INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Definition of International Relations

It is the study of relationships among countries, including, the roles of sovereign states, intergovernmental organizations, (international) non-governmental organizations (NGO) and
multinational corporations (MNC).

Driving Forces of IR & State Behavior

Anarchy: An absence of central authority. States have governments but the world has no
central authority with sufficient enforcing power. (Ex: United Nations has no binding resolution
and Security Council has veto ability which hinders efficiency)
Balance of Power: What drives states is fear of who is strong, who is catching up and who is
getting weaker. Balance of power determines potential allies & enemies.
(Ex: USA being threatened by Chinas rising economic and political power)
Comparative Advantage: An economic notion that states are better off if they specialize in
producing items which they have a relative advantage/aptitude for. This is the partial rejection of
mercantilism and embrace of open trade which is the root of contemporary globalization.
National Interest: States always act in accordance to their national interest (self-preservation,
military security, economic prosperity, and influence over other states). States with opposing
national interests may resolve difference through negotiations or even war.

Theories of State Behaviour

Realism: States only work to increase their own power relative to other states.
World is a harsh and dangerous place, thus the only certainty is power
Primary interest is self-preservation
No central international power to punish bad behaviours
Moral behaviour is very risky because it can undermine a states ability to protect oneself
International organizations and law have no power because they only exist as long as
states accept them
Ex: Russia, China, North Korea are examples of Realist states
Liberalism: Broad ties among states make it difficult to define national interest and causes
decreased usefulness of military power.
Its a harsh and dangerous world but the consequences of using military power outweigh
benefits. Military power is not the only source of power - economic and social power is
more important
Different states have different primary interests
International law and organizations help foster cooperation, trust and prosperity
Ex: Major Western powers use complex interdependence and Liberalism to function.
Idealism: A specific school of thought within Liberalism that stresses the need for states
to pursue moral goals & act ethically in the international stage.
Violence, dishonesty, trickery should be shunned.
Ex: USAs Democratic Party after WWI

Important Concepts
Sovereignty: Principle that establishes the state as an independent actor within the
international system. It is the possession of absolute authority within a bounded territorial
space.
1. Being a state (recognized by possession and control over people and territory and
considered a sovereign state by a sufficient amount of other states)
2. Sovereign powers have absolute power over their territories
3. Power is only limited by the sovereigns own obligations towards other sovereigns and
individuals
R2P (Responsibility to Protect): Sovereignty is not a right - states must earn it by protecting
their citizens from human rights abuses and mass crimes.
1. A state must protect its population from genocide, war crimes, crimes against
humanity and ethnic cleansing.
2. The international community has a responsibility to assist the state to fulfill its primary
responsibility.
3. If the state fails to protect its citizens from the four above mass atrocities and peaceful
measures have failed, the international community has the responsibility to intervene
through coercive measures such as economic sanctions. Military intervention is
considered the last resort.
Just War Theory: The belief that a war must only be fought for noble and just reasons.
1. War must be the last option.
2. The cause of the war must be just (such as overturning aggression and righting a great
wrong).
3. The war must be winnable.
4. The wars purpose must justify the cost in money and lives.
5. The military must make every effort to prevent or limit civilian casualties.
JUS AD BELLUM (Right to go to war)

JUS IN BELLO (Ethical conduct during war)

Proper Authority & Public Declaration

Distinction

Just Cause/Right Intention

Proportionality of Actions

Probability of Success

Fair Treatment of Prisoners of War

Proportionality

No malum in se means of war

Last Resort

Military Necessity

Improve your knowledge

Resource: Foreign Policy

Topic: Cold War

Topic: United Nations

Resource: The Economist

Topic: Arab Spring

Topic: Ukraine Crisis

Resource: TIME Magazine

Topic: U.S.A. Deployments

Topic: Governmental Systems

Resource: Al Jazeera

Topic: N.S.A. & State Surveillance

Topic: European Union

Resource: BBC News

Topic: Chinas Rise to Power

Course: World Issues Grade 12 (AP/U)