Global Relevance of International Relations - Essay Example

? International Relations Introduction The rapid globalization in the recent past has made countries to be more interdependent. International relations theory has gained prominence as countries strive to remain relevant in a world full of diversity. The complex social, economic and political issues throughout the globe require appropriate application of both international relations theory as well as policy so as to benefit in the global arena. The imperative question in navigating the global landscape is how countries can maintain or attain global relevance from a diversity of perspectives. This paper will evaluate the issue of global relevance from a diversity of perspectives in relation to International Relations Theory. The paper will discuss the issues surrounding global relevance and the implications on the how the various international relations theories relate to global relevance. Specifically, the paper will discuss critical theoretical perspectives in International Relations Theory such as Constructivism, Feminism and Marxism in regards to global relevance. The study will investigate the various aspects that can influence the global relevance of a state or a country and how these aspects can be controlled. It is important to note that global relevance is critical; especially in this era of globalization. Therefore, the study will endeavor to establish the critical issues that surround the issue of global relevance and how International Relations Theory affects global relevance. In order to attain the purpose of this paper, the first section will describe the issue of global prominence in the context of global relations. The normative and theoretical perspectives in International Relations Theory that influence global relevance from a diversity of perspectives will be discussed. Finally, a critique of the various perspectives that influence global relevance will be offered in order to come up with possible challenges and solutions in regards to this issue. The conclusion will indicate the key points discussed in the paper and the recommendations. Global Relevance The necessity of countries and states to work together throughout the world cannot be overlooked. International systems have become more integrated in the recent past hence making countries more interdependent. No country in the globe can prosper in solidarity and international cooperation is essential for every country. It is imperative that countries which dominate the international landscape have put in place policies that make them globally relevant (Hobson, 2009). Despite the diversity that is evident throughout the world, all countries are interlinked for mutual benefit. The aspect of global relevance can be evaluated from a diversity of perspectives that influence international relations. One of the major aspects of global relevance is economic status. The economy of a country is an important indicator of its development rate. It is important to note that economically powerful countries benefit the most in the realm of international trade. The formation of international and regional trade bodies such the World Trade Organizations imply that the exchange of goods and services is an important issue for every country. Suffice to say, trade is implemented through the principle of willing buyer and willing buyer. Therefore, in order to be able to dominate in the international trade, it is necessary for a country to improve its production capabilities (Hobson, 2009). The manufacturing, services and agricultural industries are some of the main areas of international trade. Thus, countries that can export more products and services while keeping their imports at a low level have the capability to stay globally relevant. The challenge for emerging economies that aspire for global dominance is the policies that they have to put in place in order to attain this goal. Countries that are unable to be globally relevant may invariably end up lagging behind economically. The political landscape in a country is an important indicator of its international image. The political system that is implemented within a country determines the structures and quality of governance in that country. Therefore, the political leadership of a country plays a vital role in the influencing how the country is perceived within and outside its boundaries (Hobson, 2009). Isolation of a country may lead to globally irrelevance and other negative implications. Global relevance also involves the cultural and social inclinations of the respective countries. As noted previously, countries have become more interlinked due to globalization. Therefore, the flow of culture has transcended the limits of geographical boundaries. Thus, it is vital for a country to uphold social and cultural aspects that enable it to be globally relevant. For example, a country with strict clothing codes for women may discourage the citizens of otherwise liberal countries from visiting it. Such cultures and social values can lead to international isolation of countries and deny them the opportunity of being globally relevant. International Relations Theory Feminism theories of International Relations lay emphasis on the social relations from the gender perspective. Imperatively, the feminist theories postulate that the society is made up of socially constructed gender hierarchies that facilitate gender subordination. Feminists define gender as the unequal structural relationship of power (Baylis et al, 264). Essentially, feminist theories evaluate how the major concepts in International relations are gendered and how international politics is affected by gender. It is important to note that gender is portrayed as a social issue and not a biological concept (Baylis et al 265). Social categorization imposes specific view of the accepted social order. For instance, the masculine gender is associated with autonomy, capacity for reason and sovereignty. Accordingly, women are marginalized in international politics and there role is limited to the private sphere. The proponents of feminist theories reject the idea of the separation of the private sphere and the public sphere in a similar way that domestic politics cannot be isolated from international politics. Thus, it is evident that domestic and international politics are interdependent. One of the most basic principles of the Social Constructivism theory of International Relations is that International Relations is a social phenomenon rather than a social one (Baylis et al, 153). It is imperative to note that the international system exists based on the social interaction of people. This interaction of people leads to a continuous flow of ideas that eventually shape the international system. This theory argues that