International Relations - Coursework Example

Running Head: International Relations International Relations of the of the institute] International Relations Introduction International relations is the study of relations, contacts, dealings and communications based on social, economic, cultural and most importantly political grounds among the nations of the world. This discipline is said to have emerged on the international arena after World War-1, but the history of international relations is often traced back to the treaty of Westphalia, 1648. This discipline has further enhanced the importance of diplomatic dealings among the nations. To understand international relations, the professors and scholars of this discipline devised different theories on the basis of which relations among the nations have been analyzed. Theories such as Realism, Neo-realism, Liberalism, Neo-liberalism, Constructivism, Marxism, Functionalism and Post-structuralism etc started dominating international politics since then. According to Donnelly. J (2000), these theories endeavour to provide a conceptual framework to comprehend the basis of relations among the nations. These theories explain major characters which play pivotal role to practise diplomatic relations across the globe. One can find numerous books with the purpose of comprehending these theories and their aims. To assert their importance, these theories offer assumptions to establish some particular concepts necessary for the study of international relations. For this particular purpose, conceptualisation is made to establish any concept. Concepts such as Nation-state, Balance of Power, National Interests, Elements of Power etc are the outgrowth of such theoretical framework. These theories offer various assumptions to establish any concept which is afterwards acknowledged by the scholars of this discipline. It was not until theories were devised that concepts started playing major role in the political arena of the world politics. Among all these theories, realism possesses a place of overriding consideration for its conceptualisation in general and for conceptualisation of the state as a major actor in international politics, in particular. Realism Theory of realism is also referred to as political realism. This theory marks its existence since evolution of the theoretical work for this discipline. It offers six basic assumptions which provide a conceptual framework with a systematic body for understanding major actors in the world politics. A precise summary of the realism theory would help understand conceptualisation of state as a major actor in international relations because realism’s major emphasis is on survival and safety of state and national interests under all circumstances According to Guzzini. S (1998), Realism emphasises that the world politics is ruled by human nature because human nature has in it objective laws for it s supervision. It also emphasises the world politics is self-interested to gain power. And this assumption is universally valid as well as dynamic. Further, it also acknowledges importance of morality in any political action that might be taken while dealing with nations of the world. Realism asserts that its importance and positions is different from that of other theories concerning the world politics. Concept of Sovereign state in general A sovereign state is one which has defined territory, population, a government which exercises its sway on its internal as well as external policies and a authority to work independently without being influenced by any other country or power. It must also possess capacity to establish its relations with international community without any pressure from any other nation among the world countries. Presently, 200 sovereign states exist across the globe. An important consideration is kept in view while making relations with other countries or making foreign policy that is interests on no nation should be harmed while gaining personal benefit. Concept of Nation-state Nation- state may be defined as a self-identified political and geographical entity with a territorial unit. This territorial entity is also a cultural and ethical entity deriving political legitimacy from sovereignty. The origin of the nation-state system has long been debated at international arena focusing on which originated first- nation or state. This is explained by two schools of thoughts. The nationalists have their own view regarding the originality of these concepts. They profess that nationalist movement for their sovereignty existed since long therefore, nation came first and state emerged afterwards to meet the demands of the nation. But French concept stands in sharp contrast with it. It emphasises that French state preceded so far emergence of nation and state is concerned. Whatever view one hold of the emergence and precedence of both of them, the fact remains that this concept started dominating world scene after treaty of Westphalia, 1648. This system has particular characteristics of its own which surely differ from those of monarchies. Again it brings into important debate that those nations use state for political unity and economic, social and cultural life. This also brings into rationale that nation preceded state emergence. Realism’s conceptualisation of the state in particular The most important consideration of this theory is to focus security of state and power. It is mainly concerned with both these assumptions/ concepts. Followers of this theory whom we call realists have been stressing the point that states are self-interested and power conscious actors. These states, in connection with making their existence intact, remain so much selfish and formulate policies which increase chances of their survival under all circumstances. Here the original concept of a state which emphasises the fact that states while establishing relations with other countries should take care of the interests of other countries, in negated. Moreover, mutual understanding and collaboration on various grounds maximize the strength of the relations among the nations. To achieve this goal, states try to formulate such policies which do not contradict their interests rather improve their relations because of embarking upon joint ventures in various domains such as cultural, economic, social and political. This helps them avoid confrontational posture against each other. The practice of mutual collaborative projects such as that of India’s with America, Pakistan’s’ with China signifies the fact that mutual interests keep states on friendly terms and conflicting situation can be avoided. Conversely relations between Pakistan and India are strained because there is little presence of economic or cultural joint ventures. Element of Statism According to a rather strengthened view of the realists, state play major role in the world politics thus assuming position of main actor in international relations. It is state that takes into account the interests of nation and it is also state that determines its relations with other states across the globe. Roger. D (1996) rightly asserts that it in a more specific way that assertion can be made that realism is a theory that is limited to state that is why realists do not accommodate roles of non-state actors in international organizations. On the other hand, theory of liberalism stands in sharp contradiction with theory of realism by accommodating the roles of other non-state actors and international organizations and institutions. Element of survival Since the realists consider state a major actor in the world politics, they repulse any central authority for governing international system. This concept