The Definition and Scope of
International Relations
Outline
Introduction
Definitionof IR
Scope of IR
Conclusion
Introduction
IR is a new subject in social sciences.
The prefix ‘inter’ means ‘between or among’ and
‘national’ means ‘of nations’.
The world relations mean “links, contacts or
dealings’.
Thus IR means ‘links, contacts or dealings
between or among nations of the world’.
It is related to the relations between sovereign
states.
Introduction
The word “IR” was used for the first time by
Jeremy Bentham (1748 –1832) in the later part
of the 18th century with regard to the laws of
nations.
He was a British philosopher, jurist, and social
reformer. He is regarded as the founder of
Modern Utilitarianism (Fragment on
Government - 1776)
Introduction
The present Nation-State System emerged after
Treaty of Westphalia (TOW) which was
concluded on Oct. 24, 1648. Westphalia is a
place in Germany.
TOW brought to an end 30 Years War (1618-
1648).
There was a religious conflict between Roman
Catholic and Protestant within the Holy Roman
Empire.
Introduction
TOW weakened the Holy Roman Empire,
facilitating the emergence of the modern
European states.
However, at that time relations were not truly
international as there was not high degree of
interaction and interdependence among states.
Introduction
After the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) in
the West and with the advancement in
transportation and communication fields, state
came closer to each other and relations began
to be truly international.
With the complexion and expansion of state
activities, IR received much importance as an
academic discipline.
Definition of IR
Two views regarding nature of IR, narrow and
broad view.
Narrow view regard IR as official relations
between sovereign states conducted by
authorized leaders.
Broad view include official as well unofficial
interactions of states.
Definition of IR
Prof Dunn takes a narrow view of IR and
defines it as
“the actual relations that take place across
national boundaries or as the body of
knowledge which we have of those relations at
any given time”.
Definition of IR
Broad view included apart from the official
relations between states,
All interactions among states and all
movements of people, goods and ideas across
the national frontiers, within its purview.
Definition of IR
It includes trade, financial interaction,
missionary activities, travel of students,
cultural relations etc. within the purview of IR.
Quency Wright, Hoffmann and James
Rousenau take a broad view of IR.
Definition of IR
Hoffmann says taking a broader view;
‘IR is concerned with the factors and the
activities which affect the external policies and
the powers of basic units into which the world
is divided’.
Majority scholars support the broader view.
Definition of IR
In short, it can be said that IR don’t cover only
the official relations conducted by the leaders
of representatives of a state.
They also cover the relations conducted by
other important groups, and to the extent they
influence the interactions of the sovereign
states.
Definition of IR
Inother words the relations conducted by the
sovereign states may be the most important
subject-matter of IR but other important
groups also exercise influence on the actions
of the sovereign states.
Scope of IR
Scope means parameters or range of the
matters, being dealt with or studied.
Initially the scope of IR was limited to
diplomatic history, law and philosophy having
no theory and principles.
With science and technological revolution,
states came close to each other international
law began to be studied.
Scope of IR
After two World Wars, international
organizations came into existence which
became subject matters of IR.
After Second World War, significant changes
took place such as emergence of bipolar
system, nuclearization, increasing economic
interdependence, Cold War ets.
All these became part of IR.
Scope of IR
With the advent of nuclear era, military
stratagem and strategic studies began to be
studied.
With the expansion of trade, various trade and
financial organizations such GATT, IBRD,
IMF were created which became part of IR.
Scope of IR
Thus at present scope of IR is quite extensive
It embraces the study of diplomatic history,
Internal Law, international organization and
administration, international law, area studies
as well as psychological study of the motives
of member states in their mutual relations.
The scope of IR would further expand in the
years to come.
Conclusion
It is concluded that IR, a relatively new
subject, deals with the interactions of states
both at official level as well unofficial level.
The scope of IR has enhanced over a period of
time and the activities of states have increased
over time.
In 21st Century, the importance of this subject
has in increased considerably.
