WHY STUDY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?

Dr Archie W. Simpson Department of Politics and International Relations

Overview
Real world examples What is International Relations? High politics and low politics Origins of IR as a discipline Inter-disciplinary in nature Key issues and themes Why study IR? Summary

Real World Examples

Foreign travel, holidays and exchange schemes International Trade Global pandemics International crime networks e.g. drugs International culture e.g. movies, music, TV Effects of piracy Sirius Star oil tanker Can carry 2.2 million barrels of crude oil Hijacked by Somalia pirates in Nov 2008 Carrying $100 million worth of oil Pirates wanted $25 million ransom World Oil prices rose by $1 dollar

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Sirius_Star

What is International Relations?

Diplomatic-strategic relations between states? The study of war and peace? Inter-state relations? Relations of state-based actors? Involves politics, economics, diplomacy, technology, law, theory, history, geography

High Politics vs. Low Politics

STATE A

STATE B

Origins of IR as a discipline
Orthodox view is that the study of IR began as a separate academic discipline in 1919, following the end of the First World War.
First

chair in IR at Aberystwyth University, Wales.

Began as part of liberal agenda to study war. By studying war, we can find out how to stop or prevent wars in future. The study of IR therefore has a policy outcome; to stop war and save lives.

Geography History Culture

Military strategy

Ideas International Law Technology Political Theory Diplomacy Domestic Politics Economics

International Relations
IR Theory Foreign Policy Analysis Strategic Studies War Studies International Political Economy Conflict Resolution Regional Studies Peace Studies Terrorism Studies

Geography History Culture

Military strategy

Ideas International Law Technology Political Theory Diplomacy Domestic Politics Economics

International Relations
IR Theory Foreign Policy Analysis Strategic Studies War Studies International Political Economy Conflict Resolution Regional Studies Peace Studies Terrorism Studies

Key issues and themes

War and peace Global inequalities e.g. poverty Globalization Human Rights International Economics Regional integration e.g. European Union Migration around the world Nuclear weapons Terrorism Environmental issues Power

Why study IR?

International Relations affects everyone in their daily life. Helps us understand global events. Attempts to explain the complexities of global politics. Develop solutions to real world problems.
Problem

of war Global inequality

Intellectual challenge.

Summary


International Relations is inter-disciplinary in nature and scope. IR is fascinating, intellectually challenging and it relates to peoples daily lives. One of the most important subjects to study at University.