Meaning, Nature And Scope Of International Relations

International relations literally refer to the interrelationships of states. There is no state in the
world today that is completely self-sufficient or isolated from others. Each state is directly or
indirectly dependent on the other.

Thus, in the international arena, interdependence has been created between the states. In
view of this interdependence of states, a separate topic called ‘International Relations’ has
been created for the purpose of discussing in detail how to establish peace and prosperity in
the world through cooperation, avoiding conflicts, wars, etc.

The scope of international relations is wide and its basis is mainly interdependence. The
pace of international relations has intensified with the development of information
technology.

International Relations as a separate academic discipline emerged at the beginning of the

twentieth-century basically after World War I. The decree on peace of the Soviet Union in
1917 and the 14-point principles of US President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 are known as
important documents in international relations. The first University Chair that formally
established in the discipline was the Woodrow Wilson Chair of International Politics at the
University College of Wales in 1919.

Meaning and Definition

International Relations as a separate curriculum discusses international events and world
issues between states are discussed in the context of the international system.

Its main topics are the role of the state, international organizations, non-governmental
organizations, and multinational corporations. It is both an academic and government policy
field, and it can be either empirical or normative, as this branch of knowledge is used in both
foreign policy analysis and formulation.

There is no specific definition of international relations. Experts have defined it on their own
perspectives. There is also a problem with the definition of international relations. Many
times international relations are considered synonymous with world politics and international
politics.

Definition of International Relations by Palmer and Perkins

Palmer and Perkins are the most important name in international relations because of their
relevance in terms of definition and subject matter In International relations.

According to them, International relations discusses the forces, pressures, and processes
that control the nature of human life, activities, and thought in all human and group relations
in the world community. That is, the discussion of international relations involves both
political and non-political issues.
They defined International Relations in this way- “International Relations is the objective
and systematic study of international life in all its aspects”.

Definition of International Relations by Scholars

Many scholars define International relations differently. Here I have mentioned most
important definitions of IR (International Relations) given by three eminent scholars.

Hans J Morgenthau
Hans J Morgenthau used the term International Politics and defined it as “International
Politics include analysis of political relations and problems of peace among nations…it “is
struggle for and use of power among nations”.

Quincy Wright
According to Quincy Wright, International Relations includes “relations between many
entities of uncertain sovereignties” and that “it is not only the nations which international
relations seek to relate. Varied types of groups-nations, states, government, people, regions,
alliances, confederations, international organizations, even industrial organizations, cultural
organizations, religious organizations-must be dealt with in the study of international
relations, if the treatment is to be realistic”

Jackson and Sorensen

Jackson and Sorensen said that “at one extreme the scholarly focus is exclusively on states
and inter-state relations; but at another extreme IR includes almost everything that has to do
with human relations across the world. Therefore, IR seeks to understand how people are
provided or not provided, with the basic values of security, freedom, order, justice and
welfare”.

Goldstein
He opines that International Relations basically “concerns the relationship among the world’s
governments”. But he also argues that IR is not just a relationship between governments. IR
needs to be understood in terms of activities of Non-state actors also.

Acceptable Definition
Finally, an acceptable definition of international relations is that international relations is a
separate curriculum that deals with the interrelationships of the various states of the world,
non-State organizations, international organizations, war and peace, disarmament, alliance
formation, terrorism and the whole international system.

International relations have a profound effect on world politics, and the research and practice
of the subject matter ranges from contemporary to modern politics, the relationship between
multiple states and political ideologies on economic and global issues, mutual exchange,
cooperation and debate.

Nature of International Relations

The nature of a subject refers to the characteristics of that subject. In that sense, the natures
of International relations are in the following –

Changing Nature of International relations

The nature of international relations Is dynamic. International relations is a thorough analysis
of what is happening in world politics.

The post-World War II period saw a huge shift in world politics. World politics was divided
into two poles, such as the NATO led by the USA and the Warsaw Pact led by the USSR.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s led to a kind of single polarity in world politics.

However, economically growing Asian countries such as China, India, Singapore, Vietnam
and various South American countries such as Brazil are all significantly influencing world
politics. So it is clear that international politics is moving towards multi polar again.