the international system is system of norms that define the modus operandi and it is created by the people themselves. Thus, the constructivism theory indicates that the international relations are not cast in stone or created by material forces. The shared perceptions, ideas and values of a particular people define the realities of international relations. Therefore, international systems are essentially made by people and can be changed from time to time. According to (Baylis et al, 160), the socialization of people can eventually lead to diffusion of ideas up to an international level. Therefore, the people define their desires and aspirations which are reflected in the norms of a particular state or country. Marxism is also one of the most basic theories of International Relations. According to Marxist theory, the capitalist system was introduced by the rich in the society so as to protect their wealth (Baylis et al, 133). He argues that realism and liberalism do not serve the masses but rather suited to serve the interests of the elite few. In retrospect, Marxism theory points out that the international system is essentially constructed by class. The wealthy class influences the policies of international relations so as to secure their own interests. Hence, Marxism postulates that the international system is not constructed based on politics but rather on economic classes (Baylis et al, 135). Imperatively, the capitalists who influence the international system are only interested in protecting their wealth and increasing it. In order to break out from dependency, underdeveloped countries should put in place economic control tools that can enable them to attain self sufficiency. By being self sufficient, poorer nations can be able to break away from the yoke of international economic system which is skewed against them. Marxism indicates that the international economic system is essentially designed to transfer natural resources from the poor countries to the rich nations. International Relations Theory and Global Relevance The issue of global relevance is essentially an international relations matter. The relevance of a country from various perspectives is dependent on how the country conducts its international affairs. The International political system is interlinked and thus a country’s global relevance may be influenced by a number of factors. As note in the Constructivism theory of International Relations, the international system is a human creation (Baylis 154). It can therefore be argued that the global relevance of a country is dependent on its people. The historical perspectives of a country in regards to global relevance may diminish or be reinforced with the passage of time. For instance, a country that was at one time under dictatorial rule may move from oblivion to global relevance if its people adopt a democratic political system. It is imperative to note that Constructivism does bestow the issue international relations and image on the people of a country. Despite any past issues that may have rocked a particular state, the current and future populations have the capacity to change the status of the country on the global platform. Constructivism indicates that the international image of a country is as a result of the ideas and values of its people (Baylis et al, 155). This position is supported by the Feminist Constructivism theory which advocates for the ideation of politics. On the other hand, the economic relevance of a country is influenced by several diverse factors. Marxism theory notes that the capitalist system that is prevalent in the international system is skewed to favor the wealthy class (Baylis et al, 135). Imperatively, the poor countries are condemned if they join the international system as it does not work in their favor. Yet, it is evident that no country can attain prosperity and global prominence in isolation. Marxism proposes that poor countries should adopt economic measures that can help them to attain self sufficiency and reduce their dependency. However, self sufficiency can only be attained through sustained economic policies that include the international community. Marxist feminism sees the oppression of women as an outcome of the capitalist systems in world. Thus, Marxist feminism advocates for the abolishment of the capitalist structures so as to promote equitable development. International politics is an issue that has divergent views depending on various factors. Each country ascribes to a particular ideology based on its history, values and integration with the international community. It can be argued that political ideology is a sovereign matter and each state has a right to choose its own political ideology. Although the sovereignty of a state should always be upheld, it is notable that politics does not work in a vacuum. Rather, politics helps to define the policies that each country adopts for its development. According to the Constructivism theory (Baylis et al, 160)) the aspirations and values of people help to shape the image of a country. Therefore, is imperative that any country that aspires to progress should orient itself in a favorable political manner. Although Marxism notes that international politics is constructed to favor the wealthy nations, it is nevertheless necessary for developing countries to politically align themselves in a manner that can foster amicable relationships with the rich nations. This is because international politics favors its own kind and isolates divergent views. Therefore, a country has to redefine itself politically if need in order to be globally relevant. Conclusion Rapid globalization has made countries to more interconnected and interlinked. This means that countries have to be globally relevant in order to progress and benefit the most from the international system. It is notable that economic, political and cultural relevance are vital for a country to navigate the international landscape. International Relations theory such as Constructivism, Marxism and Feminism can be used to analyze the concept of global relevance from a diversity of perspectives. The International Relations theory offers the fundamental aspects that influence international relations. From the analysis, it is evident that Constructivism can be used to shape the policies necessary for global relevance. However, the skewed nature of the international political system in favor of wealthy nations may negatively impact on the quest for global relevance especially for poor nations. References Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (Eds.). (2010). The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations. OUP Oxford. Hobson, J. M. (2009). Comparative Politics and International Relations. The SAGE Handbook of Comparative Politics, 175. Read More