About International Relations
International Relations (IR) is the study of foreign affairs and global
issues among states within the international system. It emerged as a
field of study in its own right as part of a search for a better
understanding of the causes of war and prospects for peace following
the First World War. However, the modern discpline draws upon fields as
diverse as anthropology, economics, history, law, philosophy and
sociology to explore a broad range of issues including conflict,
ecological sustainability, foreign policy, globalisation, governance,
human rights, nationalism, nuclear proliferation, political economy,
sovereignty and terrorism.
The discipline does not restrict itself to understanding the nature of
the international system solely in terms of states and instead examines
the utility of international organisations (such as the United
Nations), non-governmental organisations (such as Amnesty
International) and multi-national corporations (such as Microsoft)
within the international system. The study of International Relations
explores relationships between these actors - from violent
confrontation to legal agreements regulating international economic or
environmental issues - and examines the mechanisms through which
domestic politics can or may influence the shape and tenor of
international affairs. The study of International Relations considers such questions as:
- Are democracies more peaceful?
- Does poverty make terrorism and war more likely?
- Do multi-national corporations undermine democracy?
- How can international intervention help to resolve civil wars?
- How have Asian states responded to the rise of China?
- What are the global implications of an emerging common European security policy?
In today's globalised society, a proper understanding of these issues is crucial if we are to fulfil our roles both as an informed citizenry and an effective decision-making body. The study of International Relations necessitates the use of rigorous analystical perspectives through which to explore contemporary political questions and places immediate practical issues within a broader historical context.