Then growing importance of non-state actors like NGO (Non-Governmental Organization),

MNC (Multinational Companies) etc, are also discussed in the field of International relations.
International Relations as an academic discipline discusses the changing pattern of
contemporary world.
All social science subjects are interdisciplinary in nature. International Relations also is an
interdisciplinary field of study in which other disciplines in social science such as history,
economics, political science, philosophy, geography, culture, etc, are interconnected.

State is the primary actor in IR

In the field of international politics State is the sole and unitary actor. The state has always
been a major player in international relations. The state’s behavior as a major driving force in
international politics is also studied in international relations.

National Interest and power are the core of IR

The protection of national interests is the main goal of the state. With this goal in mind, the
state engages in relations with other states and the national power of the state will be able to
satisfy its national interests.

Thus, it is seen that the issues of national interest and the role of national power in fulfilling
those interests are considered as the core of IR.

Struggle for Power

According to Morgenthau, International politics is the struggle for power. I have already said
that power is the means of national interest. So power politics is the key theme of IR.

Continuous Interaction among Nation States

No state in the present world is self-sufficient. Every state is dependent on each other.
Hence the need for interconnectedness and that is possible only because of the interaction
among different states.

International Relations also discuss the foreign policies of different states and how they
behave each other.

Analytical and Empirical Study for Theory Building

International Relations uses analytical and empirical method as well for the theory building.
There are several theories in IR. For example, Idealism and Neo-Liberalism is the result of
the analytical study, and Realism and Neo-Realism are the result of an empirical study.

Must Read- Realism Theory In International Relations In Detail

Scope of International Relations

The international community is the instrument of international relations. The unimaginable
changes in the international community over the past seventy years have drastically
changed inter-state relations.

International relations as a distinct curriculum has followed that trend in international society
since the 1930s. For this reason, it is not possible to draw a permanent line on the scope of
international relations.

In the discussion of the nature of international relations, you already get the idea that what
the scope of international relations. The scope of international relations are mentioned
below-

Study of the behavior of States in International Politics

Just as when a nation builds good relations for the sake of its overall development, it
becomes the subject of international relations, just as when there is a conflict of interest,
bitterness develops among itself and that too becomes part of international relations.

Thus international relations consist of both cooperation and conflict. International relations
are also a matter of forming alliances and dealing with the crisis.

Role of Non-State Actors in International Field

The content of international relations does not revolve only around the activities of the state
and its formal institutions. The state is not the only active actor in the international
community. There are many non-state actors whose activities affect international relations.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs), European Economic Community, Council for Mutual

Economic Assistance, NATO, SEATO, WARSAW PACT, ASEAN, Organization of American
States, different terrorist organizations, Religious Organizations are the examples of the
non-state elements in international relations.

Question of War and Peace

Today, international relations are not free from the discussion of the determination to save
mankind from war. What was utopian in the past is becoming more and more realistic today.

The main purpose of establishing the United Nations is to ensure world peace and security.
Large, and regional powers are often exchanging views to create an atmosphere of peace
and security. All kinds of contacts for the welfare of various exchanges and globalization
process in cultural and other fields are Gradually increasing. All this has become the subject
of international relations.

5 Important Types Of Globalization

Study of Foreign Policy
Another important issue in international relations is foreign policy. In the past, kings or prime
ministers or a few individuals played an active role in determining foreign policy.

Today, not only statesmen but also the legislature and many citizens are involved in the
formulation of foreign policy. The state of affairs or ideology in foreign policy and the
ideological issues of the respective regimes are important parts of international relations.

Study of Nation States

The ethnic composition, geographical location, historical background, religion or ideologies
of different states are not the same at all. And because of all these differences, the
relationship between different states is different.

So international relations need to discuss all these differences in detail. When the social
environment is different, his reaction falls on international relations.

International Organizations
The role of national and international organizations in international relations is no less
important. People from different countries are involved with the US Congress of Industrial
Organizations, the US Federation of Labor, the French Labor Organization, and the
Women’s International Democratic Federation Engagement Organization.

