Non-states International relation is a very broad concept. In modern usage it includes not only relations between states but also between states and non-state organizations such as churches, humanitarian relief organizations and multinational corporations, and between states and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), such as the UN and the EU.

Basic concept The concept of international relations on some level is probably quite old, given that humans have been establishing governments and communicating with each other for thousands of years. However, many people agree that international relations truly began to emerge around the 15th century, when people started exploring the world and interacting with other governments and cultures.

Cont.. Organizations like the Dutch East India company were among the first multinational corporations, for example, while representatives of various European governments met with foreign governments to establish trade agreements and to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Why study IR? International Relations (IR), is closely related with several disciplines. These include History, Political Science, Law, Economics, and Geography. No country in the World can live in isolation. Even when means of transportation and communication were primitive or much less developed than today, sovereign states did interact with each other.

Cont.. It is essential for all of us to have a clear idea of what is happening in the world. Political events are important, but even economic developments, trade, commerce and activities of actors like multinational corporations are no less significant. International terrorism has been a concern for the humankind and economic institutions like the World Bank and the World Trade Organization (WTO) affect international relations. The study of International Relations has therefore become highly useful and enlightening for students and others alike.

Scope of IR IR studies relations between states in their political and economic prospects primarily. IR covers the realm of 'foreign affairs' in all its dimensions. IR deals with the recording and studying of International History with the aim to find out the basis of states' relations in the past. IR studies International Law in the context of how international rules define and govern the relations between states. IR embodies its scope with the inclusion of not only states but also the non-state actors in international relations.

Cont.. IR deals with the international events of;  War  Peace  Nuclear world  International political economy  Globalization  International institutions  Conflicts among states  Foreign policy and decision making  National powers and interests

Conclusion International Relations has a wider scope. The points elaborated above as its scope are not final. This discipline broadens its scope with the changing events of the world and new dynamics of international relations. It is a subject along with being a practical course adopted by nations of the world and the international institutions.