INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

This topic covers wide variety of topics which include major topics on the Theories of
International Relations, Theoretical Approaches such as Realism, Liberalism an Marxism which
shall be discussed through video presentation and a little combination of Power Point
presentation. The teaching method to be utilized are the lecture and discussion which shall be
take at least one hour and the remaining half hour for synthesis, sharing and an activity to test
the learning of the students on how well they understood the lesson.

BEHAVIORAL OBJCTIVES:

At the end of the discussion, the students are expected to be able to:

1. Learn the history of International Relations

2. Understand the Theories of international Relations
3. Differentiate the Theoretical Approaches
 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

 It is the study of state-nation on how to interact with each other within an International
system.
 It s attempt to explain behavior that occurs across the boundaries of state, the broader
relationships of which such behavior is a part, and the institutions that oversee those
interaction.
 It is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which
acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest.
 It deals with the nature of the changing relations between states and with non-state
actors.

History of International Relations

 It can be traced back to thousands of years ago.

 It is based on sovereign states is often traced back to the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, a
stepping stone in the development of the modern state system.
 More than the Treaty of Westphalia, the Treaty of Utrecht of 1731 is thought to reflect an
emerging norm that sovereigns had no internal equals within a defined territory.
 International relations theory was not developed until after World War I
 It has a long tradition of drawing on the work of other social sciences.
 International relations as a distinct field of study began in Britain.
 IR emerged as a formal academic discipline in 1919 with the founding of the first IR
professorship, Woodrow Wilson Chair
 Theories of International Relations

Normative Theory

Normative position or normative theory is to make the world a better place, and that this
theoretical worldview aims to do so by being aware of implicit assumptions and explicit
assumptions that constitute a non-normative position.

Positivist Theory

It aims to replicate the method of natural science by analyzing the impact of material forces.

Theoretical Approaches

Realism The approach that emphasize the self-interest of the state within
a competitive system

 Focuses on the state security and power above all else.

 States are self-interested, power-seeking rational actors, who seek to maximize their
security and chances of survival.
 Realists argue that the need for survival requires state leaders to distance themselves from
traditional morality.
 Focuses more on interest rather than ideology, to seek peace through strength.
Liberalism The approach that emphasize state establishing consistent internal
political philosophies that promote peace and security.

 According to liberalism, individuals are basically good and capable of meaningful

cooperation to promote positive change.
 Liberalism views states, nongovernmental organizations, and intergovernmental
organizations as key actors in the international system.
 Liberal theory stresses interdependence among states, multinational corporations, and
international institutions.
 States have many interests and are not necessarily unitary and autonomous, although they
are sovereign.
 Liberals also view the international system as anarchic since there is no single
overarching international authority and each individual state is left to act in its own self-
interest.

Marxism The approach that emphasize the role of economics above all else.

 Marxists view the international system as an integrated capitalist system in pursuit of

capital accumulation.
 Marx's concern with the conditions that allow for social change and the establishment of
rational institutions.
 It is political and social theories that argue that social change comes about through
economic and political struggle.
 Economics is a dominant factor that brings about change in the world according to
Marxism rather than Realism and Liberalism that stress the dominance of political over
economic.
 It makes the assumption that the economy trumps other concerns.
 SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

1. WHAT KIND OF THERETICAL APPROACHE IS FOCUS ON THE POWER

INSTEEAD OF ECONOMIC AND INTERDEPENDENCE?
 Realism
2. IN WHATKIND OF TREATY DID THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
STARTED?
 Peace of Westphalia 1648
3. WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL RELATION BASED ON THE POWER POINT
PRESENTATION?
 It is the study of a state-nation on how to interact with each other within an
International system.
4. DIFFERENTIATE REALISM, LIBERALISM AND MARXISM.
 The approach that emphasize the self-interest of the state within a competitive
system
 The approach that emphasize state establishing consistent internal
political philosophies that promote peace and security.
 The approach that emphasize the role of economics above all else.

SOURCES

https://polisci.wisec.edu/fields/interationl-relations

https://www.internationalrelationsedu.org/what-is-international-relations

www.ise.uk/study/../internationalrelations/theory

onlinelearning.lse.ac.uk/International/Relations

journals.sagepub.com/home/ire