New Field of Study: Emerged in early 20th century post-World War I. Gained prominence in academia after World War II.
Distinct from Politics and History: Often justifies its existence compared to politics and history. At institutions like LSE, it's a separate department, while in most places, it's under politics or legal science.
Focus and Scope: Studies international politics via concepts, theories, and methods.
Diverse Approaches: Multiple approaches and methods are valuable for understanding global interrelations.
Core Concepts in IR
Beyond Domestic Contexts: Focuses on how regions, states, and territories interconnect globally.
Transnational Relations: Includes multinational companies, smugglers, refugees, etc., going beyond the state's territorial jurisdiction.
Factors Affecting Relationships: Studies anything impacting relationships between states, such as international migration, pollution, and war.
Key Topics in IR
War and Violence: Central topics with broader focus on violence, involving state conflicts, transnational conflicts, and terrorism.
Causes of Events: Aims to identify deep causes behind international events and trends beyond what is covered in news articles.
Foreign Policy: Most IR is about state foreign policy balancing domestic political objectives and international cooperation.
Evolution in IR Studies
Questioning State-Centric Notion: Lately, IR questions state-centric views, focusing on who is excluded in traditional studies.
Moral and Behavioral Dynamics: Examines ethical behavior and dynamics in state interactions, not just conflict.
Cooperation and Integration
Historical Examples: Studies how states like France and Germany transitioned from conflict to integration, making war obsolete (e.g., European integration).
Tension in Studies: Balancing normative approaches with mechanical, detached analysis. Essential to be clear about personal biases.
IR Academic vs. Public Debate
Academic Detachment: Distinguishing academic IR studies from public debates which often start with outrage.
Student Experience: New students might take time to understand the analytical approach over emotional reactions.
Types of IR Students
Pure Intellectual Inquiry: Students interested in understanding global politics and causes behind events purely academically.
Future Practitioners: Students aiming for careers in diplomacy, international relations, to implement better policies.
Cultural Influences
Media Aspirations (e.g., Star Trek): Portrayals of ideal states interact, reflecting our world but with key differences. Influences perspectives on IR.
Theoretical Divisions
Realists vs. Idealists:
Realists: Focus on managing and minimizing conflict, pessimistic view of state relations.
Idealists: Believe in progress towards democracy, education, and cooperation among states.
Future Outlook: Debate on whether idealism still exists; the future is open but Universal Human Society seems unlikely.