How Has International Relations Changed - Essay Example

How Has International Relations Changed Introduction Changes in international relations can be attributed to many factors. From the 1900s, the world has witnessed events that have altered interactions between states and regions. In the early 1900s, states were eager to increase their powers and influence on a global platform while restricting the development or influence of their rivals (Glaser 137). During this period, international relations were competitive, prescriptive and hostile. Over the years, states acquired sovereignty and experiences, which motivated them to safeguard their territories. The most influential factor to changes in international relations was the Second World War. This war changed the concept of sovereignty, concept of national interests, nature of international conflicts and means of achieving an end to conflicts. First Major Change The first major change in international relations was changes in politico-geographic settings. The global politico-geographical environments have changed from the settings of the 1900s. Powerful countries such as England, Germany and France were involved in the division of continents in order to advance their interests (Griffiths and O’Callaghan 45). After the first and second world wars, these countries were faced with a challenge of managing their colonies. As the colonizers left their colonies, the emerging countries began to assert their influence. In addition, the political-geographic settings have changed because of exponential growth in global population. Before the First World War, Europe decided on the issues of global peace and war. European countries such as Germany, England, France, Portugal and Italy had the influential powers to determine the future of the world. International was dominated and centered in Europe. The Second World War led to a change in political dynamics after Italy, Germany and Japan were defeated. The international centers of political power shifted from their European base to the U.S and Russia. The European powerhouses were weakened and could no longer maintain and manage their overseas colonies. Because of decolonization, several states emerged in Africa and Asia. This also introduced a new dynamic in international relations because the number of member states to the United Nations increased from 51 to 155 (Griffiths and O’Callaghan 162). The character of current international relations was influenced by these changes. Currently, all states insist on active participation in international relations. Second Major Change The second major change in international relations is the democratization of intercontinental politics. Up until the 20th century, several selected individuals formulated the foreign policy of major superpowers. Citizens of these countries, U.S, Russia, England and Germany, did not contribute in the process of formulating these foreign policies (Baylis, Steve and Patricia 31). This means that citizens of these countries did not contribute to the diplomatic approaches adopted by their countries. A group of elites conducted diplomatic strategies. This also means that few selected individuals practiced international politics and diplomacy. Few countries participated in international politics because of the colonization of Africa and Asia. International relations were confined within Europe. The end of colonialism and the emergence of egalitarianism provided opportunities for people to participate in the creation of foreign policies (Baylis, Steve and Patricia 83). Participation in the creation of foreign policies did not consider the background of the participants. Changes in the creation of foreign policies led to increased effectiveness of public opinion. Most countries based their foreign policies on the principles of their ruling political parties. Changes in international relations through changes in the democratization of international politics were felt when India’s Defense Minister was forced by the public to resign because of his failures to manage the Chinese aggression, in 1962 (Baylis, Steve and Patricia 108). The democratization of international politics and international relations has led to the socialization of foreign policies. This means that states cannot afford to pursue foreign policies, which go against global peace. Countries focus on policies that impact on the welfare of their populations. In the new setting, foreign policies serve as instruments for securing improved standards of living and supporting economic development. Third Major Change The third major change in international relations is the emergence of the four revolutions; social revolution, technological revolution, information revolution and national revolution. Social revolutions are the movements that have occurred in different parts of the world with an aim of eliminating discrimination and social injustices. Social revolutions promote social equality (Shimko 41). These revolutions have been witnessed in newly independent countries. The constitutions of most of these countries were made during a period of social unrest. In order to quell the social unrests, the constitutions promoted social justice, equality and universal civil liberties. In addition, they created environments for equality of participation and opportunity. National revolutions occurred as conscious struggles to gain freedom and liberty from foreign domination. National revolutions were motivated by the need to free dominated people from the exploitation and arrogance of the colonial powers. People who visited European countries to fight during the global wars, or gain education mainly conducted them (Shimko 58). These people learnt about the democratic institutions that operated in the European countries. They felt the need for their home countries to have similar institutions. National revolutions gave rise to the concept of nationalism that was supported by superpowers such as Russia and U.S. Information and technological revolutions are similar because they are characterized by the advancement of knowledge. Information revolution is concerned with the advancement of knowledge on different fields. This targets fields such as science, culture, economics, politics and religions. International relations have been influenced by information revolution because the availability of information helps people to know the reality about other nations. It also helps them to formulate rational and balanced policies. Currently, the world is in an age of information and technological revolution (Shimko 111). Developments in technological innovations have led to an industrial revolution, which supports stable economies. Technological advancements have also helped in the improvement of means of communication. Though technological advancements have helped in improving societies, they place these societies at risks of elimination. For instance, nuclear technologies have increased the destructiveness of wars. Conclusion Many factors have contributed to changes in international relations. During the early years of 1900s, international relations were centered on the acquisition of power and expansion of territories. Relations between states were also centered on the demand for raw materials and advancement of economies. International relations began to change as countries gained sovereignty and international conflicts increased. The Second World War changed international relations because it led to the introduction of new ways of ending conflicts. The main changes in international relations are changes in politico-geographic settings, the democratization of international politics and the four revolutions. These changes influenced the concepts of sovereignty and national interests, diplomacy and global peace. Works Cited Baylis, John. Steve, Smith. & Patricia. Owens. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations. New York, NY: 2013. Print. Glaser, Charles L. Rational Theory of International Politics: The Logic of Competition and Cooperation. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010. Internet resource. Griffiths, Martin. O’Callaghan, Terry. International Relations: The Key Concepts. New York. Routledge, 2013. Print. Shimko, Keith L. International Relations: Perspectives, Controversies and Readings. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, 2013. Print. Read More