The non-governmental organizations are also involved in the activities of the Coalition and
its various expert organizations, such as UNESCO, the International Labor Organization and
the World Health Organization. Therefore, international relations also discusses all national
and international organizations.

Global Environmental Issues

Issues of the environment are one of the key matters of international relations now. During
the 1970s the environmental politics only focused on the question of resource issues.
But from the 1990s the environmental politics focused on the issue of ‘Climate change’
brought about through global warming. To overcome this issue, the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the Paris Agreement on
climate change, etc, have initiated.
So, global environmental issues affect every state in the world. For the protection of this
beautiful world all the states are trying their best by reduction of the usage of greenhouse
gasses and that is why it is considered as the most important part of international relations.

Role of People in International politics

The importance of public and public opinion in the international arena is also expanding
rapidly. The end of imperialism, from international, disarmament, political and economic, has
inspired movements and protests by the people of different countries. U.S. scientists,
intellectuals-people from different societies have demonstrated against the Vietnam War.
So what do people think about the international situation or their views also come under
international relations.

Role of the Third World

The third emergence in recent world politics has brought about qualitative change. Most
people in the world are third generation. In 1986, 101 countries participated in the Eighth
Non-Alignment Conference.
The growing role of non-aligned countries in building new international systems, easing
tensions between the East and the West, disarmament, ending colonial rule, etc. is
significant.
Therefore, the role of the third world in world politics is also the relevant point of discussion
in international relations.
The scope of international relations is becoming wider as it discusses various issues of
dynamic nature. All the domestic policies that affect or are likely to affect other countries are
now being covered by international relations. International relations currently discuss various
decision-making processes.
In the past, these issues were not related to international relations. Therefore, it can be said
that the scope of international relations has expanded.

Importance or Purpose of the study of International Relations

International relations have become an essential part of social science in every country. The
importance of international relations is growing not only as a subject included in the political
science curriculum, but also as a separate academic discipline. Even many universities have
linked it to the history curriculum at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Reasonably,
the question arises,

One thing will become clear if we look at the current world map and analyze the real
situation, each country has become incomprehensible in the international interdependence.
It is not possible to solve the problems of a country in isolation or to meet the growing needs
of different kinds. In order to meet its own economic, cultural, and other needs, each state
has to voluntarily enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements with other states. Instead of
extreme self-reliance, therefore, an environment of interdependence and cooperation has
developed.
There is currently no doubt about the usefulness of the international relations lesson. From a
broadly constructive perspective, we can gain knowledge about how international relations
will work, what issues need to be eliminated or accepted and considered, and how friendship
can be established between different states.
International relations make people aware of important issues such as war and peace,
mutual security, disarmament, international law and trade, peaceful resolution of inter-state
disputes, imperialism, colonialism, national liberation movement, etc.
The history of international relations has given each country a wealth of experience in
formulating and implementing its foreign policy. The breadth of its reading has created
initiative and enthusiasm about the need to build an international community.
Just as international relations have inspired people towards the possibility of international
society, so too it has presented the nature of disunity among different nations. International
relations cannot be analyzed by mere sentimentality. Differences in the socio-economic
structure of different countries are bound to affect their national and international policy.
Establishing the usefulness of international relations on a broad basis requires, on the one
hand, an objective review of real events, and on the other hand, one needs to be proactive in
building a proper analytical approach and theoretical basis.
The vast potential that the advancement of science and technology has created in other
branches of sociology needs to be applied to international relations as well.
Conclusion
From the above discussion on Meaning Nature and Scope of International Relations, it can
be concluded that From the above discussion on Meaning Nature and Scope of International
Relations, it can be concluded that from the past or the time of the ancient empires to
modern times i.e. post-World War II world politics and systems, globalization, the Soviet
extinction or the famous Cold War and the Third World system, and the international
nuances that are still constantly changing and circulating.

DIPLOMACY

Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations and the skill in
handling affairs without arousing hostility.

The purpose of Diplomacy:

Diplomacy is the chief instrument of foreign policy, which is set by political leaders, though
diplomats (in addition to military and intelligence officers) may advise them.