is further elaborated as international system is a system governed by chaos and anarchy so central authority does not have any sway to govern international system for good. As a result power politics among the self-interested states remains the only way to maintain status-quo and secure safety of the state for its long survival. Griffiths. M (2007) remarks that unless states do not step in this mad race for power politics, they are least expected to survive for long time and secure their territorial or foreign interests in international system. Thus, in order to keep existence intact, states need to regulate power politics. Thus survival of the states is given prime importance no matter it derives its existence from power politics or harming interests of there nation. For the conceptualization of the state in theory of realism, security and survival of the state is an overriding factor. Element of Self-help This element of the realism emphasises that for personal security and survival of the state. No other nation should be relied upon. Donnelly, J (2000) opines that since it is power politics that dominates international system, relying upon any other state for maintaining status-quo would be a folly. Self-help must be given an overriding consideration for state safety and its survival at international arena. A state must amass its combined capabilities along with military might so that it may help itself whenever occasion arises. In difficult times, other nations are bound to be reserved because of their interests with opponent nation so the only course remains for self-survival is self-help through means of collective might of the state. Key assumptions for state conceptualisation Above all, realism makes some other key assumptions so far as conceptualisation of the state is concerned, it assumes that there is no central government that is capable of governing international system and interaction between various countries, even it does not take into account international organizations and institutions, and states are themselves obliged to maintain their geographical sovereignty along with external and internal interests. Thus assertion that sovereign states are primary actors of international system rather than international institutions or multination organizations, is made. Further assumption that strengthens concept of state in realism theory is that states endeavour to gather resources so that hey may not lag behind when it comes to power. Since international system is guided by power politics, states try to increase their might militarily and economically. This in turn strengthens their position in the international system. This increase in power level profoundly affects state’s relations with other states because relative level of power determines influence, survival and security of a state. Balance of power is thus disturbed in this mad race for power politics. Conceptualisation of the state in realist theory further elaborates it in the words of aggressive realists. They say that it is in the very nature of the states to expand limitless. But the only way to stop this expansion is use of force by other states. Such realists consider states inherently aggressive. States may go on expanding forever if not constrained by the opposing power. According to Roger. D (1996), it is mainly due to the fact that expansion of one state in this way might be perilous to the national interests of other state which would disturb the balance of power among them. Again it goes in the favour of the realists whose approach is that there is no central authority capable of maintaining peace and security of state in international arena. On the other hand, followers of this theory who hold defensive approach profess that states are conscious of their own security and existence. This leads them to increase their militarily and economic capabilities. Increasing one’s own defensive capabilities and strengthening militaristic approach would lead to a disturbance of power at international arena. Guzzini. S (1998) rightly comments that it will also lead to an arms race and increase of warring potential at both ends because the opponent state would also increase its military and economic might to counter any dangerous situation that might occur. Neo-Realism or modern Realism (another aspect) Traditional realism was advanced and a new form of this theory emerged on international politics. It was defined as neo-realism or modern realism or structural realism. This theory was put forward by Kenneth Waltz. He explained it, initially, in term of structuralism that is anarchy has remained an ordering principle of the international system and distribution of capabilities across units. He emphasised that while explaining behaviour of the state, structure must be taken into account. He further asserts by challenging the traditional realist approach that military power must not be emphasised because it leads to anarchy and chaos straight away without bringing about a change in developmental capabilities except military might, of a state. He considers that all other capabilities of a state that increase might of the state socially, politically, culturally and economically must be amassed for the survival and long lasting of state security and safety. James. P (2002) asserts that to a modern nation-state, this theory of neo-realism is of great importance and comport with international system of the age. It is mainly sue to the fact that the world has turned into a global village and this highly advanced world requires other combined capabilities for the survival and security of the existence of any state at the most rather than just concentrating on increasing military power. Conclusion In concluding remarks, it can be asserted that theories of realism and neo-realism are a bit contradictory so far as their major emphasis is concerned. While the traditional realists conceptualize state as major actor with its relative military power, neo-realists conceptualize the same with its combined power capabilities rather than with military might alone for the state safety and survival. In whatever case, state is given basic consideration and considered a major actor in international system. Non-state actors are believed to have little say in international arena according to traditional realists. States, which under all circumstances, must survive and to attain this goal two fold perspective must be taken into consideration, if spoken of collective assumptions of theory of realism and neo-realism. It should be increasing military might for adoption of defensive posture if national interests are at stake and also increasing collective might of all other sources necessary for the survival of the state. These include economic progress, technological advancement, cultural strength, social stability, political stability and formulation of an strong foreign policy. If these things reach to the maximum level, the survival and the safety of state is indispensable. References Donnelly, J (2000) Realism and International Relations (pp 13-16) Guzzini. S (1998) Realism in International relations and International Political Economy (pp 27-31) Roger. D (1996) Political Realism in International theory (pp 73-74) Griffiths. M (2007) International Relations theory for the twenty-first century: An Introduction (pp 122) Donnelly, J (2000) Realism and International Relations (pp 89-94) Roger. D (1996) Political Realism in International theory (pp 213) Guzzini. S (1998) Realism in International relations and International Political Economy (pp 233-34) James. P (2002) International Relations and Scientific Progress: Structural Realism reconsidered (pp 193-197) Read More