Chapter 1: Defining International Relations Through Global Disasters and Film

1.1: Defining International Relations

When we think about global politics, international relations (IR) often comes to mind, even if we’re not aware of it. IR is the political science field that studies how countries interact, why they sometimes work together, and why they sometimes clash. But it’s not just about states and politicians making deals or going to war; IR also involves non-state actors like multinational corporations, international organizations, and even NGOs that help shape the world. Whether it’s negotiating climate change policies, managing the flow of goods across borders, or dealing with crises like pandemics, international relations gives us a framework to understand who the main players are, what they want, and how they go about achieving it. By studying IR, we can get a clearer picture of why the world works the way it does – and maybe even predict where it’s headed next.

To start, let’s break down exactly what we mean by international relations. IR is not just about individual countries but about the entire international system – a vast network of interactions that includes states, organizations, and other groups with interests that cross borders. This system is dynamic, with countries competing, negotiating, and collaborating to achieve their goals. However, IR is also about understanding the challenges that arise when so many players are pursuing different goals. From conflicts over resources to alliances formed in the face of common threats, IR provides insight into how global events unfold and why international cooperation is often more complex than it seems. For example, the United Nations, which attempts to facilitate cooperation on a global scale, illustrates the practical side of IR as an international organization working to manage the behavior of states and other actors. As we go further, we’ll see how the ideas and goals of these different players influence their interactions in the global system.

One of the defining features of our world today is globalization– the growing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures on a worldwide scale. This interconnectedness means that what happens in one part of the world affects people across the globe, from economic booms and busts to cultural trends and public health crises. Globalization has also brought unique challenges: while it fosters economic growth and the spread of ideas, it can also lead to competition, inequality, and environmental issues that no single country can solve alone. The 2008 global financial crisis is an example of this interconnectedness; what started as a housing market crash in the United States quickly led to economic turmoil around the world, highlighting both the benefits and the vulnerabilities of a highly globalized system. As countries become more interconnected, IR scholars and policymakers alike need to understand how globalization shapes state behavior and the broader international system. Next, we’ll look at what drives countries in their decision-making – something often referred to as their national interest.

National interest is a core concept in international relations, shaping how states approach both cooperation and conflict. A country’s national interest usually includes goals like security, economic prosperity, and influence on the world stage. For example, a state might prioritize its security by building a strong military, ensuring stable alliances, or securing resources it needs. Economic interests, meanwhile, could lead a country to negotiate trade deals or join international economic organizations like the World Trade Organization. For example, when the United States and China interact on trade issues, each country is trying to protect its own national interests, balancing economic growth with security concerns. National interests can align, creating opportunities for cooperation, or they can clash, leading to tensions or even conflict. Understanding national interests helps us see why countries often make the decisions they do, whether they’re aiming for cooperation or acting to secure their position on the global stage.

As we can see, international relations is not only about the obvious decisions and interactions but also about the hidden dynamics that shape how states pursue their goals, build alliances, or enter conflicts. From the broad reach of globalization to the specific national interests that guide state actions, IR provides us with the tools to understand the motivations and forces at play in global politics. In the next sections, we’ll dive deeper into these concepts and explore how countries navigate the complex landscape of international relations.