The foreign policy establishes goals, prescribes strategies, and sets the broad tactics to be
used in their accomplishment. It may employ secret agents, subversion, war, or other forms
of violence as well as diplomacy to achieve its objectives.
Unlike foreign policy, which generally is enunciated publicly, most diplomacy is conducted in
confidence.

The purpose of diplomacy is to strengthen the state, nation, or organization it serves in

relation to others by advancing the interests in its charge.
It strives to preserve peace and is strongly inclined toward negotiation to achieve
agreements and resolve issues between states.

Diplomacy normally seeks to develop goodwill toward the state it represents, nurturing
relations with foreign states and peoples that will ensure their cooperation or—failing
that—their neutrality.
When diplomacy fails, war may ensue; however, diplomacy is useful even during the war. It
conducts the passages from protest to menace, dialogue to negotiation, an ultimatum to
reprisal, and war to peace and reconciliation with other states.

Over the long term, diplomacy strives to build an international order conducive to the
nonviolent resolution of disputes and expanded cooperation between states.
Global Diplomacy Index,2019

Lowy Institute Global Diplomacy Index visualises the diplomatic networks of 61 G20, OECD
and Asian countries and territories, allowing users to compare the most significant diplomatic
networks in the world.

According to the 2020 findings-

China now has more diplomatic posts across the world than the US, a marker of its growing
international clout and ambition. China’s expansion in worldwide diplomatic presence has
come partly at the expense of Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, which Beijing says is a
breakaway province.China overtook the US in 2019 with 276 embassies and consulates
worldwide, which is three more than the US.

The next three spots are occupied by France, Japan, and Russia. India is 12th among the 61
countries ranked by the Lowy Institute. As of 2019, New Delhi has 123 embassies and high
commissions and 54 consulates globally. India too has expanded its diplomatic footprint: In
2017, it has 120 embassies and 52 consulates.

Beijing’s diplomatic push has been aided by its economic heft as under President Xi Jinping,
it pumps in billions of dollars into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Establishing a robust diplomatic infrastructure is the first practical step to bolstering a

country’s diplomatic influence. China has invested in its diplomatic infrastructure, which
serves as a telling metric of its international ambitions.

Types of Diplomacy

Politics of pacification:
The essence of this type of diplomacy is pacification, that is, unwillingness to aggravate or
incite contradictions that exist between countries. This kind presupposes various
concessions for opposite sides on insignificant, unimportant issues. The most often seen
examples of this diplomacy is that of England and France on the eve of World War II, when
they tried to resist aggressive aspirations of Hitler.

Gunboat diplomacy:
The essence of gunboat diplomacy consists of demonstrating strength to achieve foreign
policy goals. The basis of gunboat diplomacy is full recognition of the legitimacy of using
military force to achieve goals of foreign policy.
Example: U.S. Navy's overwhelming sea power. Henry Kissinger, during his tenure as United
States Secretary of State, summed up the concept as thus: “An aircraft carrier is 100,000
tons of diplomacy.”

Chequebook diplomacy:
Chequebook diplomacy, or chequebook diplomacy, is used to describe a foreign policy which
openly uses economic aid and investment between countries to curry diplomatic favour.
China's Belt and Road Initiative, investments in Africa are a classic example of this.

Public diplomacy:
Also called people’s diplomacy, means government-sponsored efforts aimed at
communicating directly with foreign publics. Public diplomacy includes all official efforts to
convince targeted sectors of foreign opinion to support or tolerate a government’s strategic
objective.
Example: During the Cold War, the United States used public diplomacy to persuade
European audiences that the foundations of democratic government and capitalist enterprise
were superior to Soviet alternatives.
Track II diplomacy or “backchannel diplomacy”:
It is the practice of “non-governmental, informal and unofficial contacts and activities
between private citizens or groups of individuals, sometimes called 'non-state actors'”.
It contrasts with track I diplomacy, which is official, governmental diplomacy that occurs
inside official government channels. However, track two diplomacy is not a substitute for
track one diplomacy. Rather, it is there to assist official actors to resolve conflicts by
exploring possible solutions derived from the public view and without the requirements of
formal negotiation.
In addition, the term track 1.5 diplomacy is used by some analysts to define a situation
where official and non-official actors cooperate in conflict resolution.
Example: India and Pakistan used this route after the tension created by the Pulwama
attack.

Cultural diplomacy:
It is a type of public diplomacy and soft power that includes the “exchange of ideas,
information, art, language and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples in
order to foster mutual understanding”.
The purpose of cultural diplomacy is for the people of a foreign nation to develop an
understanding of the nation's ideals so as to build support for economic and political goals.
In essence “cultural diplomacy reveals the soul of a nation”, which in turn creates influence.
Though often overlooked, cultural diplomacy can and does play an important role in
achieving national security efforts.
Example: India's ties with South-east Asia, the Act East policy.

Soft Power vs Hard Power: India vs China

Hard Power is explicitly coercive and works best when applied on states with comparatively
less military or economic power. In contrast, soft power is decidedly non-coercive, and it
works through culture, foreign policies and political values. States wielding soft power do not
bludgeon their opponents into submission by virtue of their military might, rather, they are
able to attract and co-opt their competitors.
China is a country which gives importance to hard power in protecting one’s sovereignty and
has been trying very hard to attain hard power through economic development and military
modernization.
India is seen projecting its soft power in instances like International Yoga Day, Tourism,
Ayurveda, Cricket, the popularity of Bollywood movies in Central Asia, and so on.

The term Soft Power was first used by the eminent IR scholar Joseph Nye in his book
“Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power.” In the book, he identified three
dimensions of power:
coercion by military force,
influence by offering economic incentives and finally the ability to co-opt other states by the
nation’s appeal based on its culture and values. Both India and China are ancient
civilizations. But China is always seen as the face of expansionism and coercion, holding the
middle kingdom complex. Whereas India is rather seen as a credible ally.India seems to be
outperforming China in the soft power game with much less state control or direction. Nye’s
has criticised China for this. If governments and government leaders hope to grip the
imaginations of people abroad, they must be proactive by providing an attractive model of
governance and preserving space for their citizens to provide compelling cultural
contributions at a grassroots level. These are things that state-backed propaganda rarely
accomplishes.

China's ways of projecting Hard Power:

China's ambitious project of Belt and Road draws criticism and is seen as its projection of
hard power. China’s growing military footprint in Africa is part of a policy that has at its core
the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It has set up a naval base at Djibouti and in 2018 it
conducted drills in Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria.
In a similar way, China secured the lease of the Hambantota port for 99 years, because Sri
Lanka was unable to pay its debts to China.

China's Wolf Warrior Diplomacy:

A faction of Chinese diplomats has been stepping up their attacks on China’s critics by
issuing hawkish, offensive statements.
It’s called “wolf warrior” diplomacy, named after a movie franchise about a Chinese soldier
who fights and defeats foreign foes. In recent weeks, China’s wolf warriors have spread a
conspiracy theory accusing the US army of creating the coronavirus and mocked the US
over the Black Lives Matter movement. Experts say their main goal is to undermine China’s
critics abroad, while pleasing nationalists back home, who want China to stand up for them
on the world stage.

HARD POWER Benefits:

Hard power is fast-acting, so you can see the results better.
It is quite tangible so their results are predictable.
Hard power is sometimes useful if used properly and in a focussed manner – like against
extremists, fundamentalists, and militants who are disturbing the general population and
there is no time to convince them using soft power, as otherwise more people will suffer.
Hard power in the hands of an able administrator can actually be quite beneficial as that can
force things forward in a regulated manner.

SOFT POWER Benefits:

Soft power has always played a very important part of leadership.
The power to attract, to get others to want what you want. Every Skilful leader has always
understood and noted those attractive parts from credibility and legitimacy.
Power has never been won by just a shot of a gun, even harsh dictators have used attraction
as well as fear.
If someone is using hard power, there is always a soft power in it to help them continue their
hard power for a bit more time.
The effectiveness of Soft power lasts longer than Hard